Full and partial
A full denture replaces all the teeth in an arch and rests on the gum and the bone beneath it. An upper denture is held largely by suction against the palate; a lower one has far less to grip, which is why lower dentures are the harder of the two to get used to.
A partial denture replaces some teeth and clasps onto the remaining natural ones. As well as filling the gaps, it stops the remaining teeth drifting and tilting into the space. It is also the removable alternative to a bridge.
An immediate denture is fitted at the appointment the last teeth are removed, so you are not without teeth while the gums heal. The gum shrinks as it heals, though, so an immediate denture needs relining or replacing once healing settles — usually a few months on.
Dentures are not only for older adults. They can be a reliable and economical option at any age, and the decision is about the teeth and gums you have, not the year you were born.
- Examination. The gums, the remaining teeth and the bone are checked, usually with X-rays. Any teeth that cannot be saved are planned for extraction.
- Impressions and measurements. Records of the mouth and of how the jaws meet, so the denture sits at the right height and the bite is even.
- Try-in. Often the teeth are set in wax first so shape, shade and bite can be checked in your own mouth before the denture is finished.
- Fitting and adjustment. The finished denture is fitted, and follow-up visits relieve any sore spots as the tissue settles.
What to expect at first
A new denture takes practice. Speech usually adapts within days; reading aloud helps. Eating takes longer — start with soft food cut small, and chew on both sides at once to keep the denture stable. Very hard, very sticky and very tough foods are best left until you are confident.
Increased saliva and some sore spots early on are normal. Sore spots are adjusted at follow-up visits; they are not something to endure. If one appears, wearing the denture for a few hours before the appointment makes the spot easier to find.
Fit changes over time
The bone under a denture continues to resorb once teeth are gone, so a denture that fit well will loosen over the years. Relining adds new material to the fitting surface so it matches the changed tissue again. A loose denture rubs, causes sores and makes chewing harder, so it is worth having the fit checked at your regular exams — which also check the gums and soft tissue for anything else that needs attention.
Implant-retained dentures use two or more implants to anchor the denture, which addresses the looseness that most frustrates full-denture wearers, particularly on the lower jaw. The implants also load the bone, which slows the shrinkage that loosens a conventional denture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear my dentures at night?
Usually they are taken out overnight so the gums can rest, and kept in water or a denture-soaking solution so they do not dry out and warp. Follow the specific advice you are given, which is sometimes different in the first days.
How do I clean them?
Brush them daily with a denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner — regular toothpaste is too abrasive and scratches the surface. Clean over a folded towel or a basin of water so a drop does not break them, and brush your gums and tongue too.
Will they look obvious?
Modern dentures are made to match tooth shape, shade and gum contour to your face. Photographs of your own teeth from before, if you have them, help a great deal.
How long does it take to get used to a denture?
Speech usually settles within days to a couple of weeks. Eating comfortably takes longer — often several weeks — and a lower full denture generally takes the most getting used to because the tongue and cheeks move it.
How long do dentures last?
The teeth wear and the gum and bone underneath keep changing shape, so a denture typically needs relining every few years and replacing after several more. A denture that has become loose is a reason to be seen, not something to live with.
Can I use denture adhesive?
A small amount can add confidence, but a well-fitting denture should not need much. Needing more and more adhesive is usually a sign the fit has changed and a reline is due.
