Dentures

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth, designed to restore your smile, improve comfort, and help you eat and speak more confidently. They are typically made using natural-looking resin teeth attached to a durable acrylic base.

There are two main types of dentures:

• Complete dentures – used when all natural teeth are missing
• Partial dentures – used when some healthy natural teeth remain, often secured with discreet clasps for stability

Will My Dentures Look Natural?

Yes. Modern dentures are designed to look highly realistic and are carefully tailored to suit your mouth, facial appearance, and smile.

The colour, shape, and fit of your dentures are chosen to create a natural appearance, helping you feel comfortable and confident in everyday life.

Getting Used to Dentures

It is completely normal for new dentures to feel unusual at first. They may initially feel slightly bulky or unfamiliar, and you may notice increased saliva production during the adjustment period. Most people adapt within a short time and quickly regain confidence with eating, speaking, and smiling. Like anything new, it simply takes a little practice and patience.

Will Dentures Affect My Speech?

Some words may feel slightly difficult to pronounce at first, particularly those with “s” or “f” sounds. Reading aloud and practising everyday conversation can help speed up the adjustment process. In time, speaking with dentures usually becomes completely natural.

Eating With Dentures

When you first begin wearing dentures, softer foods and smaller bites are often easiest. Chewing slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth can help improve stability and comfort. As your confidence grows, you should be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods again. Some patients also find denture fixatives useful for additional support while eating.

What Are Denture Fixatives?

Denture fixatives are specially designed adhesives that help improve the stability and retention of dentures throughout the day.

They can help:

• Reduce movement and slipping
• Improve comfort while eating and speaking
• Prevent food particles getting trapped beneath dentures
• Increase confidence in social situations
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Even well-fitting dentures can sometimes benefit from a fixative, particularly during the adjustment period.

Caring For Your Dentures

Dentures should be cleaned daily to help maintain good oral hygiene and keep them looking their best.

We recommend:

• Removing dentures before cleaning
• Using a denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner
• Cleaning over a sink filled with water to avoid accidental damage
• Cleaning any remaining natural teeth and gums carefully

Good denture hygiene helps reduce plaque build-up, staining, and irritation.

Should I Soak My Dentures?

Some dentures can be soaked in a denture cleaning solution, although brushing remains the most effective way to remove plaque and debris. If your dentures contain metal components, avoid prolonged soaking unless advised otherwise by your dentist.

Regular Dental Check-Ups Still Matter

Even if you wear full dentures, regular dental appointments remain important. Over time, your mouth naturally changes shape, which can affect the fit and comfort of your dentures. Regular reviews allow your dentist to check the fit, assess your oral health, and advise when adjustments or replacements may be needed. For most patients, we recommend denture reviews at least once a year.