Dentures (false teeth)

Dentures are removable false teeth made of acrylic (plastic), nylon or metal. They fit over the gums to replace missing teeth and prevent potential problems caused by gaps.

Gaps left by missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and teeth either side of the gap may grow into the space at an angle. You may therefore need a partial denture which replaces just one tooth or a few missing teeth.

Sometimes all the teeth need to be removed and replaced. If so, you would need a complete denture to replace all your upper or lower teeth, or both upper and lower teeth (a full set).

Dentures can help to prevent problems with eating and speech and they can also improve the appearance of your smile and give you confidence.

How dentures are fitted

Complete dentures

A full denture will be fitted if all your upper or lower teeth need to be removed or you’re having an old complete denture replaced.

The denture will usually be fitted as soon as your teeth are removed, which means you won’t be without teeth. The denture will fit over your gums and jawbone.

Your dentures should last several years if you take good care of them. However, your gums and jawbone will eventually shrink. This means the dentures may not fit as well as they used to and can become loose, or they may become worn.

Occasionally, your gums may need to be left to heal and change in shape for several months before dentures can be fitted.

You can either see a dentist or a qualified clinical dental technician to have your dentures made and fitted. The difference between a dentist and a clinical dental technician (in terms of producing dentures) is:

a dentist – will take measurements and impressions (moulds) of your mouth, and then order your full or partial dentures from a dental technician
a clinical dental technician – will provide a full set of dentures directly without you having to see your dentist (although you should still have regular dental check-ups with your dentist)

A trial denture will be created from the impressions taken of your mouth. The dentist or clinical dental technician will try this in your mouth to check the fit and how it looks. The shape and colour may be changed before the final denture is produced.

Partial dentures

A partial denture is designed to fill in the gaps left by 1 or more missing teeth. It’s a plastic, nylon or metal plate with a number of false teeth attached to it. It usually clips onto some of your natural teeth via metal clasps, which hold it securely in place in your mouth. It can easily be unclipped and removed.

The Oral Health Foundation has further information about bridges and partial dentures.

A fixed bridge is an alternative to a partial denture and may be suitable for some people. Crowns are put on the teeth either side of the gap and joined together by a false tooth that’s put in the gap.

Looking after your dentures

Dentures may feel a bit strange to begin with, but you’ll soon get used to wearing them.

At first, you may need to wear your dentures all the time, including while sleeping. Your dentist or clinical dental technician will advise you on whether you should remove your dentures before you go to sleep.

Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, it’s better to remove your dentures at night, to allow your gums to rest as you sleep. When you remove your dentures, they should be kept moist. You can keep them in:

a glass of water
a suitable overnight denture-cleaning solution

This will stop the denture material from drying out and changing shape.

Dental hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean is just as important when you wear dentures. You should brush any remaining teeth, gums and tongue every morning and evening with fluoride toothpaste with the denture out of your mouth. This will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems.

Read more about how to keep your teeth clean

Cleaning dentures

You should regularly remove plaque and food deposits from your dentures. Unclean dentures can also lead to problems, such as bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay and oral thrush.

Clean your dentures as often as you would normal teeth. This should be at least twice a day (every morning and night) and after eating if you need to.

Do

brush your dentures with non-abrasive denture cleaner or unperfumed soap and water before soaking them to remove food
soak them with denture-cleaning tablets to remove stains and bacteria
brush them again, as you would your normal teeth (but don’t scrub them too hard)

Dentures may break if you drop them, so you should clean them over a bowl or sink filled with water, or something soft such as a folded towel.

The Oral Health Foundation website has more information on denture cleaning.

Eating with dentures

When you first start wearing dentures, you should eat soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth.

Avoid chewing gum and any food that’s sticky, hard or has sharp edges.

You can gradually start to eat other types of food until you’re back to your old diet.

Denture adhesive

If your dentures fit properly, you shouldn’t need to use denture fixative (adhesive). However, if your jawbone has shrunk a lot, adhesive may be the only way to help keep your dentures in place. Your dentist or clinical dental technician will advise you if this is the case.

At first, some people feel more confident with their dentures if they use adhesive. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using too much adhesive.

Adhesive can be removed from the denture by brushing with soap and hot water. Remnants of adhesive left in the mouth may need to be removed with some damp kitchen roll or a clean damp flannel.

When to see your dentist

You should continue to see your dentist regularly if you have dentures (even if you have no teeth) so they can check for any problems.

Your dentures should last several years if you take good care of them. However, your gums and jawbone will eventually shrink, which means the dentures may not fit as well as they used to and can become loose, or they may become worn.

Speak to your dentist if:

your dentures click when you’re talking
your dentures tend to slip, or you feel they no longer fit properly
your dentures feel uncomfortable
your dentures are visibly worn
you have signs of gum disease or tooth decay, such as bleeding gums or bad breath
you have an ulcer or a sore area under your denture that does not go away

If poorly fitting or worn dentures aren’t replaced, they can cause discomfort. It may also lead to mouth sores, infections or problems eating and speaking.