When it comes to missing or severely damaged teeth, we always recommend replacement and dentures remain one of the most popular forms of replacement available.
Dentures are one of the most common and popular ways to replace missing or severely damaged teeth. Living with a missing tooth or teeth, or teeth that have become damaged or decayed beyond repair comes with all sorts of issues. You’ll probably find that your speech and eating have become impaired, and you may feel far less confident and happy when you smile. If this is the case, then dentures could be the answer.
How do dentures work?
Dentures can replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth at once. Traditional dentures are removable appliances made up of a prosthetic tooth or a set of teeth that sit over the top of the gums with a chrome or acrylic base. They are held in place via a dental adhesive – usually a glue, paste, or strip – and can be taken out to be cleaned.
How many teeth can dentures replace?
Dentures can be used to replace anywhere from just one tooth to a whole arch of teeth. They can be used on both the upper and lower jaws, and are available as either ‘full’ or ‘partial’ sets. We’ll be able to assess which type of denture you need at an initial consultation.
What is the treatment process like?
Receiving dentures usually takes a few visits to the practice, but is a fairly easy and hassle-free process for the patient. We’ll first have to take some images, measurements, and impressions of the mouth which will be used to create your dentures by skilled dental technicians.
If you need a tooth extraction to fit your dentures, we’ll do that here under anaesthetic, so you don’t feel a thing. Once the mouth has healed, and your personal dentures are ready we’ll be able to fit you for them here, making sure the bite and seat are correct and that you’re comfortable wearing them.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures can last 7-10 years and can often last even longer, although it is recommended to change them every five years or so. This is because the underlying bone and gums can shrink and/or
remodel, leading to the denture becoming loose and uncomfortable. Loose dentures can in turn lead to more damage to the underlying tissue.
Are there any alternative treatments available?
Alternatives to dentures include bridges, and various implant treatments such as a single tooth dental implant, implant retained dentures, and All-On-Four/All-On-Six Same Day Teeth.
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