Complete dentures, often referred to as full dentures, are designed to replace all the teeth in either the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. These dentures consist of teeth set on acrylic baseplates, custom-made to fit over your gum tissues and underlying bony jaw structures.
Typically, individuals who require complete dentures have lost all their upper teeth and some lower teeth, rather than the reverse. This prevalence is likely due to the denser bone structure found in the lower jaws.
For those with no remaining natural teeth, prosthetic dentures for both upper and lower jaws are necessary to restore proper chewing function.
Why do I need dentures?
There are numerous reasons as to why an individual may consider dentures. Some key reasons why dentures might be necessary are:
- To Eat Correctly: Dentures enable proper chewing and facilitate the ability to eat a balanced diet, ensuring adequate nutrition intake.
- To Chew and Process Food: Properly functioning dentures aid in breaking down food effectively, promoting digestion and reducing the risk of indigestion and related stomach issues.
- For Aesthetic Reasons: Dentures not only restore the functionality of missing teeth but also contribute to an improved appearance, boosting self-confidence and overall well-being.
- To Restore Facial Height: Tooth loss can lead to changes in facial structure, such as loss of facial height. Dentures help restore facial contours and maintain natural facial proportions.
- To Prevent Jaw Joint Problems: Ill-fitting or missing teeth can contribute to jaw joint problems and discomfort. Dentures provide support and alignment, reducing strain on the jaw joint and minimising associated issues.
Whether it’s for functional, aesthetic, or health-related reasons, dentures play a crucial role in restoring oral health, confidence, and overall quality of life for individuals experiencing tooth loss.
How are dentures fitted?
The process of creating and fitting complete dentures involves several steps, ensuring precision and customizability to meet individual needs. Here’s an overview:
- Examination and Treatment Planning: Initial consultation involves a thorough assessment of your dental and medical history, followed by a detailed examination of soft and hard tissues. Expectations, costs, and treatment plans are discussed.
- Primary Impression: A preliminary impression of the mouth is taken using specialised trays and materials to capture the full extension of where the denture will sit.
- Definitive Impression: A custom-fitted tray is crafted to your mouth’s unique shape, and a new impression is taken. Techniques involving cheek, tongue, and lip manipulation may be employed for optimal results.
- Bite Registration: Precise jaw positioning is recorded using wax bite blocks to establish the biting position. Special requests regarding tooth color, size, and arrangement are noted.
- Try-In: Multiple try-in appointments may be necessary to perfect the denture setup. Adjustments may be made to the teeth arrangement based on patient feedback.
- Final Fitting: Once both the patient and clinician are satisfied with the denture setup, the final denture is crafted in acrylic and provided to the patient.
- Aftercare: Instructions on denture care are provided, and adjustments may be made during subsequent appointments to ensure optimal fit and comfort.
At Neyo, we take pride in delivering dentures manufactured to the highest specifications, ensuring a thorough and meticulous process to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Can I eat with dentures?
You can eat with dentures in, but when initially adjusting to dentures, it’s best to begin with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth. You can then gradually reintroduce other types of foods into your diet a little at a time to give yourself a chance to get used to them.
Adapting to a new set of dentures typically requires weeks, and possibly even months, especially if it’s your first time wearing them or if you’ve transitioned to a significantly different set. It’s common to experience some rubbing or discomfort while eating.
Should you encounter any rubbing or discomfort, scheduling an appointment for necessary adjustments is recommended. It may take several adjustments before the new dentures properly settle and provide optimal comfort.
The benefits of having dentures
There are many benefits, both physical and mental, to getting dentures. On a physical level, dentures enable you to eat, chew, and digest your food properly, ensuring efficient digestion and the release of vital vitamins and nutrients. This can aid weight management by reducing hunger, and also promotes overall health. Without dentures, inadequate chewing can lead to stomach and digestion issues due to insufficient breakdown of food before it reaches your digestive tract.
Well-crafted dentures can restore your facial features to their natural state, which may help you feel more comfortable and confident in your appearance. In contrast, the absence of dentures or the use of worn-out ones can cause facial sagging and lines, while misaligned jaws can lead to discomfort and additional complications with the jaw joint.
Looking after your dentures
It’s important to know how to care for your dentures to ensure their longevity – you should treat them like you would your natural teeth.Here are some tips to keep your dentures in great shape:
- Brush, soak, then brush again: After every meal, gently clean your dentures using a soft toothbrush and soap. Ensure thorough cleaning of all surfaces, including those that come into contact with your gums and the roof of your mouth. Consider soaking them in a denture cleaning solution to remove stains before giving them another brush.
- Clean over a soft surface: Dentures are delicate and may break if accidentally dropped. To prevent damage, clean them over a soft surface or a bowl of water to cushion any potential falls.
- Use the correct products: Be mindful of the type of denture you have, especially if it has a soft lining. Consult your dentist for guidance on which denture cleaning solutions are safe to use, as some products may be too harsh and can damage delicate linings.
- Prevent dryness: Keeping your dentures moist is essential to prevent them from losing their shape and becoming brittle. Store them in a plastic box or a glass of cold water overnight to maintain their moisture levels and prevent drying out.
By following these simple yet effective care tips, you can ensure the longevity and functionality of your dentures, allowing you to enjoy a confident smile and optimal oral health for years to come.
How much do dentures cost?
At Neyo, we offer two options for dentures:
- Complete Dentures: Starting at £950 per jaw, our complete dentures provide a reliable solution for restoring your smile and chewing function.
- Biofunctional Dentures: Starting at £1200 per jaw, our biofunctional dentures are designed with advanced techniques, materials, and components to offer a more realistic appearance and improved functionality. These dentures are crafted to enhance not only your smile but also your overall comfort and confidence.
Whichever denture type you opt for, Neyo is dedicated to providing quality prosthetic solutions tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
If you would like some further advice or information about the different types of dentures available, contact us by phone or pop in for a chat at our clinic in Burgess Hill, Sussex.
