Replacing teeth, supporting everyday life
Dentures
Whether you need your first denture or your current one no longer feels right, we can assess the fit, discuss your options and help you plan a replacement.
Understanding treatment
A denture suited to your mouth.
Dentures are removable replacements for some or all of your teeth. Their design depends on your gums, remaining teeth and bite. Tell us how you are managing with eating, speaking and the appearance of your smile, including anything that is difficult with your current denture. These details help guide the choices we discuss with you.
Partial dentures
Replace one or more missing teeth, with a design that works around the teeth you retain.
Complete dentures
Replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both.
Implant-retained dentures
For suitable patients, implants can help improve the retention of a removable denture. A separate implant assessment is needed.
Before deciding
A plan that considers the whole picture.
Design and materials
Partial dentures may use acrylic, metal or a combination, sometimes with clasps around remaining teeth. The design balances support, space, appearance and ease of cleaning.
Your existing denture
Bring your current denture and tell us what works well and what does not. A loose or uncomfortable denture may need an adjustment, a reline or replacement; the first step is understanding the cause.
Planning around extractions
An immediate denture may be made before teeth are removed. As the mouth heals and changes shape, it may need adjustment, relining or replacement. These stages and costs should be part of the plan.
What to expect
Getting the fit, appearance and bite right.
Talk through your needs
We assess your mouth and any existing denture, then discuss the designs, materials and costs that may suit you.
Take records and check the design
A series of appointments helps us develop the fit and bite and check the appearance before the denture is finished.
Fit, adjust and explain care
We explain how to use and clean your denture. Follow-up appointments allow us to check how you are managing and make adjustments where needed.
Looking ahead
Care continues after treatment.
It takes time to adapt to a new denture. We explain how to insert, remove and clean it, and how to look after your gums and remaining teeth. Dentures are usually removed overnight unless you have been advised otherwise. Keep attending dental reviews even if you have no natural teeth, and arrange an assessment for persistent soreness or a changing fit.
Your questions
Useful things to know.
How many appointments will I need?
Making dentures usually takes several visits. Your clinician will explain the sequence for your case.
Can I have a denture when a tooth is removed?
An immediate denture may be an option if planned in advance. As your mouth heals, adjustments or replacement may be needed.
What if my denture is loose?
Arrange an assessment so we can find out why it is loose. Options may include adjusting it, reshaping its fitting surface (a reline) or making a replacement. Implant support may be worth discussing for suitable patients.
Who will help with my denture?
Our dentists and clinical dental technicians work together on denture care. Reception will help arrange the appropriate first assessment, taking account of your remaining teeth and the treatment you need.
Will eating and speaking feel different?
Often they do at first. You may need practice with speech, inserting and removing the denture and eating comfortably. We will give practical advice and review any areas that remain difficult.
What if my new denture rubs?
Contact reception for an adjustment appointment. Do not try to file or reshape it yourself. Tell us where it hurts and follow the advice given about wearing it before your visit.
Can you repair a broken denture?
Some dentures can be repaired, but we need to check the damage and fit first. Bring the denture and any broken pieces with you. Do not use household glue to repair it.
Could I have fixed teeth instead?
A bridge or implant-supported teeth may be an alternative in some mouths. These involve different costs, treatment and maintenance. We can help you compare suitable options without assuming a removable denture is your only choice.
Fees and planning
An estimate for your treatment.
We will explain the cost of the proposed denture, the materials and any treatment needed beforehand. You will receive an estimate before you agree to proceed.
Ask us about the full course of care, including any temporary work, final restorations and future maintenance. We will explain these costs before you agree to treatment.
Next step
Tell us what you need from your denture.
Contact reception to arrange a denture assessment. Let us know if you already wear a denture and whether your concern is its fit, comfort, appearance or damage.
Reception will confirm your appointment after you get in touch.
For dental pain or swelling, please telephone reception. If you cannot access urgent dental care, contact NHS 111.