Dentures or false teeth are a removable appliance that replace missing teeth. They can be used to improve aesthetics and function and give you a confident smile again. 

They are a very affordable and minimally invasive solution to replacing missing teeth. Dentures are custom made to you and can either  fit around the teeth you have, these are partial dentures or replace all the teeth with a full denture

How long does it take

The process can vary depending on how many teeth are being replaced usually an NHS denture will take four visits each two weeks apart and often another visit is needed after the fit for adjustments. With private dentures the visits are usually a week apart except for metal or flexi dentures where some stages will be two weeks apart. 

Cost 

 Basic dentures are available as NHS treatment and come under the band 3. There are private options available which can offer improvements in aesthetics, comfort and durability. Speak to your dentist about options that are suitable for you and see the fees page on the website 

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Wearing a denture 

It takes time to become accustomed to wearing your denture. Eating and speaking will be a little strange at first but usually people adapt quickly. You may notice increased saliva flow at first too. 

If there are sore spots after the initial fit then it's likely that the denture needs some minor adjustments. Call the practice to arrange an adjustment appointment with your dentist. 

It's important to remove the denture at night and clean it thoroughly. There are specific products you can get to clean dentures but a mild detergent and soft brush is recomended. Do not use bleach or very abrasive products and brushes. 

Be careful not to drop your denture onto hard surfaces as they can break. It's also very important to keep them somewhere safe when you aren't wearing them. The dentist will give you a box to keep them in at the fit appointment, you can also buy boxes easily online. 

Immediate dentures

sometimes referred to as interim or temporary dentures, these are fitted at the same time as the teeth are extracted. They will usually need to be replaced 3-6 months later as the oral tissues will heal and change shape. Some people prefer to have the extrctions and wait for the tissues to heal before making dentures. They are a good option if you don't want to be without teeth after the extractions however they often won't fit as well and will be less comfortable than a normal denture. Your dentist will advise you and discuss your options with you.