Clinical review: Dr. Samreen Ejaz, BDS, RDS ·
What it is
This denture replaces every tooth in the upper or lower jaw. Its pink acrylic base rests on your gums and holds the false teeth. “Heat-cured” describes how the acrylic is processed in the lab. How well the denture stays in depends a lot on your gums, the shape of your mouth and your bite, not just on the material.
Planning how it looks and fits
We record the shape of your mouth and how your jaws meet, then talk about how the teeth are arranged, how the denture supports your lips and how it meets the teeth or denture in the other jaw. If you have an old denture, bring it to show us what you like and what you’d change. At the trial stage, check the look and your speech before it’s finished.
Fitting day
Dr. Samreen checks for pressure points and your bite, then shows you how to put the denture in, take it out and clean it. Most people need one or more adjustment visits as they get used to it. If something rubs, tell us where rather than trimming the denture yourself, which can spoil the fit or weaken it.
Care and changes over time
Clean it with a suitable denture cleaner and never use hot water, which can warp it. Follow our advice about wearing it at night and keep an eye on your gums for sore spots. Your gums and jaw change shape over the years, so the denture may need relining or replacing eventually. Ask what repairs are possible and which review visits are included before you go ahead.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Questions about complete heat-cured acrylic dentures
Does heat-cured mean it won’t break?
No. It only describes how the acrylic is made. Dropping it, changes in your gums and everyday wear can all lead to damage.
Will my lower denture feel as secure as my upper?
Not always. The two sit on differently shaped areas, so we’ll tell you honestly how each one is likely to fit.
This is general information. What’s right for your tooth depends on what Dr. Samreen finds when she examines it.
Background reading: Guy’s and St Thomas’: dentures. These are overseas sources, so their prices and rules don’t apply here.