What are partial dentures?

Dentures are professionally crafted dental prosthetics made specifically for your gums, and are used to replace missing teeth. They can make you feel more confident with a new smile, and let you eat and speak without difficulty.

Partial dentures can be made from acrylic or metal, with metal being the more hardwearing option, and attached to your surrounding teeth for support.

Why choose partial dentures?

Dentures can come in either full or partial version, depending on how many teeth you are missing. Partial dentures are a good choice to replace just a few missing teeth, and can be made to fit either the upper or lower jaw.

Your dentist might offer dentures as an alternative to dental implants if you wish to avoid or are unable to have the required minor surgery. They are also more cost-effective, and unlike implants, can be removed at any time.

Do dentures need replacing?

If properly cared for, your dentures should last for several years, however, they are still not a permanent solution and will eventually need replacing. Over time, your mouth may change, causing the dentures to become loose. Loose dentures can cause a range of problems such as infections and discomfort, so should be replaced as soon as possible. 

To care for and maintain your dentures:

Your dentures will need to be cleaned daily, just like your natural teeth. Rinse them free of any loose particles, then use toothpaste and a specialised denture brush. Do not use an ordinary toothbrush as this can scratch your dentures and damage the appearance. Soak them overnight in a denture cleaning solution to maintain freshness. Brushing your natural teeth and gums is also important. 

Your dentist will give you guidance on how to clean and care for your dentures.