Your Smile Dental Practice

    Dentures.

    Talk through removable tooth replacement with a team who will take time to understand what matters to you.

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    Illustrative denture consultation in a bright treatment room with a pale teal dental chair

    Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. A partial denture replaces some teeth; a full denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Dentures may support eating, speech and the appearance of your smile. We’ll talk through what you hope to achieve and explain what to expect, including time to adjust.

    A good place to start

    Made with time for comfort and adjustment

    1. 01

      Discuss and assess

      We check your mouth and talk about the type of denture and support that may suit you.

    2. 02

      Impressions and fitting

      Impressions help make a denture to fit your mouth, followed by a fitting appointment.

    3. 03

      Review comfort

      We can review the fit and make adjustments as you get used to wearing your denture.

    A little more clarity

    Your questions, answered.

    Clinically reviewed

    A full denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. A partial denture fills selected gaps and is supported by your remaining teeth and gums.

    Yes, getting used to eating and speaking with dentures can take time. We’ll explain what to expect and arrange adjustments where needed. Please contact us about rubbing or persistent discomfort.

    You will usually be advised to take them out at night to give your gums a rest, unless your dentist gives different instructions for your particular situation.

    Use a soft denture brush every day and a purpose-designed, non-abrasive denture cleanser suitable for your denture material, following its instructions. Use cleansers only outside your mouth and rinse thoroughly before wearing. Avoid regular toothpaste and hot water, which can damage dentures. Continue brushing remaining teeth with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between them.

    Yes. Your mouth can change over time, affecting the fit. Attend reviews and tell us if a denture becomes loose or uncomfortable; do not try to reshape it yourself.

    With good care, dentures can last 5–10 years, although this varies. Your mouth changes shape over time, so they may need relining or replacing even if they still look fine.

    You may find some words tricky at first. Reading aloud and practising tricky sounds helps your tongue and cheeks adapt, usually within a couple of weeks.

    Well-fitting dentures do not usually need adhesive, though some people use a little for extra confidence. If you find you need more and more, the fit may need checking.

    Yes. Your dentist checks your gums, tongue and mouth for signs of oral cancer and other problems, and makes sure your dentures still fit well. The Oral Health Foundation recommends regular professional reviews, ideally at least once a year; your dentist will advise on your individual needs.

    Yes. Remove it before cleaning the denture and your natural teeth, paying particular attention to teeth that support it. Some cleaning products are unsuitable for metal components, particularly chlorine-based solutions. Ask us which cleanser and storage routine suit your denture. Acrylic dentures should be protected from drying out.

    Most foods are fine once you're used to them. Very hard, sticky or chewy foods can be harder to manage. Chewing on both sides at once helps keep dentures stable.

    Keep the pieces and contact the practice. Many breaks can be repaired, but the repair and timing depend on the damage. Avoid home glue kits, as they can damage the denture and affect the fit.

    Implant-retained dentures can clip onto implants placed in the jaw, which may improve stability. Although we don’t currently offer implants at the practice, we’ll discuss which option is best for you and arrange a referral if required.

    Independent patient information

    Advice from the Oral Health Foundation

    The Oral Health Foundation is an oral health charity. These guides can help you understand your options and prepare questions for your dental team. General information complements, rather than replaces, advice tailored to your mouth.

    • Denture care guidelines

      Practical guidance on daily cleaning, overnight removal and caring for full and partial dentures.

    Links open on the Oral Health Foundation website.

    Start with a conversation.

    We’ll listen, explain what may be suitable for you and give you room to decide.

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