Dentures FAQ'S

Q How often should I have my dentures renewed?
A It depends on the type of denture. If you have complete dentures, then they should be renewed every 4-5 years. Your gums continue to shrink and change in shape after you have your teeth extracted. The dentures do not change with your gums, therefore it is necessary to have new dentures periodically.

Q I have very bad teeth and my dentist has advised that they all need to come out but I don't want to be without any teeth while the dentures are made. Is it possible to have some false teeth straight after having my natural teeth extracted?
A Yes it is possible to have dentures fitted on the same day as you have your teeth extracted, however, as soon as the teeth are extracted your gums shrink. The shrinkage is very rapid for the first few months and as a result your dentures will become loose very quickly. The gum shrinkage slows down 3- 6 months post extraction and at that stage you may need new dentures or have your existing dentures tightened.

Q. I wear upper false teeth but they keep breaking repeatedly, is there anything that can be done to prevent this happening again?
A. It may be necessary for you to have a denture with a metal palate. This is stronger but because it is heavier it may be a bit looser.

Q. I have been wearing dentures for a long time. Now I require a new set and have tried several new sets but each time I cannot get used to them. What can be done?
A If you have worn the same set of dentures for a long time, they probably don't fit your gums. The new dentures will be designed to fit your gums as they are now, and are more likely to be a better fit. However the new dentures won't feel as comfortable as the old ones for some time. Your mouth will be used to the shape and position of the old dentures. The muscles in your mouth will need to learn to control the new dentures and this will take some time. Your mouth needs to get used to the new shape and position of the teeth. It may be possible to copy many of features of the old dentures into your new denture that will make adjusting to them easier.

Q. How can I have false teeth that don't look so false?
A. False teeth can be made to look very natural with different stains and effects. You can even have fillings put into false teeth and no one will be able to guess that you have false teeth.

Q. I wear complete dentures so how often should I have a check up?
A Your mouth should be examined at least once a year, however you dentist may recommend more regular visits.

Q What should I use to clean my false teeth?
A. The best and safest method is to use soap and water with a nailbrush. You can use mild bleaches such as steradent but bleach can discolour the pink acrylic.

Q. My dentures are very loose, what can I do?
A. You may need to have new dentures as your gums will have shrunk and the dentures are no longer a good fit. Therefore you need to have an examination at the dentist and he will be able to advise you whether your dentures can be tightened or if you need new dentures. If it is not possible to make your dentures any tighter you may get some help by using dental fixatives.

Q.I had a check up recently and my dentist told me that my dentures had caused thrush in my mouth. How can this happen?
A. Thrush or denture stomatitis is caused by a yeast/fungus called candida. This is normally present in everyone's mouth, however denture wearers commonly get infections caused by candida. This is not an infection that can be passed on or caught from someone else. The denture material tends to attract the fungus and it is this that causes the infection that may result in a red sore area under the denture or at the corners of the mouth. Your dentist should be able to treat this with an anti fungal cream for your mouth and he will advise you to leave your dentures out at night and for a short time to soak them in dilute Miltons.

Q. My dentures fit very well, I am afraid that if they ever got lost, or damaged I could not easily get another set to fit so well. Can my dentist make an exact copy of my dentures and would I have to pay for them privately?
A. It is possible to have a copy denture made and if your existing dentures need to be renewed then there is no reason why you cannot receive NHS treatment. If you purely want a spare set of dentures then you will probably have to pay privately, however it is best to check with your dentist.

Q. Does the cost of my dentures depend on the laboratory fees that my Dentist's practice is able to negotiate? How can I be sure I am getting value for money?
A. For NHS treatment the patient fees that are charged are set by the government and are fixed regardless of what fees the laboratory may charge the dentist. However for private treatment the laboratory charges may be reflected in the charges made to the patient, as private dentures will be constructed with more expensive teeth. Your dentist will be able to explain the different types of teeth available.

Q. I had my first set of dentures fitted 2 months ago, I am not happy with them. When they were first fitted they felt quite snug, however they have got quite loose now. Even when I apply a fixative I am anxious they may fall out. My dentist said it is normal for the gums to shrink, and the dentures are not too loose. I feel I have wasted my money, do you think I should get a second opinion?
A. If you had your teeth fitted immediately after having your natural teeth extracted then the dentures do become loose as a result of the gum shrinkage. The gums shrink very rapidly in the first 3-6 months and after that the shrinkage does still continue but at a much reduced rate. Immediate dentures will be loose for this period and will need to be tightened or remade after this initial period. If you feel that the loose denture is not as a result of the gum shrinkage and you require a second opinion, your dentist should be able to refer you to a consultant in a local hospital.

Q.I lost many of my teeth as a young woman and now wear dentures, as I have grown older I have found that my gums have receded and the dentures have become loose. I would like something more fixed, is that possible?
A. The only solution left to anyone without any teeth who wants fixed teeth is to have implants. These are titanium fixtures, which are embedded into the bone, and the denture or bridge is fixed on top. There are several types of implants available for different cases. You dentist will be able to recommend the best option for you and if does not carry out this type of treatment it should be possible to get a referral.