# Dentures

> Citation bundle for Dentures on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/dentures
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/dentures

- Category: dental

## Description

Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable.

## Overview

Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Conventional dentures are removable, either as a removable partial denture, which replaces some of the missing teeth on an arch, or a complete (full) denture, which replaces all the teeth in an arch. Other designs rely on bonding or clasping onto remaining teeth or dental implants. Dentures are categorised by whether they fit the upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) arch. They serve several purposes: they improve chewing (mastication) by replacing edentulous areas; they restore a natural facial appearance and support the lips and cheeks, correcting the collapsed look that follows tooth loss; they help pronunciation, especially of sibilant and fricative sounds; and, by improving looks and speech, they can support self-esteem and social confidence. A complete denture is held in place largely by suction; full dentures can be uncomfortable at first and take some time to get used to, and are available as immediate dentures or conventional dentures. Partial options include fixed 'crown and bridge' dentures, which are more stable but more costly than removable appliances, and flexible partials made using digital technology with only non-invasive procedures. Copy dentures, which reproduce a patient's existing denture from an impression, require fewer visits and are often made for older patients or as a spare pair. Dentures are made mainly from acrylic.

## Common risks

- Denture stomatitis, an inflammation of the mucosa beneath the denture
- Fungal (Candida) infection under the denture, often with associated bacteria
- Angular cheilitis, which is associated with denture stomatitis
- Denture trauma and sore spots, particularly from poorly fitting dentures
- Difficulty cleaning dentures, which can affect oral hygiene

## FAQs

### What dentures are for?

If you need to have teeth removed or have 1 or more missing teeth, you may need dentures.

### How to get dentures?

An NHS dentist may offer you NHS dentures if you need them to treat a dental problem.

### How dentures are made and fitted?

To make dentures, your dentist will first measure your mouth and use putty to create a mould. Some dentists may take a scan of your mouth instead of using putty.

### How to look after your dentures?

Your dentist will give you advice about how to use and look after your dentures.

### What are dentures?

Dentures, or false teeth, are prosthetic devices made to replace missing teeth, supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Conventional dentures are removable, though some designs clasp onto remaining teeth or dental implants.

### What is the difference between partial and complete dentures?

A removable partial denture replaces some missing teeth on an arch, usually where natural teeth remain. A complete, or full, denture replaces all of the teeth in an arch when none remain.

### How do full dentures stay in place?

A complete denture is removable and is held in place largely by suction against the tissues of the arch. Fixed partial options anchored on remaining teeth are more stable than removable appliances.

### Do dentures take time to get used to?

Yes. Full dentures can be painful at first and take some time to get used to. Copy dentures, which remake an existing denture from an impression, are sometimes made for patients who would find adjusting to a new denture difficult.