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If you need to have teeth removed or have 1 or more missing teeth, you may need dentures.
Dentures help with problems caused by missing teeth, such as difficulty eating or speaking.
If you have teeth missing, you may also feel self-conscious about how it looks, even if it's not causing problems.
You may be offered either:
There are other dental treatments that can be used to replace missing teeth including:
Speak to your dentist about which treatments they offer and the best treatment options for your missing teeth.
An NHS dentist may offer you NHS dentures if you need them to treat a dental problem.
They'll assess your teeth and decide if dentures are the best option for you.
Most people need to pay for NHS dental treatment. Dentures are classed as a band 3 treatment under NHS dental charges.
Some people are entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England.
You can also pay to have dentures fitted with a private dentist.
The cost can vary a lot depending on the type of dentures you choose and the material they're made from.
You may have a wider choice of materials if you pay for private dentures.
You may also be able to pay extra to have different types of dentures fitted with an NHS dentist.
To make dentures, your dentist will first measure your mouth and use putty to create a mould. Some dentists may take a scan of your mouth instead of using putty.
It usually takes a few weeks for your dentures to be made and you'll be given another appointment to have them fitted.
If you need a set of dentures quickly or you’re adding teeth to an existing set, you may be given “immediate dentures”.
These types of dentures can usually be made within a few days.
Immediate dentures often need to be adjusted or replaced up to a year later. This is because your mouth can change shape as it heals after having teeth removed.
If you need a new set of dentures, they'll be made and fitted in the same way and you'll need to pay NHS dental charges.
Your dentist will give you advice about how to use and look after your dentures.
It can take a few weeks to get used to wearing dentures. It may help to practice taking them in and out and eating softer foods until you’re comfortable with your regular diet.
There are also some things you can do to help keep your dentures clean, use them safely and maintain your dental health.
brush your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening
remove your dentures and brush them with soft soap or washing up liquid every morning and evening
clean dentures over a sink filled with water, or something soft such as a towel – they can break if you drop them
rinse your dentures in cold water after meals to remove loose bits of food
remove your dentures every night – keep them in water, a polythene bag with damp cotton wool, an overnight denture-cleaning solution or a denture bath
do not wear your dentures overnight unless your dentist recommends it – trapped food increases the risk of gum infections and tooth decay, plus there’s a risk you could choke on them if you leave them in while sleeping
do not clean your dentures with toothpaste – it could damage them
If you do not clean your dentures properly and get them adjusted when needed, it could lead to problems such as:
Dentures can last for years if you look after them properly, but it’s important to keep seeing your dentist regularly.
They may become loose as your gums and jawbone shrink or change shape as you get older. They may also become worn or damaged over time.
