How do dentures stay in place?
Well-fitting dentures create a suction effect, and the muscles around your mouth adapt to hold them in place. Sometimes, we can also use the teeth to hold the denture in place using clasps. The clasps can be metal or tooth-coloured. Sometimes, if you are missing all of your teeth, the gums may have become relatively flat due to the regular bony changes which occur.
This may mean dentures won’t stay in as well. In these cases, we may recommend implant-retained dentures to ensure you can eat what you want and smile in public with confidence.
How do dentures work?
Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth, designed to look and function like your own natural teeth and surrounding gum tissues. At Conway House, we pride ourselves on making dentures that are very realistic, natural, and comfortable.
How long do dentures last?
The longevity of your denture depends on how well it is looked after, but generally speaking, it stays in good condition for around 7 years. We have patients who are happy with their dentures for a lot longer than that timeframe. The plastic teeth, although very life-like, do wear quickly than natural teeth with the progression of time.
Make sure to bring your dentures to your check-up appointments so your dentist can check the fit and assess how you’re getting on with them. Sometimes we can tweak them to help you enjoy your current denture(s) for longer.
How do you make them?
A denture can take between 4 and 8 appointments to make, with the appointments 1-2 weeks apart. The process must be thorough to ensure that the denture is well-fitting; otherwise, you will not get on well with it! Your dentist and our excellent technicians work closely together at every stage.
There will be moulds of your teeth taken and records of your bite, and there will be try-ins and fit checks. We will also get you involved to check that you are happy with how your denture looks before we finish processing it.
Sometimes our patients like to bring photos of themselves from when they had their teeth so that the appearance can be mimicked in their denture.
I am worried I will struggle with moulds being taken of my teeth. What can be done to help?
We have lots of tips and tricks up our sleeves to help you tolerate the mould being taken. We also make sure they are in your mouth for the minimal time necessary. Where possible, we also use our intraoral scanner.
This is an innovative piece of equipment which takes a series of overlapping pictures to create a 3D image of your mouth and allows the technician and your dentist to communicate.
I have a loose tooth, and I need a denture urgently! What can you do?
We can make immediate dentures, which are made in advance, if, let’s say, you have a loose tooth at the front of your mouth or a tooth that cannot be saved. We can carefully remove the tooth and immediately fit you with a denture.
We can prevent you from having to go a day without a tooth! The only drawback is that as your gums and bone heal over the coming year, the denture can sometimes become loose and require replacement after this time.
Will I get on with my denture straight away?
A well-fitting denture means that you will adapt to it well. Initially, it may feel strange and talking and eating may take some getting used to.
However, persevering, starting with softer foods and reading the newspaper out loud can help you adapt quicker. Within days to weeks, you will most likely feel more comfortable. Occasionally, some people take longer to adjust.
How do I look after my denture?
You should clean your dentures with soap and a soft toothbrush. Toothpaste will scratch your denture. You must brush your teeth and floss as usual, as a denture or anything introduced into the mouth can increase your risk of gum disease or decay.
You can also soak your dentures in cleaning solutions such as Dentural for plastic dentures or Steradent for metal dentures weekly for 15 minutes if you wish, but make sure to rinse the dentures before you put them back in your mouth. Ideally, you should take them out at night to allow your gums to breathe. If you don’t want to do this, try to have a short break during the day where you keep them out.
Can I leave dentures in Steradent overnight?
You should avoid leaving your dentures in a Steradent overnight. It is used to remove the buildup of plaque or any stains on the dentures. Usually, you should keep dentures in Steradent once or twice a week.
How much do dentures cost?
The cost depends on what material and design have been chosen. The investment for an acrylic denture starts at £450, and for a metal denture, it is £625.
Which is better denture or dental implants?
Neither solution is better than the other. Every solution has advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist at Conway House will explain these to you and recommend which would be best for your mouth!
What are the best dentures on the market in the UK?
Best is a relative term; best is what suits you most appropriately. Based on your requirements and budget, our dentist will suggest the best dentures available for you.
Conway House offers you a diverse range of dentures and dental services in High Wycombe. Please have a look at our Smile Gallery and check the written testimonials by our patients. We would be happy to help you find a missing tooth/teeth solution. Click here to organise a consultation (link) or call us to book in on 01494 526 578.
Natural-looking upper denture for a patient of ours who was missing his upper teeth. He’s so happy that he’s ready for us to see his lower teeth now.
