Dentures (false teeth)
Key points
What are dentures?
Dentures, also known as false teeth, are used to replace missing teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth in your jaw and partial dentures fill in gaps of missing teeth. Dentures help with being able to eat, speak and smile. They also prevent complications of missing teeth.
Types of dentures
The different types of dentures you can have are explained below.
Full dentures
- Also called complete dentures, these replace all missing teeth in either your upper or lower jaw. Usually made of plastic (acrylic).
- They are held in place by suction, but adhesives can be used.
Partial dentures
- Partial dentures fill in gaps of missing teeth. They may be held by clasps to your remaining teeth. Can be made of plastic or metal, or both. Metal partial dentures generally last longer than plastic.
- Metal clasps may be visible when you smile. Flexible dentures which are made of softer material that bend around your teeth may be an option if you’d prefer something less noticeable.
Temporary dentures
- Also called immediate dentures, these are made and fitted straight away after you have had teeth removed (tooth extraction).
- They take less time to be made than full or partial dentures, but over time may become loose so need to be replaced, usually after 6 to 12 months.
How do dentures work?
- Dentures are designed to be placed over your gums or attached to your existing teeth. You may have dentures if you have lost teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury.
- Dentures help you to be able to speak and eat properly.
- If you have missing teeth, your remaining teeth may shift into the gaps left. Dentures help to prevent this from happening.
- Dentures are removable. You can take them out before you sleep. They need to be cleaned thoroughly. Taking care of your dentures ensures they last longer.
How much do dentures cost?
The price of dentures will vary depending on material and whether the denture is for one arch or two arches .The most common materials are acrylic and cobalt chrome.
The average price of an acrylic complete denture is £1340 and typically prices fall between £885 to £1960.
The average price of a cobalt chrome complete denture is £1785 and typically prices fall between £1070 to £2460.
The average price of an acrylic partial denture is £955 and typically prices fall between £605 to £1285.
The average price of a cobalt chrome partial denture is £1460 and typically prices fall between £905 to £2045.
What are the benefits of dentures?
- Dentures replace missing teeth so that you can eat and chew food properly, which helps your digestion.
- Missing teeth can affect how you look. Dentures can improve your appearance, maintain the structure of your face, and boost your confidence and self-esteem.
- Dentures can help keep your remaining teeth healthy, correct your bite and prevent tooth decay by filling in gaps.
- Dentures can be more cost effective than other dental restorative treatments such as implants and are available on the NHS if clinically necessary.
Potential downsides of having dentures
- Dentures are removable, and not a fixed replacement for missing teeth.
- Adjustment takes time – new dentures may feel uncomfortable at first. Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. Your dentures should start to feel more secure as you get used to them.
- Speech may be affected initially. Some words can be harder to pronounce, but practising by reading aloud can help.
- If your dentures don’t fit properly, they can move about which can cause irritation.
- Not cleaning your dentures can cause redness and inflammation (denture stomatitis).
It can take a while to get used to eating with new dentures, so it's best to start with soft food. Try to use both sides of your mouth at the same time. This will help to keep your dentures in place.
As you age, your facial structure changes, which means you might need to have your dentures adjusted to fit properly. However, they should last between five to eight years, depending on how well they’re cared for.
Spread the cost of your treatment
Patient finance is available for treatments that cost between £250 and £50,000 at 0% APR** when you choose a repayment term of between 3 months and 36 months (subject to the amount of credit), this means that you can spread your treatment cost over a term that suits you, and you don’t pay back any more than you would pay otherwise.
Once you have agreed your treatment plan with your dentist, you’ll have the option to apply.
Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about patient finance.
Alternatives to dentures
Other false teeth options for replacing missing teeth include bridges and dental implants.
- Bridges are false teeth that are fixed onto existing natural teeth.
- Dental implants – a dental implant is a metal screw that is fixed directly into your jawbone. The implant can support one or more false teeth. This can take longer than dentures to be fitted and is more costly.
What’s best for you depends on the number of teeth you have missing. It also depends on which teeth are missing and the condition of your remaining teeth and gums.
Your dentist will help you decide which option is best for you. Dentures and bridges are generally available on the NHS (although you do have to pay a set fee) but dental implants usually aren’t.
How are dentures fitted?
Here is the process for getting dentures.
- You will first have a consultation and examination with your dentist. They will discuss your treatment options and create a treatment plan for your dentures.
- You will then have an appointment where you will have impressions (moulds) taken of your mouth. Your bite will also be recorded to show how your upper and lower jaws meet. You may then have another appointment to have a second set of impressions, which use a custom tray made using your first impressions. The second set of impressions will be more accurate to create your dentures. Your bite may also be registered in your second appointment.
- For partial dentures, your remaining teeth may need minor adjustments, such as reshaping, to help achieve a better fit.
