The Dental and Implant Clinic

Stable, effective and natural-looking replacement teeth

Dentures are removable false teeth that can be used to replace one, several, or even all of your teeth. They come with a host of benefits, including helping to improve how you eat and speak, as well as boosting your confidence by restoring your smile. They can also enhance facial shape, especially around the lips and in the cheek area. You can either have partial dentures for a few missing teeth or full dentures to replace a whole set of teeth on the upper or lower jaw.

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Why have dentures?

If you are missing a single tooth, or have multiple missing teeth you would like to replace, dentures are a strong, stable and effective option. They are usually made from acrylic, or a combination of acrylic and metal, and modern materials mean that partial dentures will blend in beautifully with existing teeth and complete dentures can pass for the real thing.

Replacing a full set of teeth with complete dentures provides vital support to your facial structure, keeping it from prematurely sagging around your cheeks and jaw. Partial dentures help your remaining natural teeth stay in position, stopping them moving and causing you problems with misalignment.

How is a denture made?

The manufacture of a denture can be a lengthy process, with several appointments required in order to make sure your denture has a secure and comfortable fit. The process normally takes around 4-6 weeks from start to finish, and you will get a more exact timeframe after your initial consultation.

During a comprehensive consultation, we check your existing teeth and gums and create your detailed treatment plan. We also give you the chance to ask us any questions.

We take digital impressions, x-rays and photographs of your mouth, which are used to create a wax model of your dentures to check the fit, bite and comfort. We adjust the model until you are completely happy, and it is then used to produce your final denture.

When your dentures are ready, we invite you for a fitting appointment. If you are having complete dentures, these will be fitted in the top or bottom of your mouth. This complete denture will consist of a gum coloured arch with a set of prosthetic teeth attached. Partial dentures will be used if you only have one or a few missing teeth and may be held in place with metal hooks attached to existing teeth.

It can take a little while to get used to your new dentures, so we give you some tailored tips and advice to help. We also arrange a follow-up appointment for around one week later to check your dentures are comfortable and secure.

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Looking after your dentures

With good care and attention, dentures can last for many years. The following tips will help you keep your denture in the best condition for as long as possible. If you do have any problems at all with your dentures, please get in contact straight away.

Remove your dentures at night (unless otherwise advised) so they can be cleaned and your gums can rest.
Brush your denture with a soft toothbrush or denture brush. Never use normal toothpaste – special denture cream is best.
Keep your denture wet to stop it from drying out and changing shape. It should be stored in water overnight, using a denture cleaning tablet to help remove any stains.
Remember to brush any remaining natural teeth, as well as your gums, to keep them healthy and problem-free.
Attend regular dental check-ups so we can keep an eye on your oral health and ensure your denture always fits comfortably and securely.

Frequently asked questions

How do I keep my dentures clean?

Clean your dentures with a toothbrush or a special denture brush and remember to keep your gums and any remaining teeth clean too. You will also need to attend regular check-ups so your dentist and hygienist can keep an eye on your oral health.

How many hours a day should you wear new dentures for?

You should wear your dentures for around 8 hours a day at least. This gives your jawbone and gums time to get used to the dentures and prevents sore spots from developing. It is preferable to take them out at night time to give your gums a chance to rest.

What do I need to avoid with dentures?

It’s best to avoid hard & chewy foods, as well as sticky or spicy foods and alcohol while your mouth is sore or healing. To get used to the feeling of dentures, you should try not to rush eating so you can focus on the eating process and take small bites or cut up your food into bite size pieces so less chewing is required.

How do I eat with dentures?

It can take a little while to get used to your new dentures, especially if they are a complete set. They may feel odd at first and eating can be tricky, so it may be a good idea to start with softer foods and slowly introduce more challenging items. The amount of saliva in your mouth may increase, but this should soon improve as your mouth gets used to your replacement teeth.

Will I be able to speak properly with dentures?

Initially, speaking may be difficult but you can improve this by reading aloud. If you are experiencing any sore spots in your mouth, the denture surface may need some adjustment.

What will my denture look like?

Your denture will consist of a gum-coloured plastic arch with tooth-coloured crowns attached as required. A partial denture has small metal hooks so it can be anchored in place by your existing teeth, and a full denture fits in a similar way to a removable brace. We ensure your denture is beautifully natural-looking and fits correctly.