Dentures and Implant Overdentures at Blue Cross Dental Care, Watford

A denture (false teeth) is worn to replace lost or missing teeth to enable you to enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence, the base of a denture can be made of plastic (acrylic) or of metal (chrome-cobalt), the teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth.

Valplast^® Flexible Dentures

At Blue Cross Dental Care in addition to normal dentures we can also offer our patients something different... Valplast® flexible denture, based on a flexible material they are easier to wear, comfortable, adapt to slight changes when eating and they look like your natural teeth.

We can also make your full dentures stay firmly in place by using dental implants to support the denture by means of special attachments called locators® (Zest Anchor) which help to anchor the denture securely to your gum, the locator is the world wide standard of care for overdentures.

FAQS for Dentures

• Why bother with dentures?

  Replacing lost or missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak.

• What is a denture?

  A denture is an appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth to enable you to enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence.

  A complete or full denture is one that replaces all of the natural teeth in either all of the upper or lower jaws.

  A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth and is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments.

• What are dentures made of?

  The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. the teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth.

• Will dentures make me look different?

  Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. Modern dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face.

• What is the cause of gum disease?

  All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria, which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing.

• Will I be able to eat with dentures?

  Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the denture moving. As you become more used to your denture, add other foods until you return to your normal healthy diet.

• Will dentures change how I speak?

  Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out load and repeating difficult words will help. Overtime you will adjust and get used to it, so don't worry.

• How long should I wear my dentures?

  During the first few days, you may be advised to wear t hem for most of the time, including while you are asleep. This will allow you to adjust to your new dentures and let them settle in. After an initial period of adjustment your dentist may advise that you remove them before going to bed. this allows your gums to rest and helps promote oral health.

• What is the difference between conventional and immediate dentures?

  Conventional dentures are made and inserted after teeth have been removed and the tissues have healed. Healing may take several months.

  Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after teeth have been removed. To do this, the dentist takes measurements and impressions of your mouth during a preliminary visit.

  An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after teeth have been removed. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require relining or even replacing to fit properly.

• What will dentures feel like?

  New dentures may feel awkward or even uncomfortable for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. the dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learm to keep them in place. Should this continue consult your dentist.

  It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness during this period. You may also find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accostomed to the dentures, these problems should deminish.

• How do i take care of my dentures?

  Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped. When cleaning dentures it is recommended that you do so over a folded towel or sink of water. When you are not wearing your dentures, they should be stored in a container containing enough water to cover them.

  Dentures must be brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Brushing helps prevent them becoming stained and helps your mouth stay healthy.

• Will my dentures need to be replaced?

  Over a period of time, dentures will need to be relined or re-made due to normal wear or a change in shape of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink causing jaws to align differently. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections not to metion discomfort.

• How often should i see my dentist?

  Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, most dentists recommend that under mormal circumstances this should be done every 6 months.

  Full dentures wearers should consult their dentist about frequency of visits.