Dentures

What are Dentures?

Dentures are a removable replacement for absent teeth, which are made to appear and function like your natural teeth. There are a number of different denture options to suit each person, from removable dentures to implant-retained dentures, which can be made from an acrylic/resin mixture or porcelain.

What does treatment involve?

Before you can receive your new dentures, the removal of any infected teeth or treatment of gum disease may need to be carried out by your dentist. When your dentist is happy with your oral health, he will make a teeth impression to ensure that your dentures will be a perfect fit for your mouth and jaw.

Once the proportions of your mouth have been captured, they will be given to a dental technician who will make a 'wax try-in' for you to place in your mouth and decide if it feels and looks perfect. A few amendments may be needed, but after these have been made, the dental technician will create your permanent dentures. Your dentist will then ensure that your new dentures fit comfortably and look natural before your treatment is complete.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment can take 1 day to 4 weeks, depending on the materials, technician and quality of the denture. Immediate dentures can be used during the waiting period, but these will not be as perfect fitting as your own crafted dentures.

Possible complications

If a denture is not properly fitted it can cause irritation and swollen gums. Your mouth can also change over time and this may lead to a loose denture, but this can be rectified with modifications to your old denture or the manufacture of a new denture.

Different Types of Dentures

Full Dentures:

Full dentures are used when a large proportion or all of your teeth are missing or have been extracted due to infection. Your dentist will check that you are in the best of oral health and that you are free of any gum disease and infection. Extra stability can be achieved using dental implants to secure your dentures into place, which many people are now opting for when wearing dentures.

Partial Dentures:

Partial dentures are used when only a few teeth are missing and can stop the healthy surrounding teeth shifting after tooth loss, maintaining the stability of your mouth and smile.

Implant-retained dentures:

Implant-retained dentures have grown in popularity in recent times, owing to their ability to provide a level of functionality, stability and comfort that is unrivalled. Eating, speaking and maintenance of oral health will be made as easy as with natural teeth, and the issue of bone loss will be slowed down significantly.

Different Materials

Dentures can be made of different materials, of which each one has its benefits and disadvantages. The choice of material will also have an effect on cost. Below are the choices of material for your dentures:

Acrylic:

Most dentures are made from an acrylic, resin mix, which is a long-lasting and durable material. This is the usual option when making dentures and has the lowest cost. If after time your dentures become loose, due to the wearing down of dental ridges, a copy of your dentures can easily be made and refitted to your gums.

Chrome:

Chrome allows for a thinner base for your dentures and often provides a better fit. However, they are a lot more expensive than regular dentures and take a longer amount of time to make.

Valplast:

Valplast dentures are extremely flexible and a great deal more comfortable to wear than other dentures. The plastic is strong and durable, made up of tiny, lightweight particles, which allows for a thinner denture to be made. Valplast dentures also look a great deal more natural and blend in with the colour of your gums more effectively. The only downside is that they are more expensive than regular dentures.