Dentures
With good oral hygiene and regular visits to us for check-ups, tooth loss does not need to be an ordinary part of growing older. For our patients who have lost teeth despite every effort to keep them, we offer dental implants, bridges and dentures. Which option is most suitable to you will depend on a range of issues, including the health of your jaw and gums, your general health, your personal preferences and your budget. All options will be discussed with you so that you can make an informed decision.
What are dentures?
If dentures are the preferred option, it is important that you know that modern dentures are a world away from the image you probably have in your mind. Our dental technicians will work hard to custom-make dentures that take into account not only the colour of your natural teeth but also the shape of your mouth and face, in order to create dentures that look entirely natural and fit perfectly.
Once your new dentures have been made and fitted, your smile will be rejuvenated and you can have confidence in your smile. Your new dentures will fit comfortably and securely, and be strong enough to allow you to eat whatever you would normally choose to eat.
How do dentures work?
Made of acrylic resin or chrome, you may be fitted with bespoke partial or full dentures depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced, and their location.
By taking impressions your dentist can create a real-life model of your whole mouth in order to create your dentures. Using these impressions plus photographs of your face, dentures will then be crafted ready to be fitted during a further appointment.
Will dentures work for me?
If you are lacking several teeth or need several teeth to be extracted, perhaps due to illness, decay or injury, then dentures can prove a cost-effective, non-invasive means of replacing them. You can have a partial denture (which fits over your upper or lower gums) or full denture depending on your needs.
With good care, your dentures will last for many years, though over time the shape of your face and mouth will naturally alter with age and you may need further dentures to be crafted to ensure that they continue to fit snugly and securely. For a more permanent solution, we also offer dental implants, which can be discussed with you at your consultation.
How long do dentures take to make and fit?
The treatment time depends on your circumstances. If you need to have teeth extracted, your gums will need time to heal and any swelling to subside before impressions can be taken and your dentures prepared. This could take a couple of months, during which time it may be possible to fit you with a temporary set of dentures.
Otherwise, you may need up to four appointments: the first and second to sit comfortably whilst impressions and a record of your bite are taken. The third to try in a mock–up of your new dentures, and the fourth to to have your newly-crafted dentures fitted into place. The time between those appointments is likely to be just one to two weeks.
Contact us about dentures
If you are missing teeth or require extractions and want to discuss treatment options to restore your smile, call us or use our contact form and we will arrange a convenient appointment. We offer free initial consultations, during which a range of options, including dentures, will be discussed with you so that the best possible treatment plan can be devised.