A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. Complete or full dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. For both types of denture your dentist or specialist makes a model of your teeth by taking impressions. These models are used to custom-make your dentures.
A full denture is placed in the mouth about a month after all the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing, whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The drawback behind an immediate denture is that it may require more adjustments after the healing has taken place.
We work with some of the UKs leading denture technicians to ensure that we provide you with dentures that fit and feel comfortable.
Different types of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures may be used when surrounding teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when more than just a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by teeth or tissue support and/or by clasps that fit onto nearby natural teeth. You can take the partial denture out at night or for cleaning. Partial dentures can be made from acrylic, light alloy metal/acrylic combination or the latest flexible acrylic like Valplast.
Light Alloy (or Cobalt Chrome) Dentures
Light Alloy metal dentures are an alternative to acrylic plastic dentures. They are smaller and usually not palate-covering, and allow more freedom to enjoy the flavours in food and to speak more normally, as they do not have the usual denture bulk that often impedes these functions.
Light Alloy metal dentures are strong and less likely to fracture, since they are not as fragile as their counterparts. They are made of medically-approved cobalt chrome alloy, or a hybrid of cobalt chrome alloy and nylon resin. We will ensure proper denture fit for comfort during wear. These dentures give patients comfortable teeth replacement with lasting results.
The advantages of light alloy dentures include:
- They are less bulky
- Better for oral hygiene
- Light and strong
- In some cases there is no need to cover the palate
- They can feel more comfortable in the mouth
Valplast or Flexi-dentures
Flexible dentures are a new product similar to conventional acrylic dentures but with an important difference, because they’re flexible they can replace a small number of teeth and fill a gap without necessarily covering the palate. They are good for small to medium sized gaps and are easy to fit. However, they are usually just a temporary measure to be used whilst waiting for implants or a bridge.
Telescopic dentures
The best way to stabilise a denture is to use at least two remaining teeth favourably positioned as anchors. The are prepared using ceramic caps which the denture snaps onto. This type is a Telescopic denture and it has very good aesthetic results and is very stable whilst chewing, depending on the number of remaining teeth in a jaw.
Are dentures right for me?
We discuss affordability with patients and give costs up front, so that patients know what to expect. Investing in metal dentures may be a more cost-effective choice in the long run. As with all dentures, you will have a full consultation with a qualified dentist who will create a prescription/treatment plan for you. Once this has been done we can discuss with you your options for materials and types of denture.
If you are interested in Light Alloy Metal dentures or any other type of denture that we offer, then please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you on the best way to proceed.
Contact the practice to book an appointment : 020 8840 5651.
