Suction dentures are full dentures shaped so precisely around your gums that they form a gentle seal, helping them stay in place when you eat, speak and smile. At Dream Smiles Dental in Bolton, they are made by our Clinical Dental Technician (CDT), John Wibberley, who has more than 50 years of experience making dentures. Here is how they work and whether they could suit you.
What is a suction denture?
Every full denture relies on suction to some degree. What sets a suction denture apart is how carefully its edges are shaped. The border is moulded to sit snugly against the soft tissue around your gums, so air cannot easily get underneath. That seal, together with a thin film of saliva, is what holds the denture in place.
Upper dentures often get some suction naturally, because they cover the roof of the mouth. Lower dentures are much harder, because the tongue, cheeks and floor of the mouth are always moving. That is where a well made suction denture can make the biggest difference.
What are the benefits?
- More stability: a denture that stays put makes eating and talking far less stressful.
- Less reliance on adhesive: many people find they need less denture fixative, and some need none at all.
- Less food underneath: a closer fit leaves less room for food to get trapped.
- Fewer sore spots: a denture that moves less is less likely to rub.
- More confidence: no worrying about your teeth slipping when you laugh or talk.
Who are suction dentures suitable for?
Suction dentures are for people who have no natural teeth left in the upper or lower jaw, or who are about to lose them. If you still have some teeth, a partial denture is usually the better option.
How well suction works for you depends on a few things: the shape of your gums and the bone underneath, how much that bone has shrunk over the years, how much saliva you produce, and how your tongue sits. For most people, a carefully made suction denture is a real improvement. For a small number with very flat lower gums, implant-retained dentures may give a better result, and we will tell you honestly if that applies to you.
Why the person making them matters
The seal on a suction denture comes down to millimetres. It depends on detailed impressions that record how your mouth moves, and on a technician who knows how to turn those impressions into a denture that grips without rubbing.
John Wibberley has been making dentures for more than half a century. That experience shows in the details: how the edges are shaped, how the teeth are positioned for balance, and how natural the finished smile looks. You can read more about John and how he works.
What happens next?
Your journey starts with a consultation, where we look at your mouth, your current dentures if you have them, and what you would like to change. If suction dentures are right for you, we will explain each stage and what it involves. You can read how suction dentures are made, step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Will a suction denture feel as secure as natural teeth?
No denture is quite as secure as natural teeth or implants, and anyone who promises that is overselling. What a good suction denture does is make your denture far more stable and comfortable than one that relies on adhesive alone.
Can my existing denture be turned into a suction denture?
Sometimes an existing denture can be adjusted, but the best results usually come from a new denture designed for suction from the start. We will tell you which applies to you.
How long will it take to get used to?
Most people need a few weeks to settle into any new denture. Our guide to your first month with new dentures covers what to expect.
How long do suction dentures last?
Your gums and the bone underneath change over time, so any denture needs regular checks. Over the years it may need relining or replacing to keep the seal working well.
Book a consultation in Bolton
If your dentures move, rub or rely on adhesive to stay in, suction dentures could make a real difference. Book your consultation online, start with a free e-consultation from home, or call us on 01204 964678. Find out more about all our denture options.