How dentures are fitted

Complete dentures

Afull denture will be fitted if all your upper or lower teeth need to be removed or you're having an old complete denture replaced.

The denture will usually be fittedas soon as your teeth are removed, which means you won't be without teeth. The denture will fit snugly over your gums and jawbone.

However, if you have dentures fitted immediately after the removal of several teeth, the gums and bone will alter in shape fairly quickly and the dentures will probably need relining or remaking after a few months.

Occasionally, your gums may need to be left to heal and alter in shape for several months before dentures can be fitted.

You can either see a dentist or a qualified clinical dental technician to have your dentures made and fitted. The difference between a dentist and a clinical dental technician (in terms of producing dentures)is outlined below.

• Adentist will take measurements and impressions (moulds) of your mouth, and then order your full or partial dentures from a dental technician.
• Aclinical dental technician will provide a full set of dentures directlywithout you having to see your dentist (although you should still have regular dental check-ups with your dentist).

A trial denture will be created from the impressions taken of your mouth. The dentist or clinical dental technician will try this in your mouth to assess the fit and for you to assess the appearance. The shape and colour may be adjusted before the final denture is produced.

Partial dentures

A partial denture is designed to fill in the gaps left by one or more missing teeth. It's a plastic, nylonor metal plate with a number of false teeth attached to it. It usually clips onto some of your natural teeth via metal clasps, which hold it securely in place in your mouth. It can easily be unclipped and removed.

Occasionally, the clips can be made of a tooth- or gum-coloured material, although this type of clip isn't always suitable, because it tends to be more brittle than metal.

Your dentist can measure your mouth andorder a partial denture for you, or you can see a qualified clinical dental technician, who can provide a partial denture for youdirectly after you've first seen your dentist for a treatment plan and certificate of oral health.

The British Dental Health Foundation website has more information and adviceabout bridges and partial dentures ,including which type of denture (metal or plastic)is best for you.

A fixed bridge is an alternative to a partial denture and may be suitable for some people. Crowns are put on the teeth either side of the gap and joined together by a false tooth that's put in the gap.