Cosmetic Dentures

What are dentures?

If you have lost teeth whether it is a single tooth or all of your teeth and you would like to improve the daily function and appearance of your teeth, a denture is a solution available to you. Dentures are custom made artificial teeth that are removable. There are two different types of dentures acrylic or chrome.

The benefits of having dentures

Dentures do not just restore your smile and daily function they can also help to improve the shape of your face, offer support to your cheeks and lips and create a more youthful appearance. See the list of benefits below:

• Increase your self-esteem
• Restore your smile
• Improve your mouth general appearance
• Support your facial muscles
• Improve your speech
• Help to chew food easily
• Removable so you can clean them completely
• Affordable treatment
• Boost confidence
• Improve overall oral health
• Comfortable and personalized treatment
• Reduce further oral issues

The different types of dentures

There are two major types of dentures, complete dentures, and partial dentures.

1. Complete dentures: In this type of treatment, a full denture will be fitted if all upper or lower teeth need to be removed. These dentures can be either conventional or immediate. Usually, these are made once the teeth have been removed and gum tissues have started healing. The conventional dentures can be ready to place in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed. While immediate dentures are prepared in advance, and as soon as teeth are removed these dentures are placed. So, the patients do not have to be without teeth during the healing process. However, in this process, the gums and bone will alter in shape fairly quickly and the dentures will need relining or remaking after a few months.
2. Partial dentures: When one or more teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw then partial dentures are used. They actually fill in the gaps left by the lost teeth. In this process, teeth are attached to a gum-coloured plastic, nylon, or metal base plate. A fixed bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. Later this bridge is cemented into place. Partial dentures not only fill the gaps but also prevent other teeth from altering their position. These dentures look more natural after wearing.

What to expect before and during treatment?

If you have decided to go for dentures then you can expect the following while visiting your dentist.

1. The dentist will completely examine your mouth and discuss your dental history with you. After the assessment, he/she will determine the treatment option.
2. Once you are agreed on a treatment option, a series of impressions of your teeth will be taken. Your jaw and teeth are measured to send the details to the laboratory
3. In the laboratory, the plaster model of your mouth is created using the impressions. Once a model is prepared, you are asked to try this either it fits properly, or not. If you feel it does not fit properly then it will be reshaped. This process is repeated until you are satisfied
4. After that, the final denture is made. Again you visit the dentist and collect it to wear.

What to expect after treatment?

When you have started wearing dentures either conventional or immediate, you can expect the following.

1. Soreness, swelling, and discomfort
2. Feel a bit strange at the beginning
3. May experience difficulty when speaking certain words
4. Remove the dentures while sleeping, however, wear them regularly in the daytime
5. A little discomfort while eating with the dentures
6. Rinse your mouth with warm water
7. Clean dentures with toothpaste or soap regularly
8. In the case of immediate dentures, visit the dentist for relining or replacement
9. Visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups

How much do dentures cost?

The cost of dentures depends on the option you choose. However, on average, the cost of dentures ranges between £500 to £1300.