Dentures

Dentures are removable false teeth that replace 1 or more missing teeth. They are designed to provide a natural looking solution, enhancing your appearance as well as restoring lost function.

They are generally made from a base of either acrylic or cobalt chrome, clasps or precision attachments to hold the denture in place, and have either acrylic or porcelain teeth that are shaped to mimic your natural teeth. Dentures can be expected to last on average around 7 years, and possibly a reline at or around 3-4 years as the jaw bones tend to shrink over time.

Dentures can be classified as either full (complete) or partial dentures, depending on the number of teeth being replaced. They are be made to replace teeth in the upper and lower jaw or in both. Full dentures replace “all” missing teeth in one arch whereas partial dentures fill in the spaces left by the loss of “one to most” missing teeth.

They are designed to be supported by either teeth, implants, gum tissue or a combination of all three. In most cases we aim to keep as many of your healthy teeth as possible for support, especially in the lower arch where it can be a lot more difficult in gaining stability and retention. The biggest issue with dentures is that they are not “fixed” (unlike bridges and implant crowns) and almost all are designed to be taken out and put back into your mouth.

Dentures can also classified as conventional or immediate dentures. If extraction of teeth are indicated, conventional dentures are made after a healing period of at least 6-8 weeks after teeth removal and where the gums have healed. The purpose for this healing period is to provide a reasonably stable mouth, ensuring a more accurate denture fit with less chance of needing a reline to correct any problems. On the other hand, immediate dentures are made prior to removal of teeth by the laboratory, and as the name suggests, inserted “immediately” after the teeth are removed that day.

There is always some level of “guesstimation” involved and this may require more appointments for denture adjustments. It also has a higher chance of needing a reline to correct problems such as an ill-fitting or uncomfortable denture. However, the main advantage is that you are never without teeth in the aesthetic region as you will essentially have your new teeth straight away. These dentures are ideal for people who are conscious about their appearance.

It must be remembered that a denture is essentially a foreign body inside your mouth. It is not uncommon for it to take a few weeks or even months to get used to wearing dentures. Unfortunately, there will be a small proportion of people who will not tolerate wearing a denture due to a number of reasons, and alternatives such as dental implants or bridges may need to be considered.