10900 Dentures

Overview

Dentures are sets of false teeth that you wear in your mouth to replace teeth you have lost. They are made to fit your gums and the shape of your jaw, and you take them out to clean them. Some dentures replace all of your teeth (a full set), and some replace just a few missing teeth (a partial denture). A dentist (a doctor who looks after teeth and gums) makes them to fit you personally, so they look natural and let you eat and speak more comfortably.

Yes. Losing some or all of your teeth is very common, and so are dentures. Millions of people around the world wear them every day.

Dentures are most often worn by older adults, because tooth loss becomes more likely with age. But they can help people of any age, including younger adults who lose teeth through injury. They are much rarer in children, who need care from a specialist children's dentist.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Several teeth are missing, or the teeth you have left look very worn or broken.
• Chewing is hard or painful, or you find yourself avoiding hard or crunchy foods.
• You feel self-conscious about your smile or cover your mouth when you laugh.
• Your remaining teeth have started to move or tilt into the gaps.
• The shape of your face has changed, such as sunken cheeks or thinner-looking lips, because teeth support your face.
• You have dentures that feel loose, click when you talk, or rub your gums.

Symptoms in children

• Missing teeth in children are uncommon and are usually caused by an injury, a fall, or a condition present from birth.
• A child with missing teeth needs a specialist children's dentist (paediatric dentist), because their jaw is still growing and any false teeth may need replacing often.
• Never buy or fit a child's denture yourself. Always go through a dentist.

Symptoms in older adults

• Dentures that fitted well a few years ago can become loose as the jaw bone and gums slowly change shape.
• Sore spots, rubbing, and slipping when you talk are common signs that a denture needs adjusting or remaking.
• Dry mouth is more common with age and with some health conditions and medicines, which can make dentures feel uncomfortable.
• Loose dentures can make eating harder, which may change what you eat and how much you eat.
• It is worth having your dentures checked even if they feel fine, as the mouth changes quietly over time.

Causes

Main causes

• Tooth decay (holes in teeth) that is not treated and leads to teeth being removed.
• Gum disease, which is infection of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
• Injury or an accident, such as a knock to the mouth, a fall, or a sports injury.
• Teeth that are badly worn down by grinding, acid, or age.
• Some medical conditions and treatments, including certain cancer treatments in the head and neck area, and conditions people are born with.

Risk factors

• Smoking or using tobacco.
• Not brushing and cleaning between your teeth regularly, or skipping dental check-ups.
• A diet high in sugar and sugary drinks.
• Dry mouth, which can be caused by some medicines and health conditions.
• Diabetes and other long-term conditions that affect the gums.
• Grinding your teeth at night.
• Playing contact sports without a mouthguard.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A broken denture is cutting your mouth, or a piece has come loose.
• A sore or ulcer under your denture has not healed after three weeks.
• You have severe toothache with swelling in your face.
• A tooth has been knocked out or loosened by an injury.
• Your dentures are so loose you cannot eat or drink properly.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are thinking about dentures or other ways to replace missing teeth.
• Your dentures feel loose, click, or rub.
• You have had your dentures for more than five years, even if they still feel fine.
• You want advice on cleaning your dentures or looking after your mouth.
• You feel self-conscious about your teeth or your smile.

Diagnosis

A dentist will look in your mouth and check which teeth are missing, plus the health of the teeth and gums you still have. If you already wear dentures, they will check how those fit. They will talk with you about what matters most to you: comfort, appearance, cost, and how easy they are to look after. In the UK, NHS dental care is available, and some people do not have to pay, so it is worth asking your dental practice.

Tests that may be done

• A visual examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, and any dentures you already have.
• Dental X-rays to check the roots of your teeth and the bone under your gums.
• Impressions (moulds) of your gums and jaw, made with a soft putty-like material, so your denture can be built to fit you.
• Bite checks and measurements of how your upper and lower teeth meet.
• Sometimes photos or scans of your mouth to help plan the shape and colour of your new teeth.

What to expect at your appointment

Making dentures usually takes several short appointments over a few weeks. Your dentist takes moulds, makes a trial version so you can see and approve how the teeth look, and then the final denture is made in a dental lab. You will be shown how to put it in, take it out, and clean it. Expect a few return visits for small adjustments while your mouth gets used to the new dentures.

