21 Churton Street,
London, SW1V2LY
Dentures help replace missing or lost teeth to improve eating and boost confidence in your smile. They are made with metal or acrylic (plastic).
A full or complete denture replaces all missing natural teeth in the lower or upper jaw, while a partial denture fills the gap from one or more missing teeth. It is fitted on adjacent natural teeth with attachments or metal clasps.
Full dentures can replace all your teeth. They fit snugly over the gums, help you speak clearly and eat comfortably. They also help improve your self-esteem and confidence.
Partial dentures replace the missing teeth with support from the surrounding natural teeth. If you have space between your teeth, your other teeth may gradually move into the space, resulting in tilted or crooked teeth. This can affect your bite and damage other teeth.
In most cases, you can get dentures immediately after removing your teeth. These are known as immediate dentures. You will visit the dentist beforehand to take your measurements and mouth impressions.
With immediate dentures, you don’t need to be without teeth as your gums heal. However, gums and bone shrink over time, especially in the first six months after teeth removal. If your gums shrink, the immediate dentures may need adjustment, relining or replacement. Your dentist will inform you about this.
Sometimes, the dentist may advise waiting until your gums heal before getting dentures because it may give a better fit. Healing can take several months.
Your dentist will take your mouth measurements and impressions, then order your dentures from the dental technician.
Replacing missing or lost teeth is good for your appearance and health. A full denture will replace your natural teeth and support your lips and cheeks. Without this support, your facial muscles will sag, making you look older and causing eating and speaking difficulty.
Your dentures can closely match your natural teeth, so your appearance doesn’t change much. Modern dentures can even improve your smile and fill out your facial appearance.
Eating with dentures will need a little practice. Ensure you cut soft foods into small pieces and chew slowly on both sides of your mouth simultaneously to prevent the denture from moving. As your mouth gets used to the denture, add other foods until you can eat your normal foods.
You may need to practice to pronounce some words. Repeating difficult words and reading out loud can help. If your dentures slip out when you cough, smile, or laugh, reposition them by gently biting down and swallowing. If these are frequent, visit your dentist.
In the first few days, your dentist will advise wearing the dentures most of the time, including while sleeping. After you get used to the dentures, the dentist may advise taking them out before sleeping to allow your gums to rest and keep your mouth healthy. When you remove your dentures before sleeping, store them in a small cup of water to prevent warping.
Upper dentures usually have more suction to keep them in place, but the gum support in the lower jaw is less. This may make your lower denture feel wobbly because it has to balance between your tongue and cheeks.
After a while, you will learn how your new denture fit and how to keep them in place even when your mouth is wide open.
Dentures are custom-made to fit the mouth; you don’t need a denture fixative. However, some people prefer using a fixative for extra confidence or when the dentures become loose before their replacement.
A poorly fitting denture may result in sores and irritation, which can happen when you’ve worn immediate dentures for a while.
You still need to care for your mouth if you have full dentures. Brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps remove plaques and aid blood circulation in your mouth.
If you wear partial dentures, brush your teeth thoroughly daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease that may cause the loss of more teeth. Your dentist may ask you to visit a hygienist for regular teeth cleaning.
Your dentures can break if you drop them. Clean your dentures over a folded towel or bowl of water in case you drop them.
The general rule for cleaning dentures is to brush and soak them every day. Brush the dentures first to remove any food particles, then use a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent grooves on the denture’s surface. Never use toothpaste to clean the dentures.
Brush all surfaces of your dentures, including the surface that sits against your gums. This is important if you use any denture fixative.
Soak the dentures every day in a denture-cleaning solution. This helps to remove stubborn stains and plaque on the dentures. It also helps to disinfect the dentures for a fresher feel. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not wear your dentures overnight unless you have specific reasons. If you notice a build-up of scale or stains, have a professional denture cleaning.
If you care for your dentures properly, they can last several years. However, dentures require a re-make or relining due to natural changes in the mouth shape and normal wear. Loose dentures may result in discomfort and health problems such as infections and sores. An ill-fitting or loose denture may make talking and eating more difficult. Ensure you replace badly fitting or loose dentures before they cause problems.
Regular professional teeth cleaning and dental check-ups are important for keeping the gums and teeth healthy. Regular visits will allow your dental check to check the soft tissues in your mouth, including your cheeks and tongue. The examinations are important to identify any infections, mouth cancer or mouth conditions before they cause complications.
If you have full dentures, ask your dentist how often you need to visit the clinic. Regular dental care, persistence and a positive attitude can help you live with dentures.
No, they are not. Partial dentures, bridges and dental implants are other options to replace missing teeth. Your dentist can inform you of your options.
You can visit McKennell Dental Practice at 21 Churton Street London SW1V 2LY to get dentures, or call 020 7834 8802 to arrange an appointment with our dentist.