Dentures have been the oldest form of tooth replacement. They are usually made of hard acrylic, but can sometimes be strengthened with metal.
Complete dentures is the term used to describe upper and/or lower dentures that replace all your teeth in that jaw. Upper dentures usually stay in with suction on to the roof of your mouth.
Lower dentures, are something that end up ‘floating’ on your gum, and are retained by the muscles in mouth and face, getting used to the denture being there and helping to keep it in place.
Advantages include:
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to clean
- Relative cost
Disadvantages include:
- Removable – you have to take them out to clean, and leave them out whilst you sleep
- Difficult to get used to
- Can feel ‘big’ in the mouth
- Can move about in the mouth, especially the lower denture
- Difficult to eat hard or tough foods
The disadvantages of dentures can be mitigated by placing implants. Implants are artificial tooth roots, that are placed in your mouth and they can hold your dentures in place, allowing you to eat, drink and speak better, without the embarrassment of them falling out.
If you have a denture, that won’t stay still. Or if you have been through multiple sets of dentures that just won’t sit right, then implants may be the solution for you.
Please contact the practice on 01562 822653 to arrange an appointment for a consultation.
Partial Dentures are removable, just like complete dentures, filling in any gaps around your natural teeth. They can be made of either hard plastic, hard metal or a flexible plastic-like material.
Advantages of partial dentures include:
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to clean
- Can be used as a quick temporary replacement whilst other treatment is being done or whilst waiting for a permanent fixed replacement
- Relative cost
Disadvantages include
- Removable – you have to take them out to clean, and leave them out whilst you sleep
- Difficult to get used to
- Can feel ‘big’ in your mouth
- Can rub against the gum and tooth causing gum recession
If you have missing teeth, and would like a partial denture, or are suffering the disadvantages of a partial denture and would like to explore fixed replacements of your teeth, then please contact the practice on 01562 822653 to arrange an appointment for a consultation.
