What are dentures?

A denture is one means of replacing a number of missing teeth. The replacement teeth are made of plastic and come in a wide variety of shapes and shades. Dr Turner only uses best quality teeth.

Once a number of natural teeth have been lost there is often the need to replace them to restore normal eating ability and appearance and to prevent movement of the remaining teeth.

In some cases missing teeth can be replaced with one or more bridges, but there are circumstances where the only solution is a denture.

There are two types of denture, metal based or plastic based. However, each type carries replacement teeth matched in colour to any remaining teeth of your own.

How do the different types compare?

Plastic (acrylic) dentures

Plastic dentures can be either partial, for those with some of their natural teeth remaining, or full. This type of denture has the advantage of being less expensive than the metal alternative. In order to have the required strength it is relatively bulky. Bulkiness is less of a problem where full dentures are involved. Dr Turner only recommends plastic partial dentures as a short-term treatment.

(a) Temporary Acrylic denture whilst awaiting implant integration

(b) Complete (full) upper and lower denture, reproducing a natural appearance

Complete (full) upper and lower denture, reproducing a natural appearance

Full dentures before and after showing the improvement in smile and a reduction in facial wrinkling.

Metal (cobalt chromium) dentures

Metal dentures are nowadays the natural choice for partial dentures. With a metal framework the denture is less bulky and considerably lighter in weight than plastic. The design has the added advantage of being able to keep the denture edges away from any vulnerable gum areas reducing the risk of gum disease.

metal based denture covering less of the palate

This type of denture has metal clasps to help to retain it firmly in place. The clasps can alternatively be made of tooth coloured material where they show when you smile.

As the metalwork is cast to fit accurately around the teeth and shape of the mouth, these dentures are very stable and fit particularly well.

There may be circumstances where a full upper denture opposes natural teeth. In order to prevent fracture of the denture, a full metal denture or a specially reinforced plastic denture may be the only satisfactory solution. Special techniques are necessary in these cases.

Implants

Developments in dental technology have made it possible to use implants as anchors for dentures and bridges. Osseo-integrated implants are titanium and are surgically inserted into the jaw which, after a period of some months, become integrated (joined) to the bone. Dentures or bridgework attached to these implants are very stable.

This is a very specialised field of dentistry available from our surgical and restorative specialists at Cotswold Dental Specialists in Cirencester.

(a) Initial appearance ­ teeth drifting/loose from periodontal disease

(b) All teeth need extracting. Implants in upper and lower jaw.

(c) Final appearance with over dentures fitted.

What is involved in having dentures made?

Initially, first then second impressions are taken which are used to make the denture. It may be necessary to record your bite before the try-in stage, at which point the artificial teeth are temporarily set in wax. You will be asked if you are satisfied with the appearance and will need to express any concerns. Alterations can be accommodated relatively easily at this stage. Once set in the plastic denture, change is both difficult and expensive.

How many appointments will I need?

Normally from four to six depending on the individual case.

What is the life expectancy of the different types of denture?

Life expectancy is very variable depending on the amount of wear and tear they are subjected to. Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to inspect for signs of undue wear.

With full dentures it is also important to have the soft tissues in the mouth examined yearly to check for denture wear and any change in the underlying soft tissues.

How should I take care of my denture?

Dentures require a certain amount of care to keep them looking at their best, as will any remaining natural teeth to minimise the chance of damage from contact with the denture.

Dentures should not be worn during the night when you are asleep as this prolongs the time during which the delicate tissues in the mouth remain covered with the denture and can lead to chronic soreness. Although inconvenient at times, it is recommended that dentures are removed and kept in water overnight.

As well as recommending that you brush your natural teeth before going to bed, your denture should be brushed daily with normal toothpaste to ensure the removal of all deposits. This can be helped by using a small ultrasonic cleaner. Following these guidelines will greatly help to keep dentures looking their best.

Immersion of dentures in proprietary cleaners is not recommended as these can cause permanent staining or bleaching of the teeth and plastic.

Getting accustomed to new dentures will take 10 days to a fortnight to become fully accustomed to your new denture and to feel it “belongs” to you. This is natural as your mouth needs time to adjust from feeling things as they were before.

It also takes a little time to build up a new mental image of how it should feel and look. Like any significant change in your appearance (for example, after changing hairstyle) it will take a few days of looking at yourself in a mirror to become fully accustomed to the new appearance.

Occasionally, areas of the denture may rub or feel uncomfortable. Please contact us to arrange for the problem to be put right. Before coming for your appointment, please ensure that you wear your denture for a full 24 hours so that the area of soreness can be easily seen.