What are Dentures?

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your Oxford dentist will help you choose the type of denture that's best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved. The price will differ between each Oxford dentistry you visit.

With full dentures, a flesh-coloured acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue. Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Oxford dentists will determine which of the three types of dentures described below is best for you.

A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth.

A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges and are a popular cosmetic dentistry oxford procedure.

New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow; a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual. If you experience irritation, see your Oxford dentist.

Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a minimum, you should see your Oxford dental practice. Another popular cosmetic dentistry oxford procedure is teeth whitening Oxford that will give you a nice white smile.