Dental Practice | Career |

Dentures

Dentures are an affordable way of replacing missing teeth. They can replace either a few teeth - a partial denture - or a whole set - complete dentures. Some people are worried that others will be able to tell immediately that they have dentures, but the quality and appearance can be very good.

Complete dentures are usually made of acrylic (plastic). Partial dentures can be made of acrylic, nylon or a light metal alloy base. Valplast dentures are made of a nylon based material. The advantages are that the translucency of the material picks up underlying tissue tones, making it almost impossible to detect in the mouth. No clasping is visible on tooth surfaces, improving aesthetics. The material is exceptionally strong and also flexible. Complete biocompatibility is achieved because the material is free of monomer and metal, these being the principle causes of allergic reactions in conventional denture materials.

If you have lost some teeth, dentures can improve the way you look, bite, chew and speak. The teeth that are left are protected from wear and tear. Without dentures, the natural teeth may move or tilt, stopping your teeth biting together properly. Dentures will never feel like your own teeth and it can take time to get used to them. If you haven't had a denture before, the dentist will want to explain the difficulties of wearing dentures, as well as the benefits and how you should look after your new dentures and the teeth you have left.