Dentures

Here at Hatfield Dental Care, we offer denture fittings as part of our range of dental restoration treatments.

What are dentures?

Dentures are a removable set of false teeth. Usually made of acrylic, metal or plastic, they are fitted over your gums to replace missing teeth. Depending on your needs, you may be fitted with full or partial dentures.

Why might I need dentures?

Dentures are fitted to replace missing teeth or teeth that have been damaged beyond repair. They can help with issues around eating and speaking and can help bring confidence back to your smile.

How are dentures fitted?

Whether you’re getting full or partial dentures, they will be designed specifically for you. We will take an impression of your mouth here at Hatfield Dental Care and a dental technician will design and build your dentures according to your personal specifications.

You may need to have some teeth removed before getting your dentures fitted, in which case we might recommend allowing time for the gums to heal before fitting the dentures.

Full dentures will form a removable acrylic base which sit over your gums, resting easily on your jawbone. Partial dentures are attached to the teeth on either side of your missing or removed teeth.

They are usually used to replace one, or a few teeth and have a base plate made of plastic or metal.

What happens after my dentures are fitted?

Your new dentures might feel a little uncomfortable for a while, but you will hopefully get used to them quickly and easily. We may well schedule an appointment with you to see how you’re getting on with them for a week or two after the fitting. At this point we can address any issues or make any adjustments that might be needed.

You might find it easier to eat softer foods for the first few days after getting your dentures fitted. It’s also not uncommon to find certain words difficult to pronounce immediately after getting dentures. This should go away with time and you can try reading aloud to practice certain words.

Looking after your dentures is also important, as they can become brittle when not maintained properly.

How long do dentures last for?

If cared for properly, dentures can last for between five and eight years. In some cases, you might need adjustments before then as the facial structure can change as part of the ageing process.