Dentures are removable false teeth made of acrylic (plastic), nylon or metal. They fit snugly over the gums to replace missing teeth and eliminate 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.

Sometimes all the teeth need to be removed and replaced.

You may therefore need either:

• complete dentures (a full set) – which replace all your upper or lower teeth, or
• partial dentures – which replace just 1 tooth or a few missing teeth

Dentures may help prevent problems with eating and speech. If you need complete dentures, they may also improve the appearance of your smile and give you confidence.

It's also possible that dentures might not give you the result you hope for. Discuss plans openly with your dentist before you agree to go ahead.

How dentures are fitted

Complete dentures

The distinction between a dentist and a qualified clinical dental technician lies in their roles in the process of making and fitting dentures.

A dentist is a licensed healthcare professional trained in oral health and dentistry. They are qualified to diagnose and treat dental issues, including the removal of teeth and the fitting of dentures. Dentists have extensive knowledge of oral anatomy and can provide comprehensive dental care, including preventive, restorative, and surgical treatments.

On the other hand, a qualified clinical dental technician specializes specifically in the design, construction, and fitting of dentures. While they are not dentists, they have undergone specialized training and education to become skilled in denture fabrication and fitting. Clinical dental technicians work closely with dentists to ensure that dentures are customized to fit each patient's unique oral anatomy and meet their aesthetic and functional needs.

• A dentist will take measurements and impressions (molds) of your mouth and then send these to a dental technician to create your full or partial dentures.
• On the other hand, a clinical dental technician can provide a full set of dentures directly to you without the need for a dentist's involvement (though it's still recommended to have regular dental check-ups with your dentist).

A trial denture is crafted based on the impressions taken of your mouth. The dentist or clinical dental technician will place this trial denture in your mouth to evaluate its fit and for you to assess its appearance.

Adjustments to the shape and color may be made before the final denture is fabricated.

Partial dentures

A partial denture is designed to fill the gaps caused by one or more missing teeth. It consists of a plastic, nylon, or metal plate with false teeth attached to it.

Typically, it attaches to some of your natural teeth via metal clasps, ensuring a secure fit in your mouth. It can be easily unclipped and removed for cleaning or as needed.

In some cases, the clasps may be made of tooth- or gum-colored material, though this type may not always be as durable as metal.

Your dentist can take measurements of your mouth and order a partial denture for you. Alternatively, you can consult with a qualified clinical dental technician, who can provide a partial denture directly after you have received a treatment plan and a certificate of oral health from your dentist.

Looking after your dentures

Initially, dentures may feel unfamiliar, but you'll quickly adapt to wearing them.

Initially, you may need to wear your dentures continuously, even while sleeping. Your dentist or clinical dental technician will provide guidance on whether you should remove your dentures before bedtime.

While it's not always necessary to remove dentures overnight, doing so allows your gums to rest during sleep.

If you do remove your dentures, it's essential to keep them moist. You can achieve this by storing them in water or a polythene bag containing dampened cotton wool, or by using an appropriate overnight denture-cleaning solution. This prevents the denture material from drying out and altering its shape.