Researchers are launching a new study through which they will use lab-created models to explore the long-term physical impacts of wearing dentures.
Recent surveys have suggested that as many as 15% of those visiting dental practices in England have either partial or complete dentures, with that number expected to increase significantly over the coming years.
However, while dentures are individually moulded and fitted, there has been little research into how wearing them affects the lining of patients' mouths.
To address this, experts from the University of Plymouth's Peninsula Dental School plan to create 3D models of the oral mucosa - the tissue similar to skin which lines the inside of the mouth, including the inside of cheeks and lips.
The model consists of two different cell types, both found in the skin and other oral tissues, with previous research having established ways to create this in the lab.
Doing this will allow the researchers to carry out detailed and repeated analyses of how tissue responds to the repeated physical pressure associated with functional dentures.
They will be able to identify whether additional measures might need to be put in place to improve the long-term experiences of denture wearers or use the model to test novel denture adhesives.
The 18-month study is being led by: Professor Simon Whawell, Professor of Integrated Oral Sciences; Dr Zoe Brookes, Associate Professor of Dental Education and Research; and Dr Vehid Salih , Associate Professor (Reader) in Oral & Dental Health Research.
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