Complete dentures (also called full dentures) are removable prosthetic replacements for an entire arch of missing teeth — upper, lower or both. For patients who have lost all their natural teeth, a well-fitted complete denture restores the ability to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
Who needs complete dentures?
Complete dentures are recommended when all the natural teeth in an arch have been lost, or when the remaining teeth are in such poor condition that extraction is necessary before the denture is placed. This can happen as a result of advanced decay, severe gum disease, trauma, or a combination of these factors over time.
The denture process: step by step
Getting a complete denture is not a single-visit procedure. It involves multiple appointments spread over several weeks:
- Initial assessment — evaluation of the mouth, remaining teeth (if any) and bone structure
- Extractions — if remaining teeth need to be removed, this is done and time is allowed for the gums to heal
- Impressions — precise moulds of your mouth are taken to custom-fabricate the denture
- Bite registration — the relationship between your upper and lower jaws is recorded
- Try-in appointment — a wax model of the denture is placed so that fit, bite and appearance can be assessed and adjusted
- Delivery — the final denture is fitted, with instructions on care and wear
- Follow-up appointments — minor adjustments are almost always needed as the mouth adapts
Immediate dentures: what are they?
An immediate denture is placed on the same day that the remaining teeth are extracted, so the patient is never without teeth. However, because the gums and bone change shape as they heal after extraction, immediate dentures will typically need to be relined or replaced within 6 to 12 months once healing is complete.
Adjusting to dentures
It takes time to adjust to wearing dentures — typically several weeks. During this period, you may notice:
- Increased saliva production initially
- Minor soreness or irritation where the denture contacts the gum
- A brief adjustment period for speech — certain sounds may feel different at first
- Some difficulty with certain foods — starting with soft foods and gradually introducing harder foods is recommended
These are all normal parts of the adjustment process. Follow-up appointments allow the dentist to make small adjustments to improve fit and comfort.
Caring for your dentures
- Remove and rinse dentures after eating
- Clean daily with a soft-bristled denture brush and denture cleaner — not regular toothpaste, which is abrasive
- Soak overnight in water or a denture-cleaning solution to maintain shape
- Handle carefully — dentures can break if dropped
- Continue to clean your gums, tongue and palate with a soft brush even without teeth
- Attend regular dental check-ups — even without natural teeth, the gums, bone and denture fit should be reviewed regularly
At Care & Cure Dental Centre, each stage of the denture process is explained before it begins. The goal is a denture that fits well, looks natural and allows you to eat and speak with confidence.