A denture is used to replace missing teeth using a plate made with a plastic or metal base. Dentures may be to replace a single missing tooth, or several missing teeth. In some cases if no teeth are present, full mouth dentures may be required.

Denture are simple and cost effective method in improving smile and aesthetics and also improving chewing efficiency.

The base of the denture are made of hard or flexible pink acrylic or a thinner Cobalt-Chromium.

The teeth are made of acrylic or porcelain.

The retention of a denture may be enhanced using clasps / precision attachments. Denture adhesives are commonly available to enhance the retention of a denture.

Although dentures are not the fixed option, they do have significant advantages. They are relatively cheaper, less invasive compared to implants and bridges.

They are useful in situations were patients for whatever reason cannot undergo implants surgery initially, and help to stabilise the bite, maintain a gap and stop adjacent from tilting and drifting while improving looks and eating efficiency.

Loss all all teeth may result in an aged appearance due to the lack of support for the facial muscles . Additionally, it becomes harder to chew and talk. Complete dentures may overcome this by supporting the lips and cheeks hence improving appearance, confidence and chewing and talking efficiency.

After an extraction of a front tooth, it is possible to place an “immediate denture” to any avoid obvious embarrassment. These types of dentures are generally loose their fit and need to be re-lined or remade. After extraction of posterior teeth, unless required to stabilise bite forces, dentures are generally constructed after 2-3 months to allow for gum and bone shrinkage settling to allow for a better fit.

Procedure

1. Initial impression
2. Secondary (more accurate) impressions with a Wax Bite Registration (record of how the jaws come together). Selection of teeth material, size, shade, shape.
3. Try-in stage – where the denture (in a wax base) is tried in and various parameters checked. These may include position of the teeth, comfort, shade.
4. Fit. The appliance is given to the patient with appropriate instruction on denture hygiene and maintenance.
5. Review appointment to check bite and make small adjustments and assess overall use.

Dentures may last many years and may be modified and may have more teeth added to it. Alternatives to dentures include bridges and implants.

Your dentist will discuss with you whether this is the most suitable method of replacing teeth. For enhanced stability, retention and support dentures may be further secured using dental implants.