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Dentures

A denture is a removable prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dentures help restore your ability to eat and speak, while also improving the appearance of your smile and overall confidence. 

Dentures can be made from different materials, most commonly: 

  • Acrylic (plastic) 
  • Cobalt-Chrome (metal-based dentures)
Dentures
  • Complete (full) dentures
    These replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw (or both). 
  • Partial Dentures
    These are used when some natural teeth remain. They fill the gaps between teeth and often use small clasps or precision attachments to hold securely in place. 

Dentures are not always essential, but they can provide several important benefits: 

  • Improve your smile and facial appearance 
  • Help you chew and eat more comfortably 
  • Support clearer speech 
  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting, tipping, or over-erupting 
  • Protect the gums from trauma 

Acrylic (Plastic) 

  • More cost-effective 
  • Easier to adjust and repair 
  • Often used for full dentures 
  • Can provide good suction in upper dentures 
  • Slightly bulkier and more prone to wear or fracture over time 

Cobalt-Chrome 

  • Stronger and more durable 
  • Thinner and less bulky 
  • Provide a more precise and secure fit 
  • Often considered the premium option for partial dentures 

Dentures can often be fitted immediately after teeth are removed. These are known as immediate dentures and allow you to avoid being without teeth during healing. 

However, as your gums and bone heal, they naturally shrink and change shape. This means that immediate dentures often need to be adjusted, relined, or replaced over time to maintain a good fit. 

Adjusting to dentures can take a little time and practice. Most patients adapt well with guidance. 

We recommend: 

  • Starting with soft foods 
  • Cutting food into small pieces 
  • Chewing slowly and evenly 

Over time, your confidence and ability will improve. Every patient is different, and we will support you through this adjustment period. 

Dentures typically last around 3–5 years, although this can vary. Over time, natural changes in your gums and bone can affect how your denture fits. 

Regular reviews are important, and dentures may need: 

  • Relining (adjusting the fit) 
  • Repair 
  • Replacement 

Upper vs Lower Dentures 

Many patients find upper dentures easier to wear than lower dentures. 

This is because: 

  • The upper jaw has a larger surface area and the palate helps create suction 
  • The lower jaw has less surface area and is influenced by the tongue and cheeks 
  • Lower dentures can sometimes feel less stable or more uncomfortable 

In cases where lower dentures are difficult to tolerate, dental implants can be used to help secure and stabilise the denture, greatly improving comfort and function. 

Considering dentures?

If you are missing teeth, struggling with an existing denture, or would like to explore your options, our team will be happy to help. We will guide you through the most suitable solutions based on your needs, comfort, and long-term oral health. 

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