Dentures

While dentures may be more usually associated with older people, people of any age may need dentures when they lose one or more teeth. They are not just used for cosmetic reasons or to fill ugly gaps in smiles, but are also important to help people continue to eat a healthy diet and to stop their teeth moving even further out of shape. You can have dentures made out of different materials such as acrylic or metal.

Sometimes when you have gaps in your teeth, those either side can move and create problems with your bite, and even alter the shape of your face. You will be able to eat most foods with confidence and stop your speech from being affected.

If you only have gaps where one or two teeth are missing, you can wear partial dentures, which are often held in place by the remaining natural teeth either side or even with metal clasps that are attached to the teeth themselves. The dentist will be able to help you pick the false teeth that most closely match the colour and shade of your own.

Why would I need dentures?

Dentures are needed either because teeth have fallen out, or because they needed to be removed because of tooth decay. Sometimes teeth are knocked out in accidents. You can usually have dentures fitted straight after the teeth have been removed or knocked out; though these "immediate dentures" are only temporary while your gums are healing, and your teeth and mouth are settling into their new positions.

In order for dentures to be fitted securely to the size and shape of your mouth, the dentist will need to take an impression of your jaw before the dentures can be manufactured; this is the case whether you are having a full set made or just require partial dentures. For denture stability you may wish to consider dentures with dental implants, both advanced treatments offered by our team at Nottingham Smiles.