A denture is a removable appliance used to replace missing teeth, made from acrylic (plastic) or a combination of metal and acrylic. A “complete” or “full” denture replaces all the natural teeth in one jaw, while a “partial” denture fills in gaps left by one or more missing teeth and may be held in place with metal clasps or precision attachments.

Dentures can help you eat more comfortably, speak clearly, and support the appearance of your face and smile. Replacing missing teeth can also help prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting or tilting into the gaps.

In some cases, dentures can be fitted immediately after extraction — these are known as “immediate dentures” — following measurements and impressions taken beforehand. However, because gums and bone can change shape as they heal (particularly in the first six months), immediate dentures may need relining or adjusting later. In some cases, our dentist may recommend waiting until healing is complete, which can take several months, as this can sometimes give a better long-term fit. Our dentist will advise on the most suitable approach for you.

Dentures are made to closely match your natural teeth and can offer support to your cheeks and lips, which may help maintain the natural appearance of your face. Our dentist will discuss what changes you can realistically expect based on your individual case.

Eating with new dentures usually takes some practice. It’s often recommended to start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. Most people are gradually able to return to a wider range of foods as they adjust.

You may need some practice pronouncing certain words at first. Reading aloud can help you adjust. If your denture slips when speaking, laughing or coughing, try gently biting down and swallowing to reposition it. If slipping continues, please contact us.

The upper jaw typically provides more surface area and suction to hold a denture in place, whereas the lower jaw offers less gum support, so a lower denture can feel more mobile as it balances between the tongue and cheeks. Most people find it becomes easier to manage with time and practice.

Even with full dentures, it’s important to keep your mouth clean — brushing your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily helps remove plaque and supports circulation. If you wear a partial denture, thorough daily cleaning of your remaining natural teeth is essential to help prevent decay and gum disease. When cleaning your dentures, the general approach is to brush, soak, then brush again, taking care not to scrub too hard. Always clean them over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case they’re dropped.

With proper care, dentures are generally expected to last several years, though they may need relining or remaking over time as your gums and jawbone change shape. A loose or ill-fitting denture can cause discomfort or irritation, so it’s important not to delay having it checked or replaced if this happens. Our dentist can give you a more specific estimate based on your individual case.

Regular dental check-ups remain important even with full dentures, as our dentist can examine the soft tissues of your mouth, including your tongue and cheeks, to check for any signs of infection or other conditions. Our dentist can advise on a suitable check-up schedule for you.