Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the questions that patients often ask their CDT.

My upper denture fits fine, but sometimes I have problems with the lower plate. Any suggestions?

The lower denture has to contend with more tongue and muscle movements than the top denture, and the gums shrink more than the upper jaw. To cater for this, it is best to keep your tongue low in your mouth and just touch your lower front denture teeth. You should find that you can hold the lower denture in place, even when you open your mouth wide. Obviously you will need to move your tongue when eating, drinking or talking, but try to keep this as the tongue’s “rest” position for the remainder of the time.

If you’re going to sneeze, cough or yawn, hold a tissue or your hand close to your mouth so that your lower denture does not slip out. If you feel sick we advise you to remove your dentures completely and keep them safe until you feel better.

If your mouth is suitable, it may be worth considering implant-retained dentures which are more secure. Talk to your clinical dental technician and your dentist.

I’ve only lost a few teeth. Is it worth having a partial denture?

Yes. If you have gaps then your other teeth will move to take up some of the space, so you could end up with crooked, tilted or rotated teeth – this could even affect your bite or result in your teeth becoming damaged.

How long will my dentures last?

So long as you treat your dentures well, they should last several years. However, you should be aware that over time the shape of your mouth will change – your gums and the underlying bone will gradually shrink. So a denture that was originally a perfect fit can become loose or uncomfortable after a few years and may need to be replaced or relined.

If I have full dentures from my Clinical Dental Technician, does that mean I don’t have to go to the dentist?

No. You should still have a dentist appointment once a year for a check-up (or more often if your dentist recommends).