Dentures
A practical, natural-looking way to replace one, several or all missing teeth.
A practical way to replace missing teeth.
At Triangle Dental in Reading, we provide dentures to replace anything from a single missing tooth to several teeth or a complete set. Modern denture teeth can be carefully selected and positioned to create a natural appearance that suits your smile and face.
Dentures are removable rather than fixed. They may be particularly useful when implants or bridges are not suitable, not preferred or when you are looking for a more affordable way to replace missing teeth.
Where suitable, we may also discuss fixed alternatives such as dental implants or bridges, so that you can understand the advantages and limitations of each option before deciding what is right for you.
Why choose dentures?
Dentures can provide a useful and versatile way to restore your smile and replace anything from one missing tooth to a complete set of teeth.
Natural-looking smile
Modern denture teeth can be carefully selected and arranged to suit your face and create a natural appearance.
Improved chewing
Replacing missing teeth can improve chewing and help restore everyday function, although adapting to a new denture can take some time.
Replace one or many teeth
Dentures can replace a single missing tooth, several teeth or, where needed, a complete upper or lower set.
A more affordable option
Dentures can be a more affordable way to replace missing teeth when compared with some fixed implant or bridge solutions.
A removable option
Dentures can be removed for cleaning and are generally removed overnight while you sleep.
Temporary or long-term
A denture can be used as a long-term tooth replacement or as a temporary solution while your mouth heals before further treatment.
Temporary dentures after an extraction
Dentures can be particularly useful as a temporary way to replace a tooth while the mouth heals.
For example, if a front tooth needs to be removed, we can often prepare a small denture containing an artificial tooth in advance. The natural tooth is then removed and the temporary denture can be fitted at the same appointment, so you do not have to leave the practice with a visible gap.
This can be especially useful when you need to wait for the gum and bone to heal before considering a longer-term option such as a dental implant or bridge.
How do dentures work?
Dentures are removable appliances containing artificial teeth that replace the teeth you have lost.
The denture sits over the gums and, where natural teeth remain, may also gain additional support or retention from those teeth.
The design depends on how many teeth are missing, where the spaces are and the health and position of your remaining teeth and gums.
Acrylic dentures
Acrylic dentures use a plastic base and are mainly supported by the gums. They are versatile, relatively easy to modify and can be particularly useful for temporary dentures or where further teeth may need to be added later.
Metal-framework dentures
Metal-framework partial dentures can gain additional support from the remaining natural teeth. They are generally stronger, more rigid and less bulky than acrylic dentures and are often our preferred long-term option when the remaining teeth are suitable.
Denture questions
Do dentures have to be removed at night?
Dentures are generally removed overnight. This gives the gums and tissues supporting the denture a chance to rest and also allows the denture to be cleaned thoroughly.
Will dentures look natural?
Modern denture teeth can be carefully selected and positioned to suit the colour, shape and arrangement of your smile, helping the finished denture look natural and complement your face.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Dentures can improve chewing compared with having missing teeth, although they do not feel exactly the same as natural teeth or a fixed implant-supported solution.
It can take a little time to become accustomed to eating with a new denture. Starting with softer foods and gradually returning to a more normal diet can help. Some patients also find a denture adhesive or fixative useful to improve stability.
How do I clean my dentures?
Dentures should be removed regularly and cleaned carefully to remove food deposits and plaque. We will show you the best way to care for your denture and your remaining teeth and gums.
Are metal dentures better than acrylic dentures?
For most patients who are suitable for one, a metal-framework partial denture is usually the better long-term option. Metal dentures are stronger and more rigid and can gain additional support from the remaining natural teeth. They can also often be made thinner and less bulky than an acrylic denture.
However, acrylic dentures are more appropriate in some situations. These include temporary dentures, patients with significant gum disease, situations where there are not suitable teeth to support a metal framework, or where we expect additional teeth may be lost and need to be added to the denture in the future.
Acrylic dentures also generally cost less. We will recommend the design that is most suitable for your mouth rather than assuming that one type is right for everyone.
What if my denture feels loose?
If your denture feels loose, it is worth having it assessed rather than simply putting up with it. Sometimes an existing denture can be relined, which means updating the surface that sits against your gums so that it fits more closely. In other cases, a new denture may provide a better result. Some patients also find a denture adhesive or fixative helpful in improving stability.
Could dentures help replace your missing teeth?
Speak to our team and we’ll assess your mouth, listen to what matters to you and explain the most suitable ways to replace your missing teeth, including dentures, bridges and dental implants where appropriate.