How many appointments do I need?

Making a quality complete set of dentures, depending on the clinical situation, can often mean at least four visits to your clinician or dentist. Everyone's face, teeth and gums are different as is the relationship between their upper and lower jaws. Each appointment is crucial for a final set of dentures that looks, fits and works well.

Getting used to your dentures

Making a quality complete set of dentures, depending on the clinical situation, can often mean at least four visits to your clinician or dentist. Everyone's face, teeth and gums are different as is the relationship between their upper and lower jaws. Each appointment is crucial for a final set of dentures that looks, fits and works well.

A complete set of dentures will never feel like your own teeth, they will however become comfortable and functional with time.

Helping your dentist or dental clinician

Your dentist will plan your new set of dentures with meticulous attention to detail and the information you can provide is essential to this process.

Some of the questions he or she may ask are shown below. You may want to consider them before going into the surgery.

1. What are the problems with your present dentures?
2. What improvements would you like, if possible?
3. Are you happy with the size, colour, shape and position of your teeth?
4. Can you speak clearly with your current set?
5. What do you like about your present dentures?

Advice for denture wearers

• Clean dentures daily with a tooth or special denture brush, soap and water.
• If you use specially formulated pastes or solutions, always follow the manufacturers directions.
• When cleaning your dentures, always hold them over a bowl of water in case they slip out of your hands.
• Never use bleach or boiling water to clean your dentures.
• Brush any remaining teeth thoroughly, as these act as anchors for the denture and are more likely themselves to become decayed.
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups even if you have complete dentures. Your mouth will still need a regular check-up.

Denture Care Tips

• If you wear a partial denture, always take them out before you brush your natural teeth, regular tooth paste is too abrasive and will thin the denture base.
• Don't scrape your dentures with sharp objects to remove stains. This may scratch your dentures making staining worse and creating an environment where bacteria can thrive.
• Don't over use denture adhesives; this can lead to bone loss. If your dentures become ill fitting get them adjusted or relined by a dental technician instead. Always thoroughly remove adhesives after use.

Click on the links below to download our guides to help you clean your dentures