Dentures in Weybridge

What dentures are and who they suit

Dentures are removable false teeth that sit snugly over your gums to replace missing teeth. At our Weybridge practice we make dentures for people missing a few teeth as well as those who have lost all of them. A well-made denture helps you eat and speak more comfortably. It also fills out your smile.

Dentures are often a good choice if you want to replace several teeth without surgery. They usually need little or no work on your remaining teeth. You take them out to clean them and to rest your gums at night. They can be a long-term solution in their own right. They can also act as a stopgap while you wait for implants or a bridge.

Missing teeth can let your lips and cheeks sink inwards over time. Dentures support them, which can give the face a fuller look. Many patients say being able to eat and smile without thinking about the gaps makes a real difference to their confidence.

Types of denture

Which denture suits you depends mostly on how many teeth you have left and the condition of those teeth. We will go through the options at your assessment.

Partial dentures

A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth when you still have some natural teeth. It clips around the remaining teeth to stay in place. Partial dentures can be made in acrylic (a hard plastic) or with a thin metal framework. Metal-based dentures are usually slimmer and stronger. Acrylic dentures are simpler to add a tooth to later if another tooth is lost.

Complete dentures

A complete (full) denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. It rests on the gums and is held by a close fit against them. Upper dentures usually stay in more firmly than lower ones because they cover the palate.

Implant-retained dentures

If a lower denture tends to move, it can be clipped onto a small number of implants placed in the jaw. These are called overdentures. They are still removable for cleaning but feel much more secure when you eat.

Immediate dentures and same-day teeth

If teeth need to come out, you may be able to have an immediate denture. This is made in advance and fitted on the same day the teeth are removed, so you are not left with a gap while you heal.

There is a trade-off. As the gums and bone heal after an extraction they shrink. An immediate denture can therefore become loose and may need relining or replacing after three to six months. If you have had missing teeth for some months a denture made after healing will usually fit better from the start. The same applies if you are happy to wait for the gums to settle. Your dentist will explain which approach suits your situation.

What happens at Post House

Dentures take skill to get right. If a denture is poorly made it can be uncomfortable, bulky and obvious. We work closely with a dental laboratory we trust to make dentures that fit well and look like natural teeth.

Your treatment starts with an examination, subject to a consultation and assessment. We look at your gums and any remaining teeth, take any x-rays that are needed and talk about what you want from your denture. We then take accurate impressions of your mouth. The laboratory uses these to make your denture.

Before the denture is finished, we usually try in the teeth so you can see the shape and shade and so we can check your bite. Once you are happy, the denture is completed and fitted. We then see you again to make small adjustments to any areas that rub.

Getting used to new dentures

If you have never worn dentures before, they take a little time to get used to. A good fit makes this period shorter and easier. In the first few weeks you may notice:

• More saliva than usual, which settles as your mouth adapts
• Some words that feel awkward to say at first
• Sore spots where the denture presses on the gum
• That chewing feels different, so soft food cut into small pieces is easier to begin with

Sore spots are common and usually easy to fix with a small adjustment. Please do not try to file or alter the denture yourself.

Dentures, implants or a bridge

Dentures are one of several ways to replace missing teeth. The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your other teeth and gums, the bone available and your budget.

• Dentures involve no surgery and are usually the most affordable way to replace several teeth. They are removable and need taking out to clean.
• A fixed bridge is fixed in place and uses the teeth on either side of a gap for support. Those teeth usually need to be prepared. Bridges are not suitable for large gaps.
• Dental implants replace the tooth root and are fixed in place. They need enough healthy bone and involve surgery. They also cost more.

Our page on missing teeth compares these options side by side.

The cost of dentures

At Post House Dental a partial acrylic denture is from £750 and a partial chrome denture is from £1,500. A complete acrylic denture for a single arch is from £1,500 and complete acrylic dentures, upper and lower, are £2,500 to £4,500. The final fee depends on the type of denture, the materials used and how many teeth it replaces. We confirm it in a written treatment plan before any work starts. You can see our full price list on the fees page.

Dentures are available on the NHS as well as privately. We provide both NHS and private care. Please ask the practice about NHS availability for your situation. Online booking is for private appointments only.

Caring for your dentures

Take your dentures out every night to clean them and to give your gums a rest. Clean them with a soft brush and a denture cleaner rather than ordinary toothpaste, which can scratch them. Rinse them after meals. Store them in water or a denture solution so they do not dry out. If you still have some natural teeth, keep brushing them carefully, especially where a partial denture clips on.

Dentures can last many years if looked after well. Your mouth keeps changing gradually, so a denture that once fitted perfectly may become loose over time. Regular check-ups let us spot this. We also check the health of your gums and mouth at those visits.

For more background, read our articles on denture teeth and their uses and dentures for missing teeth.