A partial denture can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. This type of denture must be removed for cleaning and should be taken out at night. There are a variety of types, but they usually include a metal and/or plastic base carrying plastic or porcelain artificial teeth. Metal clasps are usually used to keep the denture in position. Where possible, these are hidden so that they can't be seen during smiling and talking. Tiny grooves may need to be cut into remaining teeth or fillings, so that the denture clips into a firm position.

Full dentures are needed when there are no teeth left in the upper or lower jaw. Full dentures must be removed for cleaning and should be taken out at night. They are usually made of a plastic base carrying plastic or porcelain teeth. Full upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth. A very thin layer of saliva between the roof of the mouth and the denture creates suction, which keeps it firmly in position. Because upper dentures cover the palate, they may affect how people sense the temperature and taste of food. Full lower dentures can be more difficult to keep in place. This is partly because the floor of the mouth is very muscular, and may push the denture out of place. However, over time the tongue muscles tend to get used to the shape of the denture and adapt to keep it in place.

 

In constructing dentures the dentist will take impressions of the mouth, record the relation of the upper and lower jaws (the bite), check this in conjunction with the patient and provide and insert the dentures.

It is very important to have realistic expectations of dentures. They should help you to eat, speak and smile confidently, but even the best dentures won't feel the same as natural teeth. After having new dentures fitted, it's normal to produce more saliva than usual for a few hours, and for your mouth to feel a bit irritated for a few days. During the first days and weeks, your tongue and cheek muscles will adapt to the new dentures. At first, some words may be difficult to pronounce. Reading out loud and practising tricky words can help. It takes a while to get used to eating with new dentures, so it's best to start with soft food. Chewing slowly, using both sides of the mouth at once, will help to keep the denture in place. The older you are, the longer it can take to get used to new dentures, especially if you haven't worn false teeth before.

Like natural teeth, dentures must be kept as clean as possible. They should be cleaned twice a day, and rinsed after eating. Any remaining natural teeth should be brushed twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Take the dentures out and clean them over a folded towel or basin of water - they are fragile and likely to break if dropped. Use a soft toothbrush and ordinary soap or toothpaste to remove any food that has stuck to the dentures. When you aren't wearing your dentures, keep them in a container so that they don't get broken. At night, put them in clean water or a denture-soaking solution. Ask your dentist to recommend a solution that is suitable for your design of dentures. Never soak them in bleach or boiling water.

 

Worn, ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and discomfort. Ideally, dentures should be replaced once in while before problems arise. People with full dentures still need to see the dentist regularly so that any infections and other conditions can be detected at an early stage.

Alternative treatment to the provision of dentures for patients who have lost all of their natural teeth and have difficulties controlling or adapting to dentures might include implants. For patients who still have natural teeth remaining, other forms of treatment might include implants or bridges or both.