Understanding Dentures: Your Complete Guide

29 July 2025

Understanding Dentures: Your Complete Guide

Key Insights

• Dentures are custom-made prosthetic teeth used to replace missing teeth and restore facial support.
• Full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-retained dentures are available depending on your needs.
• Common materials include acrylic, cobalt-chrome alloy, and flexible nylon (typically for partials).
• Dentures may be removable or secured using dental implants for added stability.
• Removing dentures at night and attending regular dental check-ups helps maintain fit, comfort, and oral health.

Losing teeth can affect more than just your smile. From changes in the way you eat and speak to the loss of facial volume, the impact can be significant. At Toothcare Dental, we help restore comfort and confidence with high-quality, natural-looking dentures tailored to your needs.

Below, you will find out everything you need to know about dentures and answer some of the most common questions asked by our patients.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable or fixed prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. They consist of a gum-coloured acrylic base and artificial teeth, shaped and coloured to match your natural smile. Modern dentures are more lifelike and comfortable than ever before.

They’re also surprisingly common. According to recent data, around 11 to 15 million people in the UK wear full or partial dentures – that’s roughly 15–25% of the population. A government survey in 2021 found that 11% of adults in England have one or more dentures, with the figure rising to around 39% in those aged 75 and over.

At Toothcare Dental, all dentures are custom-made for a natural appearance and personalised fit, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence. This makes them a reliable, affordable solution for restoring both function and aesthetics when teeth are missing.

Who Are Dentures For?

Dentures are typically recommended for patients who have lost some or all of their natural teeth due to decay, gum disease, trauma, or ageing. They can restore bite function, improve appearance, and support surrounding muscles to maintain facial shape.

If you’re wondering whether dentures are suitable for your situation, here are some common signs they might be the right solution for you:

You might benefit from dentures if:

• You’re missing multiple teeth
• You struggle to chew or speak clearly
• You want a cost-effective alternative to dental implants
• You’re looking for a non-invasive tooth replacement option

What Types of Dentures are Available?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dentures. At Toothcare Dental, we offer two main types of dentures to suit your individual needs and lifestyle.

Full Dentures

These replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They rest directly on the gums and are held in place with suction or denture adhesive. Full dentures are an effective and affordable way to restore your smile if you’ve lost all your teeth in one arch.

Partial Dentures

These are used when some natural teeth remain. They clip onto existing teeth and fill the gaps left by missing ones. Partial dentures help prevent remaining teeth from shifting and restore both function and appearance.

Implant-Retained Dentures

For a more stable and confident solution, implant-retained dentures are anchored in place using 2–4 dental implants in the lower jaw or at least 4 in the upper jaw. These dentures are more minimal, secure, and comfortable compared to traditional options. Many patients find they can enjoy a wider range of foods and speak more clearly. Once the implants have healed, press-stud-style attachments are added to secure the denture.

We use precise measurements and high-quality materials to ensure a comfortable, realistic, and long-lasting result.

Learn about our denture solutions.

What Are Dentures Made From?

The choice of denture material can affect comfort, appearance, and durability. Here’s a look at the most common materials we use:

• Acrylic: Lightweight and cost-effective. Commonly used for full dentures.
• Cobalt-Chrome: A strong metal alloy base often used in partial dentures for added durability.
• Flexible Nylon: Offers flexibility and a natural appearance, ideal for partial or sensitive-gum cases.

Traditional vs. Implant-Retained Dentures

Not all dentures are created equal. While traditional dentures rest on the gums, implant-retained dentures offer a more secure and stable alternative.

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and may require adhesive. Implant-retained dentures, by contrast, are secured using dental implants placed in the jawbone. These provide a more stable and long-lasting solution, reducing movement and improving bite strength.

Implant-retained dentures may be fixed (only removable by your dentist) or snap-on (removable at home), depending on your needs.

If you’re considering implant-retained dentures, we’ll explain the procedure in detail and help you understand the next steps for treatment.

When Are Dentures Recommended?

There are a few common situations where dentures are often the best solution for restoring your smile:

Dentures are often advised in the following situations:

• Complete or partial tooth loss
• Advanced gum disease
• As a temporary option during dental implant treatment
• When implants aren’t suitable due to bone loss or health reasons

If you’re not sure whether dentures are right for you, our friendly team of experts at Toothcare Dental will talk you through your options during your consultation.

The Denture Process: What to Expect

Getting dentures doesn’t happen overnight. We follow a step-by-step process to ensure your new smile is comfortable, functional, and, of course, looks great:

• Initial Consultation: We examine your mouth and discuss the best options available.
• Impressions: We take moulds of your gums and remaining teeth.
• Fitting: A trial denture is created and adjusted for fit and comfort.
• Final Denture: Once you’re happy, the final denture is made and fitted.
• Follow-Up: We check for pressure points and make minor adjustments if needed.

We’re committed to making the whole denture process as smooth and comfortable as possible from start to finish.

How to Care for Your Dentures

Looking after your dentures properly can keep them in good shape and protect your oral health. Here are a few key care tips:

• Clean daily with a soft brush and denture cleanser (not toothpaste) – this helps remove food particles and plaque without damaging the denture material or scratching the surface.
• Soak overnight in a denture solution or clean water – this helps remove bacteria and keeps the denture moist, which maintains its shape and fit.
• Rinse after eating – rinsing helps dislodge food particles and prevent the build-up of plaque or staining.
• Handle with care to avoid breakage – dentures can be fragile, so dropping them in the sink or on a hard surface could cause cracks or chips.
• Attend regular dental check-ups to check that your dentures still fit correctly and to keep your mouth healthy – your dentist can spot early signs of changes and ensure your dentures stay comfortable and effective.

Our team will give you all the guidance you need to help keep your dentures clean and your mouth healthy.

Common Questions We Get Asked

Patients often have questions about dentures, especially if it’s their first time considering them. Here are some of the things we get asked most:

Is it okay to leave dentures in all the time?
It’s generally recommended to remove your dentures at night. Taking them out gives your gums the freedom to rest and helps prevent irritation or infection. Soaking them overnight also keeps them clean, hydrated and maintains their shape.

Will my dentures look natural?
Yes. We carefully match the colour and shape of your dentures to your existing teeth and gums for a realistic result.

How long do dentures last?
With proper care, dentures usually last 5 to 10 years. Over time, your mouth may change shape, so adjustments or replacements may be needed.

Can I eat normally with dentures?
It may take a few weeks to adjust, but most denture-wearing patients can eat a wide variety of foods with confidence.

Are dentures uncomfortable?
New dentures can feel strange at first, but most people adapt relatively quickly. We’re here to help if you need adjustments.

Book Your Denture Consultation Today

If you’re considering dentures in Gillingham, Rainham, or nearby areas like Chatham, Sittingbourne or Maidstone, our expert team at Toothcare Dental can guide you through every step. Learn more about our denture treatments here or contact us to book an appointment.