Dentures

At Mere Dentistry, we know just how much difference a full or partial set of dentures can make to a smile with missing teeth.

A smile with multiple missing teeth can be difficult to live with, not to mention a blow to your smile confidence – dentures can help address both issues at once and get you eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence again.

What are dentures?

It’s safe to say that you’ve probably heard of dentures – maybe you even refer to them as ‘false teeth’. Made up of a base that sits over the gums or the roof of the mouth and a set of prosthetic teeth, they are usually held in place with dental adhesive but can also be attached via implants.

What are full dentures?

As you might guess from the name, full dentures replace a full arch of teeth. This means we can replace a full upper or lower arch of teeth that may be missing or beyond repair, giving the patient a whole new smile in a few easy steps.

What are partial dentures?

Partial dentures are used when there are just a few teeth that need replacing. Unlike full dentures, partial dentures are held in place using the adjoining healthy teeth as support.

Why choose dentures?

Our team will always recommend tooth replacement wherever necessary and viable. Missing teeth, or decaying, damaged teeth that are beyond repair often go on to cause further oral health issues which could otherwise be avoided with replacement. Dentures are one of the most popular teeth replacement options, in large part because of their cost-effectiveness, and the ease with which they can be applied.

There are several different types of dentures available:

• Flexible Dentures Flexible dentures are made of a metal called chromium, which is body-safe and biocompatible, allowing them to sit in the mouth comfortably without any sensitivity. These dentures offer patients a great deal of flexibility and do not feel rigid or stiff in the mouth – the chrome alloy is used as a metal frame on top of which resin-based prosthetic teeth sit. They have an open palate design, making for a much more comfortable and enjoyable eating experience that allows you to fully taste and feel the temperature of your food.
• Chrome Cobalt Dentures Chrome cobalt dentures are usually used as partial dentures to replace just one single missing tooth, or a few missing teeth. Made from this light but durable metal alloy, chrome cobalt dentures are completely body-safe and do not cause any irritation or sensitivities in the mouth. The metal alloy is used as the frame/base for the prosthetic tooth or teeth and will not be visible when you talk or smile.
• Acrylic Dentures Acrylic dentures are the most common option when choosing full dentures, as they do not require the support of neighbouring healthy teeth and can therefore be used to replace a full arch of teeth. Acrylic dentures offer less flexibility and overall comfort than chrome cobalt or flexible dentures, but are long-lasting and durable when well taken care of.

What is the treatment process like?

Your denture treatment journey usually takes a few weeks with several in-practice appointments:

• Digital scans are taken of the mouth – no need for messy impressions here.
• These are used to make your personal dentures at an off-site dental laboratory.
• Once made, you’ll come back to have them placed, making sure the fit is correct and that you’re comfortable wearing them.

• Interested in learning more? Our team are on hand to help answer any questions you may have about dentures or to simply help you book an appointment.