Dentures

Dentures (‘plates’) are removable false teeth that can be made of hard acrylic, softer plastics (Valplast resin) or metal. They are custom made to fit the shape of your mouth to replace missing teeth and soft tissues, denture are required where:

• Some or all of the teeth have been lost
• Loss of teeth has affected the look of your smile or the function of your mouth
• A bridge is not a suitable or acceptable alternative
• A minimally invasive, reversible option is preferred

We offer dentures on the NHS and Privately, your dentist will be happy to explain the options available to you and agree on an appropriate type of denture to suit your requirements and budget. We offer acrylic (plastic) dentures and chrome (metal) dentures on the NHS, privately we offer acrylic, Valplast (‘flexible dentures’) and chrome dentures- these dentures benefit for more time taken in the laboratory to design and construct which can result in a neater fit, the teeth and plastic used to construct them are higher quality and can provide a more realistic, natural outcome.
 

The process of making a new denture can take approximately six weeks (sometimes this can be shortened if not all stages are required) however it may take a few weeks more in complicated cases.

There are four main stages/visits:

• First set of Dental impressions, this involves moulds of the upper and lower jaws
• Second Impressions and Bite, this is usually done using a custom made tray that the lab has designed to fit your mouth to accurately record your teeth/soft tissues/ridges, the bite is recorded using wax blocks that are warmed until it reproduces where your teeth will be placed ad how they will meet ‘bite’ together. A shade is also agreed upon at this stage
• Try In, a trial denture is created tis allows us to assess the look, fit and bite – this stage is sometimes repeated in complicated cases
• Fit! The happy day you get your new teeth, some adjustment may be required to allow your dentures to fit comfortably, after this visit we are available to ease and smooth any areas that may be rubbing.
   

It is important that your remove your dentures overnight to allow your tissues to be bathed by your saliva, this can reduce your risks of getting fungal infections of the mouth. Denture cleaning advice will be provided by your dentist that is appropriate to the denture type you have.