Dentures
we look forward to welcoming new patients to our dental practice in Virginia Water, Surrey
What is a denture?
People wear dentures to replace lost or missing teeth, so they can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. Dentures are made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal and plastic and are removable.
A ‘complete' or ‘full' denture is one which replaces all the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
A ‘partial' denture fills in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth.
Frequently asked questions about dentures
Why should I wear dentures?
Full dentures, to replace all your own teeth, fit snugly over your gums. They will help you to eat comfortably and speak clearly, and will improve your confidence and self-esteem.
Partial dentures replace teeth that are missing, and can sometimes be supported by the teeth you have left. If you have gaps between your teeth, then your other teeth may move to take up some of the space, so you could end up with crooked or tilted teeth. This could affect the way you bite and could damage your other teeth.
How soon can I have a denture after my teeth are taken out?
Usually dentures can be fitted straight after your teeth have been removed. These are called ‘immediate dentures'. You will need to visit our dental team beforehand for them to take measurements and impressions of your mouth.
With immediate dentures you don't have to be without teeth while your gums are healing. However, bone and gums will shrink over time, especially during the first six months after your teeth have been taken out. If your gums shrink, your immediate dentures may need relining, adjusting or even replacing.
Sometimes it may be advisable to wait until your gums are healed before having your dentures, as this can sometimes mean a better fit. Healing may take several months. These are issues that we will discuss with you during your examination appointment.
Who will make my denture?
We will take measurements and impressions of your mouth, then order your dentures from a dental technician who will custom- make your denture specifically for you.
Will dentures make me look different?
Replacing lost or missing teeth is very good for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces your natural teeth and gives support to your cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person look older and they will find it harder to eat and speak properly.
Dentures can be made to closely match your natural teeth so that your appearance hardly changes. Modern dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help to fill out the appearance of your face.
Will I be able to eat with dentures?
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth at the same time to stop the denture moving. As you become more used to your denture, add other foods until you get back to your normal healthy diet. Just as with natural teeth, eating very hard or sticky food like toffees and mints are not advisable as it can break dentures and teeth.
Will dentures change how I speak?
Pronouncing certain words may take practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words will help. If you find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile, reposition them by gently biting down and swallowing. If this happens a lot, see your dentist.
How do I take care of my dentures?
Dentures must be removed from your mouth to clean them. They may break if you drop them, so always clean your dentures over a sink/basin filled with water or a folded towel in case you drop them.
To clean your denture, the general rule is: brush, soak and brush again. Brush your dentures with a toothbrush or a special denture brush, before soaking them to help remove any bits of food. Use an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner to soak your denture in as it will help remove stubborn stains and bacteria and leave your denture feeling fresher - always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Then brush the dentures again, as you would your own teeth. Do not use toothpaste on the brush to clean your denture as this can be abrasive. You can either use just use a clean brush or alternatively you can buy special denture paste and use this on the brush when cleaning your denture.
Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which fits against your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. It is important not to use any type of bleaching product to clean your dentures. Bleaching can lead to weakening of the dentures as well as making them look unsightly. Do not use very hot water to soak your dentures. Again, it can weaken the dentures causing them to break. If you notice a build-up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by your dental team.
How long should I wear my dentures?
We usually advise that you to take your denture out before going to bed. This allows your gums to rest and helps keep your mouth healthy. When you remove your dentures at night, it is best to store them in a small amount of water to stop them warping.
Do I need to do anything special to care for my mouth?
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning and evening, brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft brush. This removes plaque and helps the blood circulation in your mouth. If you wear partial dentures, it is even more important that you brush your teeth thoroughly every day. This will help stop tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to you losing more of your teeth. Your dentist may refer you to the hygienist to have your remaining natural teeth cleaned regularly.
How often should I see my dentist?
Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are very important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Regular visits allow your dental team to check the soft parts of your mouth, including your tongue and cheeks. These examinations are important so that we can spot any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages. If you have a full denture, check with your dental team about how often you should visit.
With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile!
Are dentures my only option?
No, Bridges and dental implants are also options to consider. Please ask us for more information and you can also find more information under ‘crowns and bridges’ and ‘ Implants’ on our website.
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
Tel: 01344 844507 please do leave a message if we do not answer immediately and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Alternatively, please complete our online form.
New patients welcomed at our dental practice in Virginia Water, Surrey
WONDERFUL SERVICE
The practice is very professional and friendly, and Chris puts a patient at ease, and I would recommend the practice to friends. As my husband has Parkinsons, there is always a caring atmosphere.