Dentures

Do you have a number of decayed, broken or missing teeth? If so, then a high quality, natural looking denture professionally fitted at Rotherholme Dental could help to restore your smile. Not only will you regain function and attractiveness in your mouth but you will also notice a significant improvement in your overall facial features which can sag and begin to look aged when several teeth are missing.

A denture (otherwise known as false teeth) is a removable device which comprises a gum coloured acrylic plate with crowns attached as required. A denture can be full (replacing all of your teeth) or partial- anchoring to existing teeth with metal wires and replacing missing teeth as necessary.

At Rotherholme, we have a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry and would relish the opportunity to help you restore your smile. We gain a great deal of job satisfaction when we see a patient leave us with a brand new set of teeth- particularly those who thought nothing could ever be done to help!

Our dentists have a keen interest in the area of cosmetic dentistry and are very experienced in the highly complex procedure involved in the manufacture and fit of dentures.

Until fairly recently, dentures have often been considered uncomfortable and unattractive but, when made and fitted well, modern dentures really are very natural looking and can greatly enhance your quality of life. A denture should fit so well that no-one even need know you are wearing it.

A denture will:

• Help you to eat and drink more easily.
• Help you feel confident when talking and smiling.
• Restore sunken facial features- such as cheeks and lips.
• Improve the overall health of your mouth- without gaps you have less chance of developing tooth decay because of stuck food.

What is involved?

The measure and fit of a denture is a highly personal process and will require several appointments so that we can make sure it is just right. Each and every case is different.

Often extractions may be required prior to the denture being fitting and this may require some recovery time- although often a set of dentures can be fitted straight away.

The quality of your denture reflects directly on us at Rotherholme dental and, as such, we choose to work with only the best external suppliers. We select those laboratories which meet our high standards of service, those that we trust to deliver an exceptional product and with whom we have built a strong relationship over time.

• Depending on whether you need a full or partial denture a tray will be used to take a first set of impressions. This will show us where the denture/s will sit and where your muscles and gums are in relation to this.
• Following this, a second impression will be taken and used to produce a model of your mouth. You will be asked to move your tongue, swallow and make certain sounds during this process in order to mould the muscles in your cheeks, tongue and lips.

Many factors will be taken into consideration when your denture is made as it is imperative that it sits comfortably in your mouth. The bite, support required to the lips and cheeks, the position of your teeth and the height of your denture will all be carefully considered – as will the size, shape and colour of any false teeth which will make up the denture. It really is a highly complex process- hence the time and cost involved!

• A wax denture will be produced and fitted to your mouth. It may take more than one appointment to check the fit of your new dentures as it’s likely they will need to be adjusted. Teeth can be removed from the denture and re-set if required. We ask you to be totally honest with us at this point so that you are 100% happy with the final result.

For a very natural finish some people ask us if they can keep features of their teeth from before. They may ask for them to be slightly wonky (rather than perfectly straight) or for the odd filling to be dotted in!

What to expect from your new dentures:

Although you are likely to be very pleased with your brand new smile, it can take a little time to get used to the feel of your dentures.

Eating – may be slightly difficult- if so, stick with softer foods and introduce items slowly. Make sure you eat on both sides of your mouth.
Speech – may be affected while you get used to your new denture. Practice difficult words, read aloud, talk often to family, friends (even to yourself when you’re at home) you’ll soon find that this improves within a couple of weeks.
Discomfort – you may find your denture slightly uncomfortable in the first few days. This may be because it requires adjustment. If the pain get worse remove the denture. Return to us for a check over.

I feel a little scared about getting my new dentures?

The thought of getting a brand new (or replacement) set of dentures can be scary- particularly if you have had missing teeth for a while or will require extractions beforehand. Do bear in mind that a denture is likely to greatly improve your overall standard of life- allowing you to enjoy eating, talking and socialising again.

At Rotherholme we are very experienced in looking after nervous patients. We promise to always listen to you, taking into account your needs. Procedures will be undertaken in our relaxed and comfortable surgery where staff will treat you with the utmost respect and care.

Whatever your fears, please talk to us and we will do all we can to help you. Whether you need regular breaks during treatment, a slow and steady approach or you’d like us to avoid needles- we’ve honestly heard it all before and will do all we can to help make you feel relaxed and at ease.

Caring for your dentures:

• We only use the best quality materials in the manufacture of our dentures to ensure they look natural and feel comfortable and secure. When looked after, dentures are highly durable and hard wearing. Do be aware though that they can still be damaged.
• Your denture will need to be removed at night (unless otherwise advised) and stored in cool or luke warm (not hot) water- don’t let it dry out or it may warp or crack.
• When you remove your denture place a towel or flannel on the sink in front of you- if you drop your denture on a hard surface it may break.
• Don’t use toothpaste on your denture as this could scratch the surface.
• Clean it every day with a denture brush and denture paste or soap. Soak it in denture fluid to remove stains.
• Clean your gums with a soft bristled toothbrush to remove any food or plaque. Rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash is a good way to freshen your mouth at the end of the day.
• Whether your denture is full or partial you should attend regular check-ups with your dentist. The future success of your denture will depend on the health of your gums and any remaining teeth so it’s important to keep them strong.
• Remember to thoroughly rinse your denture before you put it back in your mouth.
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