Treatment

Dentures are made to measure, and there are several types. Your dentist will help you choose the one that suits your mouth, your budget, and your everyday life. Getting used to them takes a little time, and small adjustments along the way are completely normal.

Self-care at home

• Clean your dentures every day. Take them out, brush them with a soft brush and denture cleaner or plain soap, then rinse well. Avoid regular toothpaste, which is too scratchy for them.
• Take your dentures out at night. Your gums need a rest, and it helps prevent soreness and infection.
• Soak dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water when you are not wearing them. Avoid very hot water, which can warp them, and never use bleach.
• Keep brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Handle dentures over something soft, like a folded towel or a bowl of water, so they do not break if you drop them.
• Go back to your dentist if a sore spot or rubbing does not settle. Do not try to bend or fix the denture yourself.

Medical treatments

Treatment is carried out by a dentist and is all about making and fitting the right set of false teeth for you. Options include a full (complete) denture when all the teeth in a jaw are missing, a partial denture to fill gaps between your own teeth, an immediate denture worn straight after teeth are removed so you are not left without teeth while you heal, and dentures held in place by dental implants (small posts placed in the jaw). Your dentist takes moulds, makes a trial set for you to try, and then fits the finished denture. Small changes in shape, called adjustments, are made until it feels comfortable. Your dentist may use a numbing medicine for any work on your gums or remaining teeth, and will explain how to look after your mouth and dentures at home.

When is surgery considered?

Most dentures do not need surgery. Surgery may be suggested if you choose implant-supported dentures, which use small posts placed into your jaw bone to hold the denture firmly. It may also be needed if teeth must be removed before a denture is made, or if your gums or jaw bone need reshaping so a denture fits better. These procedures are usually done by a dentist with special training, sometimes with numbing medicine or sedation to keep you comfortable. Ask your dentist to explain the risks, benefits, and costs before you decide.

Living with this condition

Your first few weeks with dentures are a learning time. They may feel bulky, and you may notice more saliva than usual. This usually settles. Speaking can sound different at first, and reading aloud for a few minutes a day really helps. Eating is easier if you start with soft foods, cut food into small pieces, and chew on both sides at once to keep the denture steady. Take your dentures out at night and give your gums a rest.

Lifestyle tips

• Clean your mouth and your dentures every day, and keep up with dental check-ups.
• If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a night guard.
• Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
• If you smoke, stopping helps your gums and your general health. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for support.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals.

Diet and exercise

A well-fitting denture lets you enjoy a wide, healthy diet with fruit, vegetables, protein, and whole grains. If chewing is hard at first, try softer versions: cooked vegetables, stewed or canned fruit, eggs, fish, soups, and smoothies. Avoid very hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can loosen a denture or break it. Staying active and drinking enough water is good for your gums and your overall health too.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Losing teeth and getting used to dentures can affect how you feel about yourself. It is normal to feel self-conscious at first, and some people feel anxious about eating in front of others or smiling. These feelings usually improve as you get used to the dentures and they start to feel like part of you. If low mood, worry, or embarrassment is affecting your daily life, talk to your dentist or doctor. Support is available and you deserve it.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent tooth loss, but you can greatly lower your chances of needing dentures. Most tooth loss is caused by decay and gum disease, and both are largely preventable with good daily care and regular dental check-ups.

Screening programmes

See a dentist for a check-up as often as they advise. This is often every 6 to 12 months, but sometimes more or less depending on your mouth. Regular check-ups catch decay and gum disease early, when treatment is simpler. If you wear dentures, have them checked regularly too.

Complications

If left untreated

• Sore spots, mouth ulcers, and redness or swelling of the gums under a denture, sometimes with a yeast infection.
• Bone loss in the jaw over time, which can make the face look sunken and dentures looser.
• Poor nutrition if eating becomes difficult or painful.
• Difficulty speaking clearly, or feeling less confident in social situations.
• In rare cases, a very loose denture can cause choking or be swallowed.
• A sore under a denture that does not heal should always be checked, as in a small number of cases it can be a sign of something more serious.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good. Most people adapt to dentures within a few weeks to a few months and find they can eat, speak, and smile comfortably again. Modern dentures look natural, and dentists can adjust them as your mouth changes. If yours never feels quite right, go back, because a small adjustment often makes a big difference. With daily cleaning and regular check-ups, dentures can serve you well for many years.

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