Dentures & False Teeth

Dentures are a removable way to replace missing teeth. They may be used for one missing tooth or all the teeth and any amount of missing teeth in between. Dentures that replace an entire arch of teeth are usually called ‘full’ dentures and dentures that replace some teeth are called partial dentures.

Dentures are usually made from pink acrylic and the teeth nowadays are also acrylic. The denture may have a metal base called cobalt chrome which can clip onto natural teeth making the denture more steady in the mouth. ‘Valplast’ acrylic dentures are a more flexible type of material suitable in some areas of the mouth. Previously teeth were made from porcelain however it is now felt that porcelain may be too rigid and transmit too much force to the underlying bone on removable dentures.

Most all dentists do dentures. If a case is especially difficult there are dentist denture specialists called prosthodontists who accept referrals.

Dentures take anywhere from two to four visits usually with a week between each visit to allow for laboratory turnaround. Occasionally more complicated laboratory procedures like cobalt chrome fabrication will take a little longer.

Pricing depends on the material used and teeth missing. A full set of dentures with all teeth missing could be expected to cost approximately 900euro- 450 upper,  450 lower. Partial dentures vary from 250 to 450 for acrylic and 900 to 1100 for cobalt chrome. Dentures that are supported by implants vary dramatically depending on the type and number of implants and are priced on a case by case basis.

False teeth should be removed at night time as they are a great place to grow fungus! Underneath is warm, moist and dark and candida otherwise known as thrush will grow on the gum and denture. The denture should be removed and obvious food deposits rinsed off. Normal toothpaste is too abrasive for denture surfaces and shouldn’t be used. Liquid soap or washing up liquid is better, used with a soft toothbrush and obviously should be well rinsed off after!

Alternatively, there are products like denture crème available in the pharmacy or supermarket. For acrylic dentures, one of the best ways of storing it overnight is in a glass of water and a small drop of Milton sterilizing fluid. For dentures with any metallic element, the Milton will be corrosive and a product like steradent tabs can be used. If you get some yellow tartar buildup on your dentures the dentist can remove it at your check-up. Ideally do not store your denture in tissue as we have someone every week attending as they have thrown out their dentures accidentally. If you have to pack your dentures or spare dentures we can provide you with a ventilated box.

Dentures should sit comfortably against your teeth and gums without putting too much pressure on either. They should also be easily removable without excessive force. Initially, dentures certainly take a bit of getting used to and several adjustment appointments to get things just right are the norm. Sore spots should be reported and will be attended to. For the first week, speech may be affected especially the sibilant sounds like s and sh- also known as hissing sounds.

Excess salivation is also common initially and both these problems go away themselves. Some dentures are naturally more stable than others depending on the condition of the bone and teeth remaining. Cobalt chrome dentures or implant-supported denture are very solid in your mouth. The vast majority of people can eat a healthy and varied diet minus the tough steaks and toffees.

Dentures last according to the mileage they get and the material they are made from. Well looked after dentures, removed at night with a non-abrasive diet will last for ten years easily with cobalt chrome dentures being especially resilient. Interestingly major changes in your body can have an effect on the fit of your dentures, for example, dramatic weight loss. The bone supporting your denture will also mature and change over time. Regular check-ups are important even for people with no teeth to check the condition of dentures and their supporting structures.

Dentures can usually be repaired at Maccurtain Street including those broken in half. They may have to be left overnight on occasion depending on the degree of the problem but usually can be collected later in the evening if dropped in the morning. Often an impression of your mouth will be required similar to when you got the dentures initially.

Dentures broken in half are usually being flexed by a poor bite. Denture teeth cannot be whitened beyond cleaning off the surface stain. If dentures are still a good fit then the teeth only can be replaced for a whiter shade whilst retaining the base.