This brochure is intended for patients who have no remaining natural teeth either in the upper jaw, lower jaw or both.
There are several appointments needed to construct a full denture.
At the first appointment, impressions are taken, the colour and shape of either your old dentures or (if you are having the remaining natural teeth removed) the natural teeth, are recorded and all this is sent to the lab. The lab will use the impressions to make plaster casts. A wax base is then made from the cast.
For some people, special custom made impression trays need to be made. This is done using the first impressions taken. Therefore another appointment for secondary impressions will be needed before we can go on to the MMR.
At the second appointment, the relationship between the upper and lower jaw needs to be recorded in the wax base that now sits on the plaster cast. When this is done it is sent back to the lab so they know where to place the teeth on the denture.
At the third appointment, the lab make up a full wax denture and it is tried in to see if you like the colour and shape of the teeth. Any alterations in colour or shape can be changed at this point however a further appointment will be needed to ensure you like the changes before we can go on to the last appointment.
At the last appointment, the denture is fitted in the mouth and is checked to ensure you are evenly biting and there are no areas of discomfort.
New Full Dentures
The first fitting...
- When the dentures are first fitted, they may feel quite strange, even if you have had full dentures before. This is normal as the denture settles and may last a few days.
- You may also have some difficulties speaking clearly due to the shape and size of the dentures. Over 2-3 weeks, your tongue and other muscles will adjust, and your speech will return to normal. If you concentrate on eating and talking slowly and clearly, then this will happen automatically.
- Sometimes the denture may rub unevenly on the skin in your mouth to create an ulcer. If it is too painful, remove the dentures for now, and replace them on the day of your next appointment for an adjustment.
Maintenance... Dentures need careful and regular care. It is not natural to wear dentures continuously all day without cleaning. The gums will become inflamed and sore, and you may develop a fungal infection ("candidiasis"), which can be hard to eliminate.
So, after each meal, take out your dentures and clean them over a basin of water. Use a toothbrush with soap or toothpaste to clean them inside and out. For totally plastic dentures (no metal parts), they can be kept hygienic by soaking overnight in Milton’s Solution (as used for baby bottles). Sometimes you may have to soak the dentures overnight in a 50% mix of white vinegar and water to soften hardened buildup of tartar. Never use harsh cleansers.
For better hygiene, it is advised that you leave the dentures out of your mouth overnight. However, if you prefer to wear them all night, then please make absolutely sure that the dentures and your gums have been thoroughly cleaned before bedtime.