Missing a tooth or several teeth is incredibly common. According to the Scottish Health Survey, around 7% of adults in Scotland have no natural teeth at all, and a further 6% report regular difficulty simply eating their food due to dental issues.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you generally have two main paths: traditional dentures or modern dental implants. Both can transform your smile, but they function very differently in your day-to-day life.

To help you get the best out of your investment, the team at Portlethen Dental Care has put together the ultimate “Dos and Don’ts” guide for both options, answering the big questions about eating, speaking, and lifestyle.

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Traditional Dentures

Dentures are removable frameworks holding artificial teeth. They have been a staple of dentistry for decades, but they do require some adaptation.

The Dos:

  • DO take them out at night: Give your gums a chance to rest and breathe while you sleep. Storing them in plain water prevents them from warping.
  • DO brush them daily: Just like natural teeth, dentures can collect plaque and food debris. Clean them over a sink filled with water or a soft towel so they don’t break if you drop them.
  • DO practice reading aloud: When you first get dentures, certain words might sound a little different. Practicing reading a book or newspaper out loud helps your tongue get used to them much faster.

The Don’ts:

  • DON’T assume you can eat whatever you like: This is one of the biggest adjustments with dentures. Because they sit on top of the gums, they can slip or cause discomfort when tackling tough foods. You will need to avoid particularly hard, crunchy, or sticky foods (like steak, crusty bread, or toffee).
  • DON’T let fear stop you from laughing: Many denture wearers feel anxious about laughing, coughing, or smiling broadly out of fear that the denture might suddenly shift or pop out of place.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are small titanium screws placed directly into the jawbone, acting as a rock-solid root for a permanent crown or bridge.

The Dos:

  • DO eat exactly what you like: Can you eat what you like? With implants, yes, you can. Because they fuse directly with your bone, they restore 100% of your natural chewing power. You can confidently bite into apples, chew steak, and enjoy crunchy foods without a single worry about slipping or pain.
  • DO smile, laugh, and speak with total confidence: Will it affect your speech? Unlike dentures, which can sometimes cause a slight lisp or require you to catch them mid-sentence, implants feel and function exactly like your natural teeth. They never move, meaning you can talk, laugh, and project your voice completely naturally.
  • DO brush and floss normally: You don’t need any special soaking tablets. You care for an implant just like a real tooth, with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your hygienist.

The Don’ts:

  • DON’T skip your dental check-ups: Even though implants can’t get cavities, the gum tissue around them still needs to stay perfectly healthy. Regular cleanings at our dental practice near Aberdeen ensure your implant stays secure for a lifetime.
  • DON’T smoke if you can avoid it: Smoking slows down the body’s natural healing process and can interfere with how well the implant bonds to your bone.

Can you just forget about them?

  • With dentures: You have to remember to take dentures out every single night, soak them, brush them with special cleaners, and always be mindful of where you put them down. There is always that lingering awareness that you are wearing an appliance.
  • With implants: Once your implants are fully healed, you can quite literally forget they are even there. Because they become a permanent part of your mouth, you don’t take them out, you don’t soak them, and you don’t have to worry about them. They simply become your teeth. You wake up with them, go to sleep with them, and go about your day with total peace of mind.

The Verdict: Which is right for you?

Traditional DenturesDental Implants
StabilityRest on gums; can shift or slipAnchored to bone; completely fixed
DietSoft or carefully cut foods recommendedEat whatever you like without worry
Speech & LaughingMay require practice; risk of movementCompletely natural; moves like a real tooth
MaintenanceMust be removed and soaked nightlyCleaned in the mouth just like natural teeth

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If you are ready to move away from the slipping and dietary restrictions of dentures, Dr Geoff Gordon and our experienced team are here to help. Book in your consultation and see how we can help you with dental implants today!

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