Love
Prosthetic teeth
Dentures
What is a Denture?
Our dentures are state-of-the-art, comfortable and discreet. They are metal based or acrylic devices to replace missing teeth. Sometimes called a palate, this can either have a clasp that grips onto remaining teeth or an acrylic extension that covers the roof of your mouth to hold the denture in place. They are very stable and usually allow eating and speaking with no issues.
We also now offer PEEK dentures. These are incredibly lightweight, accurate milled dentures that have a tooth coloured frame to be as discreet as possible. PEEK boasts a fantastic strength to weight ratio, is flexible like bone and is preferable to metal in a patient’s mouth. This is thanks to it not having any metallic taste or temperature change which can be caused by eating or drinking. It is actually stronger than metal per gram, has a long term clinical history and has been used in over 4 million orthopedic implants. PEEK boasts many advantages, such as:
- Aesthetics – PEEK is a natural, non-contrasting colour which wonderfully achieves a more natural and discreet look in a patient’s mouth.
- Strength – It has an unrivalled strength to weight ratio which is causing it to effectively replace metal in prosthetic restorations.
- Accuracy – The consistency of the product is almost 100% accurate. It is designed and manufactured using CAD which allows the dentures to be more accurate than traditionally made devices with a perfect fit.
- Patient Comfort – The flexibility of the material ensures the denture is easy to insert and remove.
What is involved in the process of having a new denture made?
After an initial examination and consultation to determine your needs, your dentist will examine your oral health, including the condition of your gums, remaining teeth (if any), and jawbone. X-rays are taken to assess the underlying structures. Once there is a plan in place, which involves multiple appointments, we can begin to create a custom denture that fits your mouth precisely. The first visit involves having a digital scan or impressions taken of your gums and any remaining teeth, as well as measurements of your jaw and bite alignment to ensure the denture’s proper fit.
The information is then sent to the lab for the first mock up denture to be made. The second visit involves trying on a wax or plastic model of the denture. This try-in allows you to assess the denture’s appearance, fit, and comfort. Adjustments can be made at this stage to achieve the desired aesthetics and functionality.
On your third visit, your denture will be fitted. The dental laboratory will fabricate the final denture based on the approved model. Skilled technicians will use the impressions, measurements, and any specific instructions provided to create a custom denture that closely resembles natural teeth and fits comfortably in your mouth. Necessary adjustments are carried out to ensure a proper fit and alignment. Your dentist will check your bite, make any necessary adjustments to the denture surface, and ensure that you can speak and eat comfortably.
It's important to note that the process may vary depending on individual cases and the specific requirements of the denture. We will guide you through each step and address any concerns you may have, ensuring that you are satisfied with the fit, appearance, and functionality of your new denture.
denture aftercare
Aftercare is essential to ensure the longevity and comfort of your new dentures. Remember, adjusting to new dentures takes time and patience. It’s normal to experience some discomfort initially, but with proper care and regular dental visits, you can enjoy the benefits of your new dentures and maintain good oral health. Here are some important tips and advice to follow:
- Clean your dentures daily: Remove your dentures and rinse them thoroughly after eating. Brush them gently using a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild denture cleaner or non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and damage the denture material. Rinse again before placing them back in your mouth.
- Handle with care: Dentures are delicate and can break if mishandled. Always hold them over a soft towel or a basin of water to prevent damage if they slip from your hands.
- Soak your dentures overnight: Place your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water overnight to keep them moist. This helps prevent warping and maintains their shape.
- Brush your gums and tongue: Even with dentures, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.
- Maintain regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and adjustments as needed. Your oral health and denture fit may change over time, and your dentist can make necessary modifications or repairs.
- Avoid using adhesive unless necessary: If your dentures fit well, you may not need denture adhesive. However, if you feel more comfortable using it, choose a denture adhesive recommended by your dentist and use it sparingly according to the instructions.
- Be cautious with hot liquids and hard foods: While dentures are designed to handle regular biting and chewing, it's best to avoid extremely hot liquids and hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge your dentures.
- Handle any sore spots promptly: In the initial stages of wearing dentures, you may experience some sore spots or discomfort. If this persists or worsens, contact us for an adjustment. Avoid adjusting or modifying the dentures yourself, as it may lead to further problems.
- Store your dentures properly: When you remove your dentures, store them in a denture container filled with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out and warping.
