Dentures

Dentures in Camden, London

Dentures are removable false teeth that fit over the gums to replace the missing teeth and avoid any problem due to gaps in teeth. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear and changes in the soft tissues and gums that they are supported by. They help you to perform all functions efficiently. You can chew, smile, speak and smile confidently again.

Different types of dentures

Complete Dentures ( Full set) : These are used are used when all of the teeth in upper and lower arch are missing and need to be replaced. These fit snugly over your gums and jawbone. The denture will require all teeth to be removed. A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth or use an older denture they already have. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Partial Dentures : These are used when some of natural teeth remain and you need dentures which just replace one or few missing teeth. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting. These normally clip onto some of the natural teeth which securely hold it in place. These are removable and can easily be unclipped. These removable dentures usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-coloured acrylic base, which is connected by metal or plastic framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth.

Implant retained Dentures : More cost effective way of replacing multiple or all missing teeth. Implant retained dentures could be used where dentures are held securely in place with the help of implants. It not only is more comfortable but also eliminates the movement problem commonly experienced by few patients in traditional dentures, thus providing a secure method of holding your denture in place so you can eat and talk without fear of your denture slipping. The implants help in maintaining your facial structure by preserving the remaining bone in the jaws

Benefits

Have a full set of fully functioning teeth
Provide support to cheeks and lips that often give sunken appearance if missing set of teeth
Improve your smile and boosts the self-confidence by enhancing facial appearance
Help in chewing food and prevent eating problems like digestion
Help speak clearly and prevent problems with speech
Cost effective
Long lasting if proper care is taken

Alternatives

Even though dentures are quite popular some people find dentures to be uncomfortable and awkward. Also, dentures do have some drawbacks which could be avoided by other popular alternative for missing teeth i.e Dental Implants. Dental implants can be used to replace single, few or all your teeth and are most effective solution for teeth restoration. However, they do cost more than dentures.

FAQs

How long do dentures last for?

Dentures last for a long time if proper care is taken. However, your gums and jawbone will shrink eventually as a result of ageing which means that the dentures may not fit well and with time they will become loose. Whenever this happens you will need to get it relined or adjusted else it can cause sores and infections.

How are dentures fitted?

The patient will require initial consultation with the dentist to examine his or her case to check if they are suitable for a denture.

If the patients requires teeth removed then extraction would be carried out before the denture fitting. After this or if there are no teeth to be extracted then the dentist will examine the condition of your gums to check if they are healthy.

An impression of the teeth is prepared using moulds which the patients bite into. This gives the guidance for making the dentures. They are sent to the laborotory and start the procedure for making dentures. If you opted for immediate denture then these will be fitted right away as it would have been fabricated in the first visit before teeth are removed.

You might have to visit the clinic few times during the healing process so that the dentist can examine your case and ensure you are happy with the denture.

When to see dentist after getting denture?

We recommend patients who have dentures to visit dentist regularly as dentures normally wear and become loose with time. You should visit the clinic asap if dentures

Don’t fit properly and tend to slip
Look visibly worn
Feel uncomfortable or click while talking
You have symptoms of gum disease or tooth decay

How to clean your dentures?

If dentures are not cleaned for plaque and food deposit it can lead to issues like gum disease, tooth decay and other dental problems. They should be cleaned as often as the normal teeth. Dentures should be;

Brushed with toothpaste or soap and water and then soaked overnight to remove food particles
Soaked in fizzy solution of denture cleaning tablets to get rid of stains and bacteria
Brushed again just like the normal teeth