Dentures

Dentures (or ‘false teeth’) should be comfortable and painless. It is important to choose the dentures that are right for you, and to keep your dentures clean and your mouth healthy. You will need information about your options and you may also need to prepare yourself for dentures.

Preparing for dentures

Today, dentistry is aimed at ensuring you keep your teeth for life. However, if you do need to get dentures, you may need to prepare for the effects of losing your teeth.

A 1998 British study (Fiske et al) indicated that the effects of tooth loss included: emotions similar to the ‘five stages of bereavement’ – denial, anger, depression, bargaining and acceptance; a loss of self-confidence; self-consciousness when eating, talking or smiling.

Selecting the right dentures

There are two ways to have dentures made:

  • An ‘immediate denture’ can be made while you still have some of your teeth, and inserted on the day your teeth are taken out. Changes to the bone may cause the denture to become loose and mean that, within a year, the dentures may need to be relined to improve the fit.
  • A denture is made two to three months after your teeth are removed. This allows time for the bone to change and heal, and means that the denture should be a better fit from the start.
  • The option chosen depends on the number of teeth being removed, personal preference and the facilities available to the dentist.

Caring for your dentures

Take your dentures out at night

Dentures should be removed when you go to bed, cleaned and stored in a container of cold water in a safe place. The gum or palate normally covered by the dentures should be gently brushed with a soft toothbrush.

Leaving the dentures out overnight allows the mouth to rest, gives tissues a chance to recover and regenerate, and prevents fungal infection.

Cleaning your dentures

When cleaning dentures remember to:

  • Handle dentures with care and avoid pressure on the weakest points.
  • Clean food debris and plaque from all denture surfaces.
  • Use a denture brush, toothpaste or denture cleaner and water, if possible.
  • Clean dentures over a hand basin half filled with water to prevent them breaking if dropped.

Keeping your mouth healthy

A healthy mouth has clean, stable teeth. You should have an even bite, secure dentures and be free of pain. Your mouth should be comfortable when you chew and your breath should be fresh. See your dentist if you have:

  • Painful or loose teeth
  • Ulcers which last more than two weeks
  • Gum abscess
  • Bleeding gums
  • Swelling
  • Soreness or cracks in the corner of your mouth.

Things to remember

  • You may find that losing your teeth has some emotional impacts.
  • Dentures are made in two ways. Select the option that you prefer.
  • Take dentures out at night and clean them regularly and correctly.
  • Dentures should be secure and comfortable. See your dentist if you have any pain or problems with your mouth or dentures.