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Questions and Answers
Q My upper denture fits fine, but sometimes I have problems with the lower plate. Any suggestions? A 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 touching your lower front denture teeth. You should find that you could 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 that are more secure.
Q I've lost only a few teeth. Is it really worth having a partial denture?
A 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.
Q How long will my dentures last?
A 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 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.
Q If I have full dentures from my clinical dental technician (CDT), does that mean I don't have to go to the dentist?
A You should still have a dentist or CDT appointment once a year for a check-up and either is acceptable for full denture wearers.
Denture Clinic, 5 North Street, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 7DT