Dentures

In the past, people often had their natural teeth pulled out when there was a problem and had them replaced with false teeth (dentures). These days, dental practitioners aim to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.

With good care, teeth can last a lifetime. But even with good care, over time, damage may occur that leads to tooth loss and teeth may need to be replaced with a full or partial denture. Teeth can be damaged or lost due to decay, injury, and gum problems.

Benefits of dentures

• Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food. This might make it difficult to get the nutrients your body needs which can affect your health. Dentures can help you to continue to eat and drink normally.
• Dentures aim to look like natural teeth. They can help to maintain your appearance and confidence if some of your teeth have become damaged or are missing.

Dentures are usually more affordable than other tooth/teeth replacement options.

Types of dentures

There are two main types of removable dentures:

• full dentures – used when all of the teeth in one jaw are missing. These dentures are made from plastic.
• partial dentures – made when some teeth are missing, but other natural teeth are present. The denture replaces only the teeth that are missing. These dentures can be made from plastic, metal or a combination of both. They usually have little metal clasps which rest or grip on the natural teeth to hold the denture in place. It is important for your remaining teeth and gums to be in good health, to support the partial denture.

Making dentures

Dentures can be made for you by a dentist, dental prosthetist (advanced dental technician) or specialist prosthodontist.

Dentures are made specially to fit your mouth to match your smile, colour of your teeth and your bite. This usually means you will need several dental visits to make sure that measurements are correct and the denture fits well.

There are several ways to have dentures made:

• If you have had missing teeth for a while, denture measurements will start after the dental practitioner has checked that all your remaining teeth and gums are healthy and can support a denture.
• If you have recently had teeth removed, measurements usually start about two to three months after your teeth have been taken out. This allows time for the gum and bone to heal and settle which means that the denture has a better fit from the start. The dental practitioner will also check that any remaining teeth and gums are healthy and strong to hold the denture.
• Immediate dentures may be considered when you do not wish to be without teeth for two to three months. Denture measurements begin before the teeth are taken out, so that the dentures are ready to be put in at the same time your teeth are removed. Changes to the bone after the teeth are removed may cause the denture to become loose over time and it may need to be adjusted and “relined” within a few months to improve the fit. Sometimes, there may be a need to remake the denture if there is a lot of bone and gum shrinkage.
• All dentures may need to be replaced or relined after a period of time, as your gums change with age.

Your dental practitioner can suggest which options might be best for you, based on your particular circumstances.

Preparing for dentures

You may need to take some time to prepare yourself emotionally for getting dentures. Research has found that tooth loss can cause emotions such as grief, denial, anger and depression. You may feel a loss of confidence or feel self-conscious when eating, talking or smiling.

Speak with your dental practitioner if you feel worried about getting dentures.

Getting used to dentures

People often report that new dentures feel unusual and take a while to adjust to.

Eating with dentures may take some time to feel normal and comfortable. Start by eating soft foods, eating slowly, and cutting food into small pieces. Gradually you can introduce hard foods again, but you might not be able to eat all the same foods as before. The dentures may press on the gum tissues during eating, causing a sore spot. If this happens, return to your dental clinic as soon as possible for adjustments.

It will also take a while to get used to talking while wearing your dentures. You might sound slightly different, and you might hear your dentures ‘click’. You may need ‘denture glue’ to keep your dentures stable, especially if your bone is thin.

See your dental practitioner if you have difficulties which do not get better after a few weeks.

Complications of dentures

You may experience some issues with your dentures. See your dental practitioner if you have:

• pain
• ulcers (sores) that last more than two weeks
• dentures that don’t fit well or are uncomfortable
• loose teeth
• bleeding gums
• swelling
• a gum abscess (pus-filled sore on the gum)
• soreness or cracks in the corner of your mouth
• bad breath.

Ask your dental practitioner how often you should have your dentures checked.

Caring for your dentures and your mouth

It is important to look after your dentures to keep your mouth healthy.

Clean your dentures in the morning and before going to bed at night to remove food particles and plaque build-up. It’s really important to take your dentures out before going to sleep at night. Leaving your dentures out overnight gives your mouth a chance to rest and recover. It also helps to prevent fungal infections.

Tips for cleaning your dentures:

• Take the denture out of your mouth.
• Brush all surfaces of the denture to remove food and plaque build-up. Use a denture brush with mild soap and water, or denture cleaning solution. Toothpaste is not recommended because it can scratch the dentures.
• Hold the denture gently but firmly. Do not hold the lower dentures at the ends as they are U shaped and the pressure might cause them to snap.
• Clean dentures over a hand basin half-filled with water or covered with a towel. This means they won’t break if you drop them.
• Rinse well with cold water.

You also need to clean any remaining natural teeth while your dentures are out. Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to gently brush any parts of your mouth that are normally covered by the dentures. This includes your gums and the roof of your mouth.

Keep cleaned dentures in a clean, dry container overnight. Rinse them under fresh cold water before putting them in again. You may also like to rinse them in cold water after meals. It is important to remember to never use hot water for cleaning or rinsing dentures as it can change the shape and fit of the denture.

Other things you can do for a healthy mouth

Other things you can do for a healthy mouth include:

• Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods every day.
• Drink plenty of tap water.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals.
• Have regular dental check-ups.
• If you take medication, ask your doctor, pharmacist or dental practitioner if it will affect your mouth.
• Quit smoking.

Where to get help:

• Your dentist or other dental practitioner
• Dental Prosthetist
• Oral Health Victoria provides public dental services through the Royal Dental Hospital Of Melbourne and community dental clinics for eligible people. For more information about public dental services call (03) 9341 1000, or 1800 833 039 outside Melbourne metro.
• Australian Dental Association 'Find a Dentist' or call (03) 8825 4600