- Impressions and bite registration can also be done using a digital scanner, this can reduce the number of appointments you have and be more comfortable than taking traditional impressions.
- The impressions and records are sent to a dental laboratory, where your dentures are made.
- At the next appointment, you will try in the dentures so your dentist can check the fit, comfort, appearance and bite. Any necessary changes to the shape, fit or colour can be made at this stage. If you had digital scans, you might not have a try-in appointment.
- At your final appointment, you will receive your finished dentures. Your dentist will make any minor adjustments needed to improve comfort and fit. For partial dentures, this may include adjusting the clasps to ensure they are secure.
- You can then begin wearing your dentures, although further adjustment appointments may sometimes be needed while you get used to them.
Temporary dentures
- Temporary dentures will take fewer appointments than complete or partial dentures. If you have digital impressions, it may take only 2 appointments.
- You will have a consultation and examination with your dentist, they will go through your options and make a treatment plan for getting your temporary dentures.
- You will have an appointment to make impressions, either with moulds or with a digital scanner. These will then be sent to a dental lab where your dentures will be made. You won’t have a try-in appointment.
- At your tooth extraction appointment, you will have your temporary dentures fitted after the procedure. Any adjustments needed will be made.
Keeping your dentures secure
Partial dentures often have clasps that clip on to the teeth next to your denture and help to keep it in place.
Full dentures rely on suction created between saliva and the soft and hard tissues in your mouth to be kept in place.
- If you find your dentures slip at first when you laugh or cough, try biting down gently and swallowing and that should put them back in place.
- You can use denture adhesive cream (fixative) on your dentures to help keep your dentures in place. You apply a small amount on your dentures and then place the dentures in your mouth. Adhesive needs to be removed at night.
- It’s possible to have implants put in your jaw which can hold your dentures and keep them more stable. This is called an overdenture. You can still take out the dentures.
Poorly fitting dentures can make your mouth very sore, so if you are concerned about the fit, see your dentist.
Aftercare and maintenance for dentures
Follow these tips to keep your dentures and your mouth fresh and healthy.
Caring for your dentures
- Clean your dentures daily and after every meal. First rinse them, and then using a soft toothbrush with water or soap clean all the surfaces of your dentures, including the areas that sit against your gums and the roof of your mouth. Don’t use toothpaste to clean your dentures as it’s too abrasive.
- Soak in a denture cleaning solution. This can help reduce bacteria. Then brush your dentures again and rinse before putting them back in. Ask your dentist for advice on which denture cleansers are suitable for your dentures.
- Clean them over a soft surface. Dentures might break if you drop them. To avoid this, clean them over a towel or bowl of water.
- Don’t let them dry out. Leave dentures in a plastic box or glass of cold water overnight so they don’t dry out.
Caring for your mouth
- Brush your teeth and gums. Brush your remaining natural teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss or tape to clean between them. If you have complete dentures, it's important to clean your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft brush.
- Take dentures out at night. It's important to take your dentures out at night to allow your mouth to rest. Doing this can also help to prevent infections.
- Have regular check-ups. Even if you have no natural teeth left, it's still important to have regular check-ups with your dentist. Your dentist will check the fit of your dentures, and look for any problem areas on your gums and soft tissue. Regular checks can also allow dentists to carry out oral cancer screening for signs of oral cancer, which is important if you have ill-fitting dentures.
Dentures should last a long time if you look after them properly. But if they become worn or don’t fit properly, they can be irritating and uncomfortable. Ideally, you should have your dentures re-made before these problems arise. Visit your dentist regularly so they can advise you when it’s time to have new dentures fitted.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do you remove tartar from dentures?
It’s important to clean your dentures daily to remove bacteria and prevent build-up of plaque. If there are hard deposits on your dentures (tartar) you can soak your dentures overnight with white vinegar diluted with water. See your dentist if there are still deposits on your dentures.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The time it takes to get dentures can depend on the type of dentures you’re getting. Full or partial dentures can take several appointments over a few weeks. For temporary dentures, it takes less time as you get them straight after having your teeth removed. If you have digital impressions, this can take fewer appointments than with traditional impressions.
Can you eat with dentures?
Dentures can help you to eat properly. It can take a while to get used to eating with new dentures, so it's best to start with soft food.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures can last for several years. Looking after them properly can help make sure they stay in good condition. Temporary dentures usually need to be replaced around 6 to 12 months after being fitted.
When should I see a dentist about my dentures?
You should attend regular check-ups with your dentist so they can check your dentures and fix any issues, and check for signs of oral cancer. Contact your dentist if you have any problems such as dentures that aren’t fitting properly, or you have irritation and pain.
Dental bridges
Find out about dental bridges and how they can take the place of a missing tooth by bridging the gap in your mouth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a long term solution for missing teeth.
Tooth removal
If your tooth is too badly damaged, decayed or infected to be repaired, removing it might be the safest option.
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