Dentures
Why might I need dentures?
If you are missing several teeth or a full arch of your teeth, dentures can be used to replace the function and appearance of your natural teeth. Our team will take the time in our local Carlisle surgery to discuss all the options with you; If you would like a removable solution to restore your smile, dentures could be ideal for you.
It is important to replace missing teeth, even if just one is missing.
What are the advantages of dentures?
- You will have a full, natural-looking smile
- Dentures are durable and long-lasting
- They enable you to eat more foods and speak comfortably
- They can easily be removed
- They give support to any remaining teeth
How do Dentures Work?
Gaps left by missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and teeth either side of the gap may grow into the space at an angle. Sometimes all the teeth need to be removed and replaced.
You may therefore need either:
- complete dentures (a full set) – which replace all your upper or lower teeth, or
- partial dentures – which replace just 1 tooth or a few missing teeth
Dentures may help prevent problems with eating and speech. If you need complete dentures, they may also improve the appearance of your smile and give you confidence.
It’s also possible that dentures might not give you the result you hope for. Discuss plans openly with your dentist before you agree to go ahead.
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How dentures are fitted
Complete dentures
A full denture will be fitted if all your upper or lower teeth need to be removed or you’re having an old complete denture replaced.
The denture will usually be fitted as soon as your teeth are removed, which means you won’t be without teeth. The denture will fit snugly over your gums and jawbone.
But if you have dentures fitted immediately after the removal of several teeth, the gums and bone will alter in shape fairly quickly and the dentures will probably need relining or remaking after a few months.
Occasionally, your gums may need to be left to heal and alter in shape for several months before dentures can be fitted.
You can either see a dentist or a qualified clinical dental technician to have your dentures made and fitted.
The difference between them is that a:
- dentist will take measurements and impressions (moulds) of your mouth, and then order your full or partial dentures from a dental technician
- clinical dental technician will provide a full set of dentures directly without you having to see your dentist (although you should still have regular dental check-ups with your dentist)
- A trial denture will be created from the impressions taken of your mouth.
- The dentist or clinical dental technician will try this in your mouth to assess the fit and for you to assess the appearance.
- The shape and colour may be adjusted before the final denture is produced.
Partial dentures
A partial denture is designed to fill in the gaps left by one or more missing teeth. It’s a plastic, nylon or metal plate with a number of false teeth attached to it.
It usually clips onto some of your natural teeth via metal clasps, which hold it securely in place in your mouth. It can easily be unclipped and removed.
Occasionally, the clips can be made of a tooth- or gum-coloured material, although this type of clip isn’t always suitable because it tends to be more brittle than metal.
Your dentist can measure your mouth and order a partial denture for you, or you can see a qualified clinical dental technician, who can provide a partial denture for you directly after you have first seen your dentist for a treatment plan and certificate of oral health.