Dentures

At Rodney George Dental, we offer dentures to individuals who are missing multiple teeth and would like to have their oral function restored. We offer both complete dentures for individuals who are missing all of their natural teeth, and partial dentures to those who have some remaining teeth.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are suitable for patients who have some missing teeth and some remaining natural teeth. They are made up of replacement teeth, which are attached to a plastic base or preferably to a chrome cobalt base. A partial denture fills in the gaps left by missing teeth and also helps to prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place. Partial dentures are removable and can be taken out for cleaning and soaking.

Complete dentures

Complete dentures are recommended in cases where all one’s natural teeth are missing. Complete dentures are available in conventional or immediate styles. Conventional dentures are fabricated after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually after eight to 12 weeks), while immediate dentures are made in advance and can be fitted as soon as the teeth have been removed.

How are dentures made?

In order to ensure that your dentures are made to fit your mouth comfortably, your dentist will make impressions of your jaw so that models can be fabricated. You will have the opportunity to try on these models before a final version is cast. This will give your dentist the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments and assess your dentures for colour, fit and shape so that the final product looks and feels great.

What can you expect once your dentures have been fitted?

When you first start to wear your dentures, you may notice that they feel a little loose. It can take some time to get used to them, and over time the muscles of your cheeks and tongue will adjust and keep them in place. You may experience some issues such as an increase in saliva flow, minor discomfort and irritation, but these side effects should subside within a few weeks.

Modern dentures are made to resemble natural teeth, so the appearance of your smile will improve and no one will even know that you have prosthetics.

When it comes to eating, it can take a little time to adjust to your new dentures. We recommend that you begin with soft foods, and gradually include more foods as you begin to feel more comfortable chewing. It is best to avoid very hard and sticky foods like toffee and nuts, as well as chewing gum.

Are denture adhesives necessary?

Many of our patients benefit from using a good quality denture adhesive and we stock some products at our practice for your convenience. There are a number of benefits to using a denture adhesive. They are specially formulated to improve stability and retention, which helps with one’s ability to bite. Denture adhesives are also well suited to patients who suffer from a dry mouth as a result of certain medical conditions or medications.

If you are interested in finding out more about dentures, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is highly experienced and is available to answer any questions you might have. When you come in for a consultation, Dr George will assess your oral health and let you know if dentures are right for you.

As well as denture adhesives, we also stock a range of denture cleaning tablets and solutions and denture baths. Let us know if you need any information regarding how best to take care of and clean your dentures — we are happy to help.