A denture is a removable prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Commonly referred to as ‘false teeth’, a denture is usually made of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal for a strong and aesthetic restoration. A partial denture is fitted to replace one or more missing teeth, whilst a complete denture can restore a full arch of upper or lower teeth. A good set of dentures helps you to eat, speak, function, and improve your appearance.
Contact usMaking and fitting dentures can be quite an involved process so you may have to attend several appointments to ensure your final set of dentures are a secure and comfortable fit.
Following a comprehensive consultation, where we discuss your ideal results and examine your mouth and any remaining teeth, impressions of your mouth will be taken. These are used to ensure your dentures will fit perfectly and look exactly as you have imagined.
The final set of dentures are manufactured in a laboratory and, when ready, you will be invited in for a fitting appointment. If you are having complete dentures, these will be fitted in the top or bottom of your mouth and consist of a gum coloured arch with a set of prosthetic teeth attached. Partial dentures will be used if you only have one or a few missing teeth and may be held in place with metal hooks attached to your existing teeth.
Contact usDepending on the complexity of each case, the duration of the treatment will vary. After the initial visit of examination and diagnosis, the subsequent visits will include taking impressions of the mouth, bite registration, try-in of the denture, fitting and review.
New dentures always feel strange when first placed in your mouth. Several days or weeks will be required before you get accustomed to them, especially if you have a complete set. Adaptation varies with different persons and often time and experience are essential before dentures can be worn comfortably and function effectively.
Your dentures may feel odd at first and eating can be tricky, but you will become accustomed to it over time. It is a good idea to start with softer foods cut into smaller pieces, and slowly introduce more challenging items. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent dentures from tipping. You will be eating normally before long. The amount of saliva in your mouth may increase, but this should soon improve as your mouth gets used to your replacement teeth.
New dentures may affect your speech at first, but this will soon improve. Pronouncing certain words may require practice, so reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will speed up the adaptation process. This problem rarely persists beyond two weeks.
You may experience some minor irritation caused by surface irregularities or pressure spots on the denture-bearing areas, but this is common so please don’t worry. Your dentist will be able to relieve the discomfort by adjusting the denture surface. Stop wearing the denture if the irritation is very painful and consult your dentist immediately for advice.
Dentures are designed to be hard-wearing, but they will last longer if you treat them with care. They should be removed before you go to bed so your gums can have a rest, but they must be stored in water or denture fluid as they could lose their shape if allowed to dry out. Clean your dentures with a toothbrush or a special denture brush and remember to keep your gums and any remaining teeth clean too. You will also need to attend regular check-ups so your dentist and hygienist can keep an eye on your oral health.
If you are concerned about loose or uncomfortable dentures, or they slip when you talk or eat, there is a solution. We can use dental implants to provide a solid foundation for dentures, which are fitted on top. Implant-retained dentures do not move and are a fantastic option for patients looking for a secure and durable restoration.
01273 452 947
info@shorehamdentist.co.uk
The Dental Practice
Mariner Point,
81 Brighton Road,
Shoreham-by-Sea,
West Sussex,
BN43 6DG
Areas we serve: Shoreham, Worthing, Steyning and surrounding areas
We are wheelchair accessible and have car parking spaces on site.
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