No, a referral is not necessary to see a dental prosthetist. In some circumstances general practitioners, dentists or dental specialists may refer patients for treatment.

The tissue and underlying bone in the mouth are continually changing. Over time your dentures will need to be adjusted, relined or replaced to maintain a good fit. The average life of a denture is about five to seven years. Your dental prosthetist will advise when this is necessary. Learn more about when you might need new dentures or find out more about denture relines.

Worn out dentures can cause permanent damage, compromising the health of the denture wearer. Some possible effects are: headaches, neck and joint pain, difficulty chewing, poor digestion and dietary problems, sunken face, over-closing of the jaw, irritated and soft gums, as well as premature bone loss, due to ill-fitting dentures. Learn more about taking good care of your dentures.

There are many different treatment options available for denture wearers. A consultation is required so the dental prosthetist can discuss with you the best treatment plan for your individual situation.

With the advent of modern technologies dentures can be personalised to suit you and give you a natural appearance. Each patient’s individual requirements are catered for to ensure that they will be happy with the appearance of their new dentures.

Eating with dentures for the first time will require practice and patience but with time you will be able to bite and chew more naturally. In the beginning, avoid hard foods in favour of a diet of soft foods. Try taking smaller bites and chewing gently to prevent dentures from becoming loose. Gradually introduce more solid foods to your diet and with time you will be able to enjoy most foods. Read more about common denture problems and how to treat them.

Food may taste a little different at first while your mouth is adjusting to the feel of your denture but it will soon start to taste normal again.

You may notice some differences in your speech at first but with time your tongue, lips and cheeks will become accustomed to the contours of your dentures. Singing and reading out loud will allow your tongue to find the correct position for enunciating your speech.

Call your dental prosthetist immediately. Normally, dentures can be repaired quickly, often on the same day. Never attempt to repair dentures yourself. At Denture Health Care, we carry out professional denture repairs.