Find your smile at dentures.org.uk

At dentures.org.uk we believe that denture wearers should be confident in all aspects of everyday denture wear. We are committed to establishing a link between patients and our community of dental professionals. You want your dentures to look natural and be stable and so do we.

Through our interactive ask an expert system you can benefit from the experience and professional advice of an expert team of industry leading Clinical Dental Technicians and Implant Dentists.

Or by simply attending a consultation offered by our national network of Clinical Dental Technicians and Implant Dentists you can make an informed decision about your denture care and learn about the numerous lifestyle benefits of implant retained dentures.

What is important is that you know the choices you have and how that allows you to decide what is best for you.

At dentures.org.uk we aim to support the new profession of Clinical Dental Technology, and rest assured by a CDT working with an Implant Dentist they can deliver to their patients the best possible solution.

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable restorations for missing teeth. They are usually made from a gum coloured plastic base, with artificial teeth positioned so they restore your smile and bite. They can be complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some teeth). Having missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile and make eating and speaking difficult. It also has a negative impact on your oral health, so it is vital that they be replaced.

What do dentures look like?

Dentures today look very natural and will give your smile a life like and healthy appearance. Teeth give your lips, cheeks and face structure and losing too many will make your face look older. As well as restoring your smile, dentures will improve the shape of your face, giving you a more youthful appearance. When attached to dental implants they function just like real teeth, giving you the confidence to eat, speak and smile normally again.

What does denture treatment involve?

Treatment will involve an initial consultation to discuss your denture history and requirements. Your mouth will also need to be examined and a medical history taken. X-rays may also be needed. Impressions of your mouth will be taken and your bite recorded.

Your dentures will be tried in with the replacement teeth set on a wax base. Once you are happy with your new smile the acrylic denture bases will be added before the dentures are fitted.

The Clinical Dental Technicians listed on dentures.org.uk are registered dental professionals who provide complete dentures direct to patients and other dental devices via a treatment plan from a Dentist. They are also qualified Dental Technicians. Patients with natural teeth or dental implants must see a Dentist before a CDT can begin treatment.

The Dentist may need to deal with any gum disease before your dentures can be fitted or even extract some of your loose remaining teeth. If any treatment is carried out, your mouth will need to heal properly before you can wear permanent dentures. If this is the case, the Clinical Dental Technician will give you a temporary set to wear called immediate dentures. These are worn until you are ready for your final set.

How do you take care of dentures?

Like our natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque.

Dentures should be brushed with a toothbrush or denture brush with soft bristles using a denture cream. You could also add a special denture cleaning tablet or solution to warm water and after you take them out at night soak your dentures to remove any stains. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and avoid boiling water.

It is important to remove the dentures at night to give your gums a rest. Normally, it is simply a matter of personal choice as to how long a denture is worn. Understandably, people don't like to be seen without their dentures in, especially by their partners, which is perfectly understandable.

Conventional toothpaste is not suitable for cleaning dentures and may abrade them and cause permanent damage. It is preferable to soak the dentures in a container of cold water when you are not wearing them.

You must remember to brush any remaining natural teeth and your gums every morning and evening to keep your mouth healthy. You should also have regular check-ups to ensure your dentures still fit correctly and are in good condition.

Dentures may break if they are dropped so be careful when handling them.