Dentures & Bridges
Regain your confidence and restore your smile with high-quality dentures and bridges
Dentures are a trusted and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are removable plastic or metal frameworks that carry single or multiple false teeth.
Custom-made for comfort
If you choose to replace missing teeth with dentures, they will be custom made to fit the size and shape of your mouth, making them feel and look as natural as possible. Dentures are custom-made using impressions from your gums. They’re usually made from chrome or acrylic. They’re removable so you can clean them, although part dentures can be brushed at the same time as your other teeth.
Full dentures
A full set needs to be removed and soaked in a cleaning solution. With full dentures, the artificial teeth are fixed to a plate that sits snugly over your gums and – in the case of an upper denture – on the roof of your mouth. This plate is usually made from gum-coloured acrylic material, but the inner part can be made from metal. The ‘gum’ extends far enough away from the teeth that the edge is not visible when you smile.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures often have clasps that clip on to the teeth next to your denture and help to keep it in place. Full upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth (palate). A very thin layer of saliva between your palate and the denture creates suction, which keeps it firmly in position. Your facial muscles and tongue also help to keep it in place. Full lower dentures are often more difficult to keep in place because there is less support from your gums. With a little practice, you will learn to balance the denture between your cheeks and tongue. You can use denture adhesive cream (fixative), although most people don’t need to. Some people find it helps with their confidence while they’re getting used to new dentures.
Adjusting to dentures
It takes time to get used to wearing dentures. They’re not a permanent solution for missing teeth, dentures are removable and shouldn’t be worn at night. Poorly fitting dentures can make your mouth very sore, so if you are concerned about the fit, see your dentist.
Just ask your dentist
If you’d like to understand more about dentures and whether they’re suitable for your needs, please get in touch using the form at the bottom of this page and we will be happy to advise you, and answer any questions.
Dentures & Bridges Before & After Photos
Dentures & Bridges FAQ
Depending on how many teeth you have missing, you may have a full or partial denture. You may also have a temporary partial denture while you’re waiting to have a bridge or implant to be fitted. A full denture is a removable acrylic base, or plate, which sits over the gums. On top of this sits a set of crafted acrylic teeth, which will be made to look as natural as possible. This replaces your original teeth.
A partial denture is attached to the teeth either side of the gap and replaces one or a few missing teeth. They are also used as an alternative to a bridge to fill gaps in your teeth. Partial dentures may have a base plate made of plastic or metal. Those made with metal are stronger and lighter, but are more expensive.
If you have missing teeth it can affect the way you look and make your speech less clear, which may affect your confidence. Dentures can help you smile with confidence again, and they can improve your everyday life by helping you to eat more comfortably and speak more clearly.
Replacing missing teeth can also help to keep your remaining teeth healthy as any issues with the way you bite can be corrected, and gaps, which may lead to decay, are filled.
Alternatives to removable dentures include:
- Bridges – False teeth that are fixed onto existing natural teeth
- Dental Implants – False teeth fitted on top of a titanium implant that is fixed directly into your jawbone
What’s best for you depends on the number of teeth you have missing. It also depends on which teeth are missing and the condition of your remaining teeth and gums.
Dentures & Bridges Questions
Have a question about Dentures & Bridges? Please complete this form and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively, call our Leeds clinic on 0113 268 0886 or our Brighouse clinic on 01484 711178.
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