What are dentures and who needs them?
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the gum tissue around them. They suit people who have lost several or all teeth and want to restore chewing, speech and facial support without surgery, or as an interim solution while planning fixed options.
Types of dentures and who each helps
The right denture depends on how many teeth are missing and the health of what remains:
- Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw and rest on the gums.
- Partial dentures replace some teeth and clip around the remaining natural teeth for support.
- Immediate dentures are fitted at the time teeth are removed, so you are not left without teeth while healing.
Dentures help people regain the ability to chew a wider diet, speak clearly and smile confidently, and they also support the lips and cheeks, which can otherwise look sunken after tooth loss.
Are dentures the right option for you?
Suitability requires a clinical examination of your gum ridges, remaining teeth, existing dental disease and jaw relationship. Loose or infected teeth may need attention before impressions, and considerably shrunken ridges can make lower dentures harder to stabilise. Where appropriate, alternatives such as implant-supported teeth or bridges are discussed alongside dentures so you can compare stability, time and cost honestly.
How dentures are made, step by step
- Assessment: examination of gums, ridges and any remaining teeth, plus X-rays where needed.
- Impressions: accurate moulds of your jaws are recorded for the dental laboratory.
- Bite registration: the relationship between your jaws is measured so the new teeth meet correctly.
- Trial fitting: a wax try-in lets you preview the tooth position and appearance before the denture is finished — changes are easy at this stage.
- Delivery and adjustments: the final denture is fitted, and review visits fine-tune any pressure spots.
Benefits and realistic limitations
Dentures are a non-surgical, comparatively economical way to replace many missing teeth at once, restoring facial support along with function.
They also have real limitations. Chewing efficiency is lower than with natural or implant-supported teeth, and lower complete dentures in particular can move during eating and speaking. There is an adaptation period, and because gum ridges slowly change shape, dentures need periodic relining or replacement to keep fitting well.
Living with dentures: aftercare
Expect some soreness and extra saliva in the first days; review visits smooth out pressure points. Start with soft food cut small, chewing on both sides. Clean dentures daily with a brush and non-abrasive cleanser — never hot water, which can warp them — and clean your gums, tongue and natural teeth too. Remove dentures at night as advised, storing them in water, and see the dentist if a denture rubs rather than tolerating an ulcer.
What affects the cost of dentures
Fees are explained after your assessment. Cost varies with:
- Whether you need a partial or complete denture, for one jaw or both.
- The base and tooth materials selected, which differ in strength, weight and appearance.
- Any preparatory treatment, such as extractions or smoothing of the ridge.
- Whether an immediate denture and later reline are part of the plan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
Most people adapt over a few days to a few weeks. Speech and eating improve with practice, and small adjustment visits make a large difference to comfort during this period.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
You can eat a wide range of foods once adapted, though very hard, sticky or chewy items remain challenging, especially with lower complete dentures. Cutting food smaller and chewing on both sides helps.
How long do dentures last?
The denture material can last years, but your gum ridges change shape over time, so dentures typically need relining or remaking periodically to maintain fit. Annual reviews help judge the right time.
My denture has become loose — what can be done?
Options include relining the existing denture, making a new one, or discussing implant support for greater stability. An examination will show why it loosened and which option suits you.
Are implant-supported dentures available?
Implant options for stabilising loose dentures can be discussed at the studio, where Dr Shantanu Rao focuses on oral implantology. Whether implants are suitable depends on your bone and general health, assessed at consultation.