What are dentures?Dentures are appliances that replace lost teeth and which can be removed from
the mouth (appliances that are permanently fixed are referred to as bridges).
Dentures are made by a skilled team, led by your clinician. It is important that
your dentures are well made and crafted to fit your own personal needs. Not only
should they fit well and be comfortable, they should look like natural teeth.
Dentures are called "partial" if some of your own teeth are remaining and "full" if
none remain. If you have already lost some teeth and have a partial denture, take
great care of those that are left. When some teeth have already been lost there is
more strain put on those remaining. Sometimes, miniature magnetic attachments
can be used to reduce the stress on the remaining teeth and so help you keep
them for longer.
Partial dentures are normally best made on a metal base to make them stronger
and thinner and to enable small metal retaining clasps to be used. These also
help to keep the denture away from the margin of teeth and gums. This is a
sensitive area where further tooth loss frequently starts.
The denture is made using manufactured teeth in a range of shades and shapes
that your clinician will help you choose. These are then skilfully processed into an
acrylic base that is made to fit the anatomy of your own mouth.
Full upper dentures are mainly kept in position by suction, whereas the lower
denture is kept in place by your gums and muscles. Denture wearers
therefore often have more trouble with their lower dentures. It takes time getting
used to new dentures and they often need several adjustments. Always discuss
any concerns with your clinician.
Another way of making dentures more retentive is by using implants. These are
special titanium posts that screw into the jaw. A number of different means of
attaching the denture to them can be used including ball and socket fixings and
miniature magnets. Your clinician will be able to advise you both on the suitability
of the above to your own particular clinical situation as well as the costs of your
treatment.
Where are dentures made?Dentures are made by a skilled team, led by your clinician. The actual fabrication
is done by highly skilled technical staff, frequently in a separate dental laboratory.
Much of the work that goes into the making of a Cosmetic Denture is never seen
by the patient who only sees that part carried out by their clinician.
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Enigma - the teeth behind natural
looking cosmetic dentures
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