Dentures are typically associated with older people who have lost all or most of their natural teeth, and while this is true in some cases, there are also many other patients who benefit from having dentures fitted. Occasionally injury to the mouth, periodontal disease or the side effects of other health conditions can cause tooth loss amongst a variety of people, and dentures are an economical and discreet way to restore the full smile long-term.
Dentures can be ‘complete’ – replacing all of your teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both – or ‘partial’, where some of your natural teeth are still in place. Dentures are typically secured by natural suction between the gum and the denture, which provides a reliable method of keeping them fixed in place. However, in some circumstances, denture adhesives are also used for a little extra reassurance.
Patients with dentures – even complete sets – must still visit the dentist for a check up, to ensure that there is no sign of any infection or abnormality around the gums or ridges in the mouth.