Comfort, Confidence, Confidentiality
Having false teeth can be a sensitive matter to our patients. Your privacy and confidentiality is respected at all times from the surgery to reception and beyond.
We like to design teeth so they look completely natural and function comfortably, nobody need ever know...
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable false teeth. They are one of the options available to us to replace missing teeth. We offer natural looking acrylic (plastic) and chrome (metal based) dentures - carefully designed to optimise their fit, appearance, comfort and how they stay in place.
Understandably patients don't want dentures to look like false teeth and our patients comment on how pleased they are with the natural result. Their friends and family comment that they are ' looking well but are not aware why'.
We use high quality life-like false teeth and 'gum-work' and work together with our patients on the layout of the teeth and amount of tooth showing to ensure this suits you. You may like to bring in photographs of your old teeth or ask a trusted family member or friend to attend your try-in appointments for a second opinion on your appearance (rest assured we respect your privacy and you will not be asked to be seen without teeth-in).
We don't believe in cutting corners and take the time to do things properly.
At your initial consultation
A thorough assessment of the supporting gums and any remaining teeth is absolutely essential to ensure your new teeth last as long as possible and allow continued health of the rest of your mouth.
We also need to know what your wishes and expectations are to ensure dentures are right for you.
Apart from very simple cases and temporary/immediate dentures, a series of appointments perhaps 5-6 visits, generally 1-2 weeks apart, are required to make high quality dentures.
We don't believe in cutting corners and take the time to do things properly.
What to typically expect at each appointment
1. Primary impressions
1. Primary impressions
1. Primary impressions
First impressions of your mouth in an off-the-shelf tray.
Discuss the colour/size and layout of your teeth - this is ongoing throughout the rest of the process.
2. Secondary impressions
1. Primary impressions
1. Primary impressions
Impression trays are made to the shape of your mouth to allow much more accurate impressions which are vital for the fit of the denture.
3. Occlusal registration
1. Primary impressions
3. Occlusal registration
Recording how your teeth bite together, generally done by asking you to bite in a particular way into rims of wax prepared to sit in your mouth.
4. Try in
6. Review & adjustment appointment to check comfort.
3. Occlusal registration
To check the fit of the denture base and appearance. This is the crucial stage where you get to check how your new teeth will look.
Not until you are happy and 'sign this off' do we get the dentures finished.
5. Fit and after-care instructions
6. Review & adjustment appointment to check comfort.
6. Review & adjustment appointment to check comfort.
A well-fitting denture should feel comfortable, secure and allow you to speak and eat with confidence. We will carefully assess the fit of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments to help achieve the best possible comfort and function.
After receiving your dentures, it is normal to need a short period of adjustment. We’ll provide you with personalised advice on wearing, cleaning and caring for your dentures, as well as guidance on maintaining good oral health.
6. Review & adjustment appointment to check comfort.
6. Review & adjustment appointment to check comfort.
6. Review & adjustment appointment to check comfort.
Following the fitting of your new dentures, an adjustment and review appointment allows us to assess how they are settling and make any necessary refinements.
During your review, we’ll check the fit, stability and function of your dentures, as well as the health of your mouth and gums. We’ll also discuss how you are getting on with your dentures and answer any questions you may have.
Common questions and concerns about treatment
Cost and Pricing
Returning to Everyday Life
Cost and Pricing
The cost and design of dentures varies according to your specific requirements, your dentist will discuss this with you thoroughly at your assessment.
Adapting to new dentures can take some time.
Particularly if you have had an old set for a long time- these will have slowly worn and deteriorated over years but at such a slow pace that your mouth is accustomed to it.
Adapting
Returning to Everyday Life
Cost and Pricing
The changed design of new dentures may feel very different and take some time to get used to the improved design and updated fit, this is normal.
'Teething problems' may include:
- Feeling of slight looseness/movement
- Awkward eating particular foods,
- Small changes in your speech
- Sore spots.
Dentures are partly held in by subconscious muscl
The changed design of new dentures may feel very different and take some time to get used to the improved design and updated fit, this is normal.
'Teething problems' may include:
- Feeling of slight looseness/movement
- Awkward eating particular foods,
- Small changes in your speech
- Sore spots.
Dentures are partly held in by subconscious muscle control - it will take some time for the muscles of your mouth to grow used to the new dentures.
Returning to Everyday Life
Returning to Everyday Life
Returning to Everyday Life
We advise taking things slowly, eat soft foods to get used to chewing, if your speech of affected initially; talk to yourself at home to get used to them! Like new shoes, new dentures may rub at first.
Don't preserve with sore spots too long however as they may cause ulceration, contact us to book an adjustment appointment, take your dent
We advise taking things slowly, eat soft foods to get used to chewing, if your speech of affected initially; talk to yourself at home to get used to them! Like new shoes, new dentures may rub at first.
Don't preserve with sore spots too long however as they may cause ulceration, contact us to book an adjustment appointment, take your dentures out and only put them in the morning you come to see your dentist so they adjust the denture accordingly.
Types of Dentures
Complete dentures
For patients with no remaining teeth.
These dentures are held in place entirely by suction against the gum and subconscious muscle control.
They are generally made fully from acrylic (plastic), or have a metal 'palate' for strength /temperature sensation.
Acrylic partial dentures.
These are plastic dentures which rest on your gum.
They are generally best for patients with few remaining teeth or remaining teeth with a questionable outlook.
Rudimentary metal clips may help secure the denture.
Cobalt Chromium dentures
These dentures have a chromium (metal) base which offers many advantages over acrylic dentures including strength.
It can be made thinner so may be less bulky and is stronger for people whose dentures break frequently, the metal may rest on strong adjacent teeth which is healthier for your mouth, they allow more of your mouths palate to be exposed thereby allowing a greater sense of taste when eating, chromium, gold or white clasps can be attached to firmly secure your denture.
It may be wise to considering crowning heavily filled remaining teeth to help support a new chrome denture.