Although Lindley Dental Centre’s dentists will always do all they can to help you keep your own teeth for as long as possible, it’s sometimes necessary to replace missing teeth with modern dentures – also called “plates” or “false teeth” – for cosmetic reasons or to help you enjoy your food more fully.
It’s quite possible to construct dentures to replace a small number of teeth or even a single tooth. We’ll always talk through your options in detail before work begins.
The Denture Process
To take impressions, construct and fit dentures it’s normal to visit the dentist around four times in all. This is the case whether full or partial dentures are being fitted.
Visit one
The dentist takes an impression (mould) of both upper and lower jaws.
Visit two
Using models made by the dental technician from the impressions, and some wax blocks, the dentist records the way you bite.
You help the dentist choose the type, shape and colour of teeth you want for your denture. Prices will vary according to the specifications you choose. A second impression is often taken at this stage, using a custom-made tray. This helps to get an accurate fit for your dentures.
Visit three – the ‘try-in’ stage
At this point a wax-plate version of the denture is made so that you can make sure that you are happy with the appearance of your teeth – please feel free to bring someone else along if you’d like a second opinion! The dentist will also check your bite at this stage.
Anything that you are not happy with can be changed at this stage, and we will happily repeat it until you’re completely satisfied with your teeth.
Visit four – This is the final fitting
The dentist makes sure you are comfortable with your new teeth before you take them home to try out. Just like a new pair of shoes, your teeth may need some “wearing-in” and a little time for you to get used to them. However, if you find that your teeth are causing serious rubbing please ring the practice first thing in the morning and we will endeavour to see you the same day – a minor adjustment by us can make a big difference to you.
Immediate Dentures
These are not a different type of denture but a different type of treatment, available if it is unacceptable for you to have a gap for any length of time. An impression is taken before you lose your tooth and the technician then makes a plastic ‘immediate denture’ with the replacement tooth or teeth on it.
When you see your dentist to have the tooth removed the new denture can be fitted as the same visit, so there’s no gap at any time. This is especially recommended if a front tooth is to be lost.
Sometimes if the tooth which is to be lost does not show it is better to wait for the gum to fully heal and reshape itself before having a denture made – this way the denture will last longer.
Immediate dentures are temporary dentures, designed to last about six months whilst your gum heals and reshapes. You will then need a new denture or even a bridge to replace the immediate denture.
Choosing the right type of partial denture for you
Acrylic dentures – light, plastic dentures available in a range of different qualities.
Standard acrylic dentures – with contoured gum work is in a strong plastic and a standard quality tooth.
Deluxe acrylic dentures – very hard wearing, comprised of high-quality teeth with improved cosmetic appeal. Again high strength plastic is used. The palate can be made in clear plastic if required. Prices depend upon how many teeth are being replaced.
Chrome / cobalt dentures – these dentures have cosmetic plastic teeth, supported on a metal framework.
As metal is stronger than plastic it can be made thinner and often allows a denture to be made without a full palate, leaving the roof of your mouth free. Special clasps and clips grip the denture to your own teeth giving added security. Usually, the denture does not have to fit as close to the gums, which is healthier. They are a very good choice for those who find it difficult to tolerate things touching the roof of their mouth.
Very friendly, and welcoming
Mrs Fleetwood