Dentures

There are four types of dentures including;

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can be made from a range of different materials, including acrylic, metal, nylon and porcelain. Removable partial dentures are made for people who are only missing a few teeth and who do not need a complete arch of dentures. The cost of a partial denture will vary depending on individual requirements and the material used, but will likely be cheaper than complete dentures. Partial dentures are just as long-lasting as complete dentures.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are made to replace all the teeth on the dental arch, on either the upper or lower jaw or both. They fit directly on the gums and are usually made of acrylic and/or a metal frame. Complete dentures are suitable for people who have none or almost none of their natural teeth remaining. The cost of a full set of dentures will vary depending on the type and quality of materials used, but they will usually last between 7-10 years.

Immediate Dentures 

Immediate dentures are full or partial dentures that are fitted immediately after a tooth extraction. Immediate dentures are temporary and are used to give your gums time to heal before partial or complete dentures replace them. Immediate dentures are fitted and made before your teeth are extracted so that they’re ready immediately. Immediate dentures will cost less than regular dentures because they are usually only worn for 6-8 months while you wait for your new dentures.

Fixed Dentures

Fixed dentures differ from traditional dentures because they are held in place by dental implants. Fixed Dentures (sometimes referred to as implant dentures) are secured in place using special attachments, so they are more stable than regular dentures. However, they can still be taken out when necessary. The cost of implant-supported dentures will depend on your specific treatment plan and how many implants you need. Implant-supported overdentures may need to be refixed every 3-5 years.

Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, we will examine your mouth to assess what you’ll need for your dentures. we will check:

• The health of your gums
• Whether any teeth will need to be removed
• Any previous dental work, such as fillings or crowns
• The shape of your teeth when they bite together

We will come up with a treatment plan and discuss this with you. This is where you will also be given a cost estimate. You will usually need between 2-4 appointments following this, in order to fit and make the dentures.

During the Procedure
The process of getting dentures is usually done in four stages and takes around six weeks. The exception to this is if you are getting immediate dentures, where your dentures will be inserted immediately after having teeth extracted and then new ones will be made a few months after the procedure. 

After the Procedure
It will take some time for you to get used to the feeling of having dentures. You may also experience some soreness in the first 24 hours after you have been fitted. Should it persist, it usually means that modifications in the fit should be made.

Every now and then, check your tongue, throat and the rest of your mouth area for any signs of infection. Even if you have no real teeth left, you still need to come in for check-ups so the dentist can look for changes in your gums and bones.

You will need to ensure that you clean your dentures regularly in order to maintain their quality and avoid gum infections. 

New dentures will usually require an adjustment period and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get used to. You may feel some minor discomfort at first or produce more saliva than normal. However, if your dentures are very painful or loose then this is a sign that they don’t fit correctly and you will need to return to the dentist.

Some of the possible complications of dentures include:

• Pain
• Dentures that don’t fit
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Loose teeth
• Ulcers that won’t go away
• Bad breath

Most of these risks can be managed with an accurate and conscientious fitting process as well as proper oral hygiene and denture maintenance.

Dentures are strong and hard-wearing and when well looked after they should last for many years.

• Even with a full denture, you should visit us for regular dental check-ups so that we can check the health of your gums.
• Remove your dentures at night to allow your gums can rest.
• When you remove them, clean your dentures. Use a toothbrush or a special denture brush with special denture cream- not toothpaste!
• It’s advisable to clean your dentures after every meal if possible.
• Store your dentures in water or denture fluid. If they dry out they may go hard and break.
• Rinse your dentures thoroughly before you put them back in.
• Don’t forget about your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth. Give them a good brush when you remove your dentures at night

Dental Implants can be a good alternative to dentures because they require less maintenance and often look more natural. They are also less likely to cause irritation. However, implants are a more expensive option.

While almost anyone can get dentures, dental implants may not be recommended if you smoke, have had radiotherapy to your jaw area or have diabetes that isn’t well-controlled.

If you suffer from gum disease, your dentist will help you treat it before dentures or implants are fitted. Remember, each case is different so please make an appointment for further advice. We will do a thorough clinical assessment and discuss your options with you in detail to help you decide what solution is right for you.

The cost of your dentures will vary depending on the type, size, materials and any special requirements. Before you are fitted for your dentures, you will have a consultation to discuss what kind of dentures you need and how much they will cost. Complete dentures can cost from £1500 upwards, and partial dentures start from £700. You can get a more complete overview in our Fee Guide.

It’s important to make sure that your dentures are correctly fitted and made to suit your needs because you will be wearing them for significant periods of time.

For high-quality fitted dentures in Oxfordshire & Hampshire, let the team at Imogen Dental help you with your prosthetics choices. Our dentists in Benson & Kingsclere use their expertise and modern technology to match the new dentures to the shape of your existing teeth and their colour.

In conjunction with our highly skilled and experienced technicians (Precision Dental Studio), we will provide you with the best quality denture service in the area. For more information, book an initial consultation at either of our local Dental clinics using the buttons below.