Dentures (false teeth)

Dentures are removable false teeth made of acrylic (plastic), nylon or metal. They fit snugly over the gums to replace missing teeth and eliminate potential problems caused by gaps.

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.

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.

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.

The Oral Health Foundation website has more information and advice about bridges and partial dentures, including which type of denture (metal or plastic) is best for you.

A fixed bridge is an alternative to a partial denture and may be suitable for some people.

Crowns are put on the teeth either side of the gap and joined together by a false tooth that's put in the gap.

You should continue to see your dentist regularly if you have dentures (even if you have complete dentures) so they can check for any problems.

Your dentures should last several years if you take good care of them.

But your gums and jawbone will eventually shrink, which means the dentures may not fit as well as they used to and can become loose, or they may become worn.

See your dentist as soon as possible if:

• your dentures click when you're talking
• your dentures tend to slip, or you feel they no longer fit properly
• your dentures feel uncomfortable
• your dentures are visibly worn
• you have signs of gum disease or tooth decay, such as bleeding gums or bad breath

If poorly fitting or worn dentures aren't replaced, they can cause great discomfort and lead to mouth sores, infections or problems eating and speaking.

•  Yes! They are manufactured as teeth replacement tools designed to give the appearance and feel of natural teeth.
• They are extremely comfortable and simple to use and adapt to.

Different types of Dentures:

1. The traditional complete denture:
• Full replacement of both the upper and lower sets of teeth is referred to as a complete denture
• They are detachable.

2. Partial dentures :
• When a patient has a few missing teeth, a dentist may recommend partial dentures to replace them.
• A removable partial denture is made up of replacement teeth attached to a metal frame that holds the denture in place.

3. Immediate dentures :
• These are prefabricated, that can be placed in your mouth immediately after teeth extraction.
• The purpose of these is to replace missing teeth during the healing process.

4. Over Dentures :

• An overdenture is a removable type of denture that sits on the gums and is held in place by dental implants.
• Depending on the needs, it can be replaced on either the lower (mandible) or upper (maxillary) jaw.

How Dentures are made:

Step 1: We will make a model by taking the impression of the upper jaw (maxilla ) and lower jaw(mandible ).

Step 2: Trial dentures are done to check the fitting.

Step 3: Final dentures are completed with the necessary corrections.

Step 4: Dentures are ready to wear.