Dentures
Ralf Guscott is our Clinical Dental Technician and sees patients on Tuesdays. He provides personal support throughout the entire denture process - from your initial consultation and the handcrafting of your dentures to the final fitting and adjustments.
His attentive approach and eye for detail will help ensure your denture feels comfortable, secure and natural.
Replace missing teeth and restore everyday comfort with expertly made natural-looking dentures.
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Dentures
Modern dentures are a comfortable, reliable and natural-looking way to replace missing teeth. They can replace anything from a single tooth to a complete arch.
As a less invasive and often more affordable alternative to dental implants, dentures can restore your confidence when eating, speaking and smiling.
The Benefits
- Replace missing teeth
Dentures can replace a single missing tooth, several teeth or a complete arch.
- Eat with confidence
Restoring your bite can make it easier to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
- Feel comfortable and secure
Modern materials and precise fitting techniques help reduce movement, irritation and speech difficulties.
- Restore your smile
Natural-looking replacement teeth can support your facial appearance and help you feel more confident.
How do dentures work?
Dentures fill gaps in your smile with carefully crafted replacement teeth. They are designed to restore appearance and function, helping you eat and speak more comfortably.
Replacing missing teeth may also support the remaining teeth and help reduce some of the problems associated with gaps.
The denture fitting process
1. Initial consultation
Ralf will assess your mouth, gums, jaw and any remaining teeth. Where appropriate, X-rays may also be required. You will discuss the available options and decide which type of denture best suits your needs and lifestyle.
2. Impressions
Detailed impressions are taken to capture the shape of your gums and remaining teeth. These help ensure your dentures are made to fit as accurately and comfortably as possible.
3. Creating your dentures
Your dentures are custom-made to complement the shape and shade of your natural teeth. They are carefully crafted and hand-finished to achieve a natural appearance and precise fit.
4. Fitting and adjustments
At your fitting appointment, Ralf will check the comfort, appearance and stability of your dentures. Any necessary adjustments will be made, and a follow-up appointment may be arranged to ensure your mouth is adapting well.
Are dentures right for me?
Dentures may be suitable if:
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- Gaps are affecting the way you eat or speak.
- You feel self-conscious about your smile.
- Dental implants are not appropriate for you.
- You would prefer a removable tooth-replacement option.
Dentures are normally removed overnight to allow your gums to rest. It may take a little time to become comfortable eating and speaking with them, but most people adapt gradually.
Types of dentures
Partial dentures
Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth while preserving your remaining natural teeth. The replacement teeth are attached to a carefully fitted base or framework, which helps keep the denture secure.
Depending on your clinical needs, a partial denture may be made from acrylic, metal or a flexible material.
Full dentures
Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw or both. They rest closely against the gums and are designed to restore your smile and everyday function.
Implant-retained dentures
Implant-retained dentures, sometimes called overdentures, replace a full arch of teeth and attach securely to dental implants. This can provide greater stability and comfort than conventional dentures, particularly when eating or speaking.
Implant placement is a separate clinical procedure, and your suitability will need to be assessed by our Restorative Specialist – Mr Peter Nixon.
Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures can be fitted shortly after teeth are extracted, so you do not have to be without teeth while your mouth heals.
Because the shape of your gums changes during healing, immediate dentures may require adjustments, relining or replacement later.
Dentures FAQs
Dentures are made from durable materials, but they will eventually show signs of wear. Changes to your gums and jaw can also affect their fit over time.
With appropriate care, dentures commonly last for several years. Regular reviews are important so their fit, condition and function can be checked.
You will usually be advised to remove your dentures overnight. This gives your gums time to rest and allows you to clean both your mouth and dentures thoroughly.
Ralf will provide advice based on your individual needs.
Everyone adapts at a different pace. Your dentures may feel unfamiliar at first, and eating or speaking can take some practice.
Most people become more comfortable over several weeks, although adjustments may be needed while your mouth adapts.
Well-fitting modern dentures are designed to remain secure during normal daily activities. The fit can change over time as your mouth changes, so regular check-ups are important.
If your dentures become loose, uncomfortable or unstable, arrange an assessment rather than trying to adjust them yourself.
You may initially find it easier to eat softer foods cut into small pieces. As you become more confident, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods.
Chewing slowly and using both sides of your mouth can help keep your dentures stable. You will receive guidance tailored to your needs.
Your speech may sound slightly different while your tongue and mouth adjust. Reading aloud and practising difficult words can help.
Most people regain their usual speech as they become accustomed to wearing their dentures.