Dentures
Dentures (also known as false teeth) are removable appliances that can be used to replace missing teeth. Usually made from acrylic or a mix of acrylic and cobalt chrome, dentures are a relatively straightforward cost effective solution for replacing one or several missing teeth. Dentures can also be used to replace a full arch of teeth.
Whilst many people find dentures an effective solution for replacing teeth, they can also be quite problematic and difficult to get used to. Dentures are notorious for moving around when eating and speaking and they can significantly limit your dietary choices and cause some people to feel quite self-conscious and embarrassed. It is now possible to stabilise dentures using dental implants, this involves having 2-4 dental implants placed which then connect to the denture using precision attachments to help keep the denture in place and fitting comfortably.
In some cases there may be a better option for replacing missing teeth and these include bridges and dental implants.
Whilst many people find dentures an effective solution for replacing teeth, they can also be quite problematic and difficult to get used to. Dentures are notorious for moving around when eating and speaking and they can significantly limit your dietary choices and cause some people to feel quite self-conscious and embarrassed. It is now possible to stabilise dentures using dental implants, this involves having 2-4 dental implants placed which then connect to the denture using precision attachments to help keep the denture in place and fitting comfortably.
In some cases there may be a better option for replacing missing teeth and these include bridges and dental implants.
Frequently asked questions
What is a denture?
A denture is a custom made appliance used to replace missing teeth. Usually dentures are made out of acrylic (plastic) although other materials are available such as cobalt chrome.
Why would I need a denture?
If you have lost or are due to be losing teeth your dentist will discuss the benefits of replacing the missing teeth. Whether for functional or aesthetic reasons living with gaps is rarely desirable. Whilst a dentures is usually the least favourable option due to its limitations it is still a popular choice for replacing missing teeth.
How long will a denture last?
An acrylic denture has an average life-span of 5 to 8 years. The longevity of a denture will largely depend on the health of your mouth and how well you look after it.
What will life be like with a denture?
Dentures can provide a cost-effective and predictable option for replacing missing teeth. However living with dentures is not without its problems. Many patients report movement of the denture whilst eating and speaking. Dentures limit the type of food that you can eat and most patients eventually need to use a fixative/adhesive to secure the denture.
What are the alternatives?
Depending upon your individual needs, alternatives to a denture could include a bridge or dental implants. Your dentist will discuss the risks and benefits of each of the treatments with you during your consultation.
A denture is a custom made appliance used to replace missing teeth. Usually dentures are made out of acrylic (plastic) although other materials are available such as cobalt chrome.
Why would I need a denture?
If you have lost or are due to be losing teeth your dentist will discuss the benefits of replacing the missing teeth. Whether for functional or aesthetic reasons living with gaps is rarely desirable. Whilst a dentures is usually the least favourable option due to its limitations it is still a popular choice for replacing missing teeth.
How long will a denture last?
An acrylic denture has an average life-span of 5 to 8 years. The longevity of a denture will largely depend on the health of your mouth and how well you look after it.
What will life be like with a denture?
Dentures can provide a cost-effective and predictable option for replacing missing teeth. However living with dentures is not without its problems. Many patients report movement of the denture whilst eating and speaking. Dentures limit the type of food that you can eat and most patients eventually need to use a fixative/adhesive to secure the denture.
What are the alternatives?
Depending upon your individual needs, alternatives to a denture could include a bridge or dental implants. Your dentist will discuss the risks and benefits of each of the treatments with you during your consultation.
