Dentures

Dentures are a removable appliance that replace some or all of the natural teeth, fitted and adjusted to suit the individual mouth. Full dentures suit someone missing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth, and partial dentures suit someone missing one or more teeth with some natural teeth remaining. Dr Annabel Davies provides dentures at BRS Dental on Strand Street, in Cape Town City Centre.

When you might need one

Dentures are an option once one or more teeth have been lost, whether through decay, gum disease or injury, and a fixed replacement such as a bridge or implant is not suitable or not wanted. A full denture replaces an entire arch, while a partial denture fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth, clipping onto any natural teeth that remain.

What happens at the appointment

The process starts with an impression, or mould, of the mouth, followed by a series of appointments over several weeks while the denture is built up and shaped. A wax trial is often fitted first, so the fit and appearance can be checked before the denture is finished by the dental laboratory. Once ready, the denture is fitted and checked, and any adjustments needed are made at a follow-up appointment. Where several teeth need to be removed before a denture can be made, healing time is usually allowed for beforehand, since the shape of the gum can still be settling in the weeks after an extraction.

How long it takes

Making a denture generally takes several visits over a number of weeks, to allow time for impressions, trial fittings and laboratory work. This is not usually completed in a single appointment.

Aftercare

New dentures often feel a little strange or loose at first, and some mild discomfort or a few sore spots in the first weeks is normal while the mouth adjusts. Practising putting the denture in and taking it out, reading aloud to help with speech, and starting with softer food, can all help during this period. Dentures should be cleaned daily, over a folded towel or a basin of water in case they are dropped, and most people are advised to take them out at night to let the gums rest. Regular check-ups let the dentist adjust the fit as the gums and jawbone change shape over time, and address any sore spots that develop rather than leaving them to persist.

Getting in touch

Fees for dentures are discussed with reception. The panel on this page shows how to get in touch to arrange an examination.