When dentures or false teeth are mentioned, most people picture their grandma’s set of teeth in a glass of water.
However, significant advances in the dental industry have completely changed the dental replacement landscape. Modern dentures are simpler, more natural-looking, and have more subtle fittings. We dare say that most of them would be hardly differentiated from real teeth.
There are various types of treatments for missing teeth to choose from. Here are some of the most common types of dentures and modern systems offered by our dental practice in London.
They are also known as complete dentures. Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth. They are usually used when one has lost all their natural teeth. The false teeth are designed to fit snugly over the patient’s gums and jaw. If tooth removal is necessary before fitting dentures, your dentist may recommend either waiting for the gums to heal or fitting temporary immediate dentures.
An impression and mould of your mouth is taken, and the dentures are custom-made for you. Regular dental check-ups will be necessary to assess the denture’s effectiveness or to repair it.
Partial dentures are supported by existing natural teeth. They are used when one or more missing teeth need to be replaced. Several natural teeth may remain, with the denture held in place using clasps or other attachments. These can sometimes be made from tooth- or gum-coloured material, making the dentures more discreet.
A mould of your mouth will be taken, and the impression used to create a tailored denture for you. The clasps are used to help hold the teeth in place and keep them from moving. Partial dentures can be easily removed for regular cleaning. Good dental hygiene must be followed to prevent the build-up of dental plaque.
Some removable dentures can be retained by dental implants. These implant-retained dentures attach to implants placed in the jawbone, helping to improve stability while still allowing the denture to be removed for cleaning.
Their removable nature makes them easier to clean and maintain. The NHS describes implant-retained overdentures as dentures that are held in place by dental implants.
Dental implants are a long-term, natural-looking solution for replacing any number of missing teeth. The dental implants mimic the roots of teeth and are inserted into the jawbone. An artificial crown or implant bridge is then affixed to the implant. NHS hospital guidance explains that implants can support crowns, bridges and dentures.
One concern with full dentures is that they may move or become loose. Dental implants can help provide additional support and stability for replacement teeth.
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An implant-retained denture can be supported by a small number of dental implants. The implants help keep the denture securely in place.
This approach may be suitable for some patients who want greater denture stability. However, suitability depends on factors such as bone levels, gum health and general health, and should be assessed by a dentist.
The implant denture can be removed for cleaning, as with regular false teeth.
Also, explore All-on-4 treatment for Teeth in a Day.
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If tooth removal is required before permanent dentures can be fitted, your dentist may suggest waiting for your gums and jaw to heal. Patients with a prominent gap may receive temporary false teeth fitted immediately after tooth extraction.
As the gums and bone change shape during healing, temporary dentures may become loose and need adjustment, relining or replacement. NHS guidance confirms that immediate dentures can loosen as the tissues heal.
Conventional false teeth are generally priced lower than implant-supported alternatives. The cost of dentures varies depending on the material used, the type of denture and the number of teeth that need to be replaced.
We do not provide NHS services at Angel Smile Dental Care; however, you may ask practices that provide NHS services about your options. Dentures are included within Band 3 treatment in England, which currently costs £332.10.
Private denture costs vary considerably depending on the type of denture, materials used and the laboratory work involved. The NHS also notes that patients paying privately may have a wider choice of materials.
Implant-retained bridges or hybrid dentures can also replace missing teeth. Dental implants are more expensive than conventional dentures, but they provide another option for suitable patients who want fixed or more stable replacement teeth. At Angel Smile, single dental implants currently start from £2,800. See implant costs.
If you have any queries about tooth replacement options, feel free to book an appointment with us or visit our N1 Angel Smile Dental clinic in London.
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