Having one or more missing teeth can be a knock in confidence and leave you searching for ways to restore your smile. Our state-of-the-art techniques and modern technology mean that dentures are more natural looking than ever, with partial dentures able to blend in beautifully with your existing teeth and complete dentures now able to pass for the real thing.
The treatment process for dentures can be quite involved, including several appointments. We ensure your final set of dentures are accurate, secure and fit well.
We begin with a detailed consultation, discussing all elements of the process and giving you the chance to ask any questions. We take impressions of your mouth which are used to make sure your dentures fit correctly, bite properly and feel comfortable.
When your bespoke dentures have been made, we invite you to the practice for your fitting appointment. A complete denture will be fitted into the top or bottom of your mouth and consist of a gum coloured arch with a set of prosthetic teeth attached. A partial denture sits around your existing teeth, held in place with metal hooks.
Your new dentures may feel strange at first, especially if you have a complete set. For the initial few days to weeks, eating and speaking can be tricky but please do persevere as it will be worth it once you are used to the new appliance in your mouth. The following tips may help:
Eating - start with softer foods and slowly introduce other items. You may find you have increased saliva, but this should improve once your mouth gets used to the dentures.
Speaking - you may notice changes in your speech, but this will be temporary. Reading aloud in front of a mirror can help you get used to speaking with your dentures in.
Many people worry that their new dentures will look too ‘false’ and would prefer a natural looking smile. We are happy to discuss with you how you would like your finished dentures to look, so please talk to us. We can keep certain features from your original teeth if you would like us to.
If you are suffering from or worried about your dentures becoming loose or uncomfortable fitting, you may want to consider having dental implants to hold them securely into place. The implants are fused to the jawbone, eliminating any slipping or moving. Just two implants fitted into the lower gum could work wonders in helping to retain a complete lower denture with the ultimate comfort, safety and strength.
The process usually takes several appointments over a few weeks. Your dentist or prosthodontist will take precise measurements and impressions (moulds) of your jaw and teeth to create custom dentures. Several "try-in" appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, colour, and fit. Once your dentures are made, adjustments will be made as needed to provide comfort and functionality.
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. They are used when a person has lost some or all of their natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. Replacing missing teeth with dentures helps to improve your ability to speak and eat and supports the facial muscles, enhancing the facial appearance and smile.
There are several types of dentures, including: - Complete Dentures: Used when all the teeth are missing. They can be conventional (made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal) or immediate (made in advance and positioned as soon as the teeth are removed). - Partial Dentures: Used when some natural teeth remain. These are attached to a metal frame that connects to your natural teeth. - Implant-Supported Dentures: These are anchored by dental implants, providing a more stable and secure fit.
Adjusting to dentures can take a few weeks to several months. Initially, they may feel loose or bulky and cause minor irritation or increased saliva production. As your cheek and tongue muscles adapt, these problems should decrease. Learning to eat and speak with your dentures in place can take a bit of practice.
Dentures should be brushed daily with a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner to remove food and plaque and to prevent staining. When not in use, they should be kept in water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out and losing shape. Regular dental check-ups are important to adjust the dentures' fit as needed and check for any oral health issues.
While dentures restore most of your eating ability, it may take some time to feel comfortable with certain hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Initially, it's best to start with soft foods cut into small pieces. As you become more accustomed to your dentures, you can reintroduce harder foods into your diet.
Dentures may slip when you eat, talk, cough, or laugh, which can be uncomfortable and may require you to reposition them discreetly. Over time, as your mouth changes and the dentures wear, they can become loose and ill-fitting. Seeing your dentist regularly for adjustments can help alleviate this issue.
Over time, dentures will wear and must be replaced or relined to maintain a good fit. The average life of a set of dentures is about 5-7 years, but this can vary widely depending on care and use.
Potential complications can include sores or infections from dentures that do not fit properly, oral thrush, and difficulties with eating and speech. Regular dental visits can help to manage these issues effectively by adjusting the fit of your dentures or suggesting other solutions.
We’re here when you need us. Flexible opening hours for your convenience.
We are closed for lunch between 13:00 - 14:00 Monday to Thursday and 12:00 - 12:30 on Fridays.
