Dentures
Dentures provide a great option to replace missing teeth. One of the misconceptions about dentures is that they are unsightly, ungainly and unattractive. Modern cosmetic dentures can be made to be highly realistic, virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Types of dentures
Dentures fall into two primary categories, full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures are usually made of acrylic with natural and lifelike acrylic teeth. Full dentures remain in place often by suction alone, in some cases they can be retained with dental implants. Please read more below about implant retained full dentures.
Types of dentures
Partial dentures can be made from either flexible materials, metal or acrylic (plastic). Partial dentures will require a clasp or clip which holds the denture in place, this will gently hold against your surrounding natural teeth to keep the denture in place.
Metal dentures
Metal dentures are only metal in areas that cannot be seen. Any visible area will either be tooth or gum coloured. The only part of a metal denture which you may be able to see is the clasp which holds the denture in place. Modern tooth coloured clasps are also available so please ask your dentist if you would like one of these.
Flexible dentures
Flexible dentures are one of the most modern types of partial denture. They use the natural flexibility of the material to do away with traditional metal clasps. Because they are flexible they can also be more comfortable to wear and be less likely to break if dropped.
Fixed dentures or implant retained dentures
Dentures can be fixed using dental implants. Very often 2 or 4 dental implants are placed, these dental implants, once integrated, then have a retaining mechanism on top. Inside the denture is a reciprocal retaining mechanism which will clip onto the top of the dental implant. When you place the denture in you will probably hear an audible click as it seats into place.
Dental implant retained dentures can be an excellent way of preventing dentures from being loose and wobbly.
How to clean dentures
Our top tips for cleaning dentures are:
- Clean daily using a non-abrasive denture cleaner.
- Consider cleaning and storing in an ultrasonic cleaner.
- When cleaning your dentures always do this over a sink half filled with water, this means that if you drop your denture it doesn’t immediately hit a ceramic sink and break.
Cleaning your dentures this way will help to keep them bacteria and plaque free which will keep nasty smells and halitosis at bay, whilst at the same time keeping your dentures tasting fresh and bright.
Changing faces with dentures
New cosmetically designed dentures can radically help to change your face. Changing faces is one of the most rewarding things our dentists in Croydon can do, dentures can help to rebuild lost contour around your mouth thereby reducing the signs of ageing and wrinkles.
A beautifully designed and constructed denture will help change your face shape, your smile and your life.
Loose dentures
Loose dentures are a concern for many people, here are our top tips for overcoming the problems that loose dentures cause:
- Ensure you visit the dentist often. Dentures will not change shape but your gums will. Over time your gums will move and your denture may move also. Dentures often need to be relined with fresh acrylic to ensure they fit the gums properly.
- Don’t try to adjust your own dentures. Trying to adjust clasps on a partial denture to make it fit tighter is a mistake, these are precision made to exactly fit your teeth and must only be altered by a professional.
- Speak to your dentist. Your dentist may be able to offer alternate solutions to a denture such as a bridge or dental implants.
- Denture adhesive. A good quality denture adhesive can help with full dentures by increasing the amount of suction.
Getting used to wearing a denture
When you wear a denture for the first time it may get some getting used to when speaking or eating and chewing. It is important that you take extra care in your hygiene regime so that you can avoid bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. The hygienist will be able to show you how to best take care of your denture and gums and will tell you about specialised brushes you can use to do this.
