Dentures
Dentures are false teeth, typically made of acrylic, which fit snugly over your gums to replace missing teeth. Dentures are not fixed in place and need to be removed regularly for cleaning and to ensure that your gums remain healthy.
There are 2 types of traditional dentures:
Complete dentures (a full set) whereby all of your upper or lower teeth are replaced. Artificial teeth are attached to a plate that sits against your gums. A large selection of artificial teeth is available and it is possible to achieve a very natural appearance with complete dentures.
It is also possible to combine complete dentures with dental implants. This helps secure your dentures and prevents them from moving; it also allows us to remove the amount of acrylic that covers the palate allowing you to taste and enjoy your foods better. Dentures constructed in this way are often termed “snap on dentures”.
Partial dentures These replace just one or a few missing teeth. Partial dentures can be made from a variety of materials and often clip around your remaining healthy teeth. The number of missing teeth and the location and distribution of your remaining teeth will determine the choice of material.
All of your options and their respective benefits will be discussed with you at your consultation.
The procedure
An initial consultation will allow us to determine your individual needs. We will examine your mouth and possibly take x-rays. It is important that your mouth is healthy before making new dentures.
We adopt a team approach at Cape Road Dental Practice to ensure our patients get the best possible results and this often involves our dentists working closely with a Clinical Dental Technician. Our dentists will ensure that your mouth is healthy and carry out any necessary remedial work before you see a Clinical Dental Technician.
Our resident Clinical Dental Technician will discuss all your options and ensure that you fully understand the treatments being offered. In order to construct your dentures it is important to record your exact jaw shape and bite profile. This can be done with conventional putty impressions or using a digital scanner. The digital scanner is a great option for patients who don’t cope well with conventional impressions.
Your dentures will be constructed so that they match your natural teeth’s shape, size, and colour. During the fitting process we will fit you with a trial set of dentures to check the fit and appearance. Once you’re happy with your new smile, the final dentures will be created and fitted.
Alternatives to dentures
If you are unsure whether dentures are right for you, or you’re looking for a solution that is permanently fixed in place, there are other options to explore. Dental implants or bridges might be an option worth considering. One of our team will be more than happy to discuss this with you.
If you are unsure which denture package to choose or want to find out more about the dentures we offer, speak to Cape Road today. Call 01926 491029 or fill out the form below.
