A denture is a removable substitute for missing teeth and neighboring tissues. Full or complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing their position. Your dentist or specialist makes a model of your teeth by taking impressions for both types of dentures. These models are used to make your dentures customized.
About a month after all the teeth are removed, a full denture is placed in the mouth to allow for proper healing, while an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The drawback of an immediate denture is that after the healing has taken place, it may require more adjustments.
We are working with some of the UK’s leading denture technicians to ensure that we provide you with comfortable dentures.
Different types of Partial Dentures
When surrounding teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge or when more than a few teeth are missing, partial dentures may be used. Partial dentures consist of one or more artificial teeth held in place by supporting teeth or tissue and/or clasps fitting on natural teeth in the vicinity. At night or for cleaning, you can take out the partial denture. Partial dentures can be made from a combination of acrylic, light alloy metal / acrylic or the latest flexible acrylic such as Valplast.
Light Alloy (or Cobalt Chrome) Dentures
An alternative to acrylic plastic dentures is the light alloy metal dentures. They are smaller and usually not palate-covering, allowing more freedom to enjoy the flavors in food and to speak more normally, as they do not have the usual bulk of denture that often impedes these functions.
Because they are not as fragile as their counterparts, light alloy metal dentures are strong and less likely to fracture. They are made of cobalt chromium alloy or a cobalt chromium alloy and nylon resin hybrid. During wear, we will ensure proper denture for comfort. These dentures provide patients with lasting results in comfortable teeth replacement.
The benefits of light alloy dentures are:
- 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 a significant difference as they can replace a small number of teeth and fill a gap without necessarily covering the palate. They are good and easy to fit for small to medium gaps. Usually they are only a temporary measure to be used while waiting for implants or a bridge.
Telescopic dentures
The best way to stabilize a denture is to use as anchors at least two remaining teeth. They are made using ceramic caps that are snapped on by the denture. This type is a telescopic denture with very good esthetic results and is very stable while chewing, depending on the number of teeth left in a jaw.
Are dentures right for me?
We talk to patients about affordability and give up costs in advance, so patients know what to expect. Long-term investment in metal dentures can be a more cost-effective choice. You will have a full consultation with a qualified dentist, as with all dentures, who will create a prescription / treatment plan for you.
If you are interested in Light Alloy Metal dentures or any other type of dentures we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be pleased to advise you on how best to proceed.
Contact the practice to book an appointment : 020 8980 6398.
