Dentures

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. They're custom-made to fit your mouth and are designed to look natural, restore your ability to eat and speak properly, and support the structure of your face. In my Carlow practice, I work closely with experienced dental technicians to create dentures that are comfortable, functional, and as lifelike as possible.

Losing teeth — whether through decay, gum disease, or injury — affects far more than just your smile. It can make eating difficult, alter your speech, cause remaining teeth to shift, and lead to bone loss in the jaw. Dentures address all of these concerns, giving you back the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without hesitation.

Types of Dentures

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth when you still have healthy natural teeth remaining. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-coloured base, which is held in place by clasps or precision attachments that grip your natural teeth.

Best for: Patients missing some but not all of their teeth, where a bridge or implant isn't suitable or preferred.

Materials: The base can be made from acrylic or a combination of metal and acrylic. Metal-based (cobalt-chrome) partial dentures are thinner, lighter, and generally more comfortable than all-acrylic versions, though they cost a bit more.

Full (Complete) Dentures

Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both. An upper full denture covers the palate (roof of the mouth) and is held in place by suction and the natural contours of your gum ridge. Lower full dentures rest on the gum ridge and are held in place by the surrounding muscles and cheeks.

Best for: Patients who have lost all their teeth in one or both arches, or whose remaining teeth are beyond saving.

Immediate Dentures

These are placed on the same day that your remaining teeth are extracted, so you're never without teeth. They serve as a temporary solution while your gums heal and reshape. After healing is complete (usually 3–6 months), your permanent dentures are made to fit the settled gum shape.

When Do You Need Dentures?

I may recommend dentures if:

• You're missing multiple teeth and the gaps are affecting your ability to eat or speak
• Your remaining teeth can't support a bridge due to their position or condition
• You've lost all your teeth in one or both arches
• Dental implants aren't suitable for you due to health conditions, insufficient bone, or personal preference
• You want an affordable, non-surgical solution to replace missing teeth

The Denture Process

Getting dentures involves several appointments over 4–8 weeks:

1. Initial consultation — I'll examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss your options. We'll talk about what type of denture is best for your situation.
2. Impressions — I take detailed impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth. These are sent to the laboratory.
3. Bite registration — I record how your jaws relate to each other to ensure the denture will function properly when you chew and speak.
4. Try-in — the laboratory produces a wax trial denture with the teeth set in position. You try this in so we can check the fit, appearance, and bite before the final denture is made. This is your opportunity to give feedback on how the teeth look.
5. Fitting — your finished denture is delivered and fitted. I'll make any necessary adjustments and give you detailed instructions on wearing and caring for it.
6. Follow-up adjustments — it's normal to need one or two minor adjustments in the first few weeks as your mouth adapts to the new denture.

Living with Dentures

New dentures take time to get used to. Speaking and eating may feel different for the first few weeks, and some temporary soreness is normal. My advice is to start with soft foods cut into small pieces, practise speaking by reading aloud, and wear your dentures consistently to speed up the adjustment process.

I'll see you for follow-up appointments to fine-tune the fit and address any sore spots. Don't suffer in silence — if something is uncomfortable, I can almost always fix it with a small adjustment.

Learn More

For detailed guidance on keeping your dentures in top condition, read my denture care guide. Proper daily care and regular professional check-ups will keep your dentures comfortable, hygienic, and looking their best for years to come.

If you're missing teeth and wondering what your options are, I'd encourage you to book a consultation. I'll assess your situation, explain the possibilities, and help you make the choice that's right for you.