Help with your denture issues
Use our simple tools to understand what might be wrong with your dentures and get guidance on next steps.
Your mental health matters too
Tooth loss can affect confidence, social life, and emotional wellbeing. These feelings are common and you do not have to face them alone.
What is a denture?
A denture is a removable appliance that is a replacement for having no teeth and cannot function as natural teeth once did. It is designed to restore basic functions such as chewing and speaking, and may also support appearance.
Dentures are made from materials such as acrylic or metal and are shaped to fit over the gums. They can replace all teeth (complete dentures) or only some teeth (partial dentures).
Unlike natural teeth, dentures rest on the surface of the gums and are not connected to bone or nerves.
How dentures differ from natural teeth
| Feature | Natural Teeth | Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Connection to the body | Anchored in bone via roots and ligaments | Rest on top of the gums |
| Sensation (feeling) | Contain nerves that detect pressure, temperature, and pain | Do not contain nerves |
| Proprioception (bite awareness) | Provide detailed feedback about pressure and position | Limited awareness of pressure and position |
| Structure | Individual teeth supported by bone | Usually a single connected appliance |
| Stability | Fixed in place | May move during function |
| Palate coverage (upper) | No coverage of the palate | Upper dentures often cover part of the palate |
| Adaptation | Natural function | Requires a period of adjustment |
Important to understand
Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth, but they do not function in the same way as natural teeth.
Most people adapt to dentures over time, but the experience varies between individuals. Regular review and adjustments may be required to maintain comfort and function.
Check Your Dentures
Interactive tools to help you work out what is going on
Understanding Dentures
Information about the different types of dentures and what to expect
Types of Dentures
Learn about the different types of dentures, what they look like, how they work, and who they are for.
Getting Immediate Dentures
Understand what immediate dentures are, what to expect, and how your mouth will change.
Getting Used to New Dentures
A helpful timeline and tips to adjust comfortably to your new dentures.
How Dentures Are Made
Learn the difference between traditional and digital denture manufacturing and what each process involves.
Caring for Your Dentures
Day-to-day guides for cleaning, comfort, and maintenance
For Families and Carers
Support and resources for those helping someone with dentures
Denture Copying Service
A digital record of your loved one's existing denture can be created and stored securely. This may assist with future replacement if the denture is lost or damaged.
Dentures and Health Changes
Understand why dentures can become harder to manage as health changes and what families and carers can do to help.
Reference Guides and Printable Resources
Print-friendly guides and reference resources to help you manage and understand your denture care.
Your Mental Health Matters Too
Losing teeth can affect more than just your ability to eat and speak. Many people find that changes to their smile affect how they feel about themselves, how confident they feel in social situations, and even their overall mood. These feelings are completely understandable and more common than you might think. If you are feeling anxious, down, or withdrawn as a result of tooth loss or adjusting to dentures, you do not have to deal with it alone. Speaking to a mental health professional can make a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dentures, answered simply.