Dentures

Complete and partial dentures are some of the most widely used replacements for missing teeth and offer a less permanent but more cost effective solution than dental implants and crowns or bridges.

Complete dentures replace an entire upper and/ or lower arch In selected cases they can be supported by implants and retained by screws, providing excellent stability and more comfort than traditional dentures.

Partial dentures are used to fill the space left by a number of missing teeth which also prevents remaining teeth from moving out of alignment. They are attached to the surrounding natural teeth by small clasps.

As the name suggests, partial dentures are worn when not all of the patient’s teeth are missing and only some need to be replaced.

These dentures may be either tooth supported or tooth and tissue supported. Your dentist will be able to explain the differences and advise on the best option.

When your dentures are being fitted, the following steps are likely to take place:

  1. Tooth removal: Your dentist will take you through the steps, explain what to expect, and can also offer advice for the period afterwards to keep you feeling comfortable and fully informed, if you need to have any teeth removed.

  2. Impression: Moulds of your mouth will be taken in order to create a denture that’s tailored to you.

  3. Bite moulds: Wax blocks are used to check that your biting action is comfortable. You may also be asked to choose the shape and colour of your new teeth at this point.

  4. Wax models: Your new teeth are set in wax, helping you get a better idea of how your final denture will look and work.

  5. Fitting: Your final denture is fitted and you will be given instructions about how you should care for it.

When you go for a consultation to discuss the look and feel of your new denture, it might be worth taking a loved one along for support. Taking some old photographs along with you can also help you to choose a set that match your natural teeth, helping you feel like you again.

If you decide to get fitted with an immediate denture after your teeth have been removed, your dentist will be able to give advice on this.

*All surgical or dental procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you may consider seeking a second opinion and/or consult your GP or appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Complete/Full Dentures

Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

Materials for Complete Denture:

  • Acrylic Full Denture

  • IVOCAP (High Quality)

  • Thermosen

Partial Dentures - Fixed

This procedure, commonly referred to as a “bridge,” is a way to replace a missing tooth with a fixed prosthesis. During this procedure the teeth on both sides of the area where the tooth is missing are prepared for a crown.

There are different materials used:

  • Porcelain- Fused- Metal Crown (PFM)

  • Porcelain- Fused- Tillite (White Metal)

  • Ceramage (Ceramic crowns for Front Teeth)

  • E- Max (All ceramic for Posterior Teeth)

  • Zirconia (strongest ceramic material. It is 10 times stronger than our natural teeth and can last a long time if correctly restored)

white and red round food on white ceramic plate
white and red round food on white ceramic plate

Partial Dentures - Removable

For patients with multiple missing teeth, RPDs are less invasive and have a lower cost than other tooth replacement options. Partial dentures are made of a resin base into which artificial teeth are inserted and are custom made by the lab from models of your mouth.

There are many types of resin bases to choose from:

  • US Plastic or Stayplate Acrylic (rigid)

  • Flexible

  • Thermosen (combination of flexible and rigid)

  • Acrylic with Metal Clasp

  • Acrylic with Metal Framework

  • Metal Framework