What is a denture?
A denture is a removable prosthesis which is used to replace missing teeth. It is usually made of reinforced acrylic, injectable resin or a combination of acrylic and metal. In recent times a springy resin material called “valplast” has become available. This works by gripping the surrounding teeth eliminating the use of metal wires.
A partial denture is used to replace some missing teeth whilst a complete denture is used when all the natural teeth in a jaw are missing. A good set of dentures helps you to eat and often can improve the appearance. Occasionally a denture can be used as a provisional treatment solution for patients who are having multiple extractions and/or implant treatment.
Premium customised natural looking dentures
Everything is in the planning. From sitting down with the patient to discuss their desires and requirements to looking at all the options together to see what will best suit that particular individual. From selecting what result the client wants to achieve: natural or Hollywood right down to the detail of how each individual tooth and gum area should look. This is the art of customised dentures: so real and comfortable that even you may forget that they are not your own! Of course if you want the dentures to be absolutely rigid so that you can eat practically anything than implant supported dentures may be the solution.
With this lady our brief was to create dentures which made her look more youthful and blended in with the rest of the smile and the mouth. Each area of the artificial gum was shaped to mimic the light reflection and surface texture of the natural teeth areas. The teeth were set slightly imperfectly. This allows the denture to blend in perfectly.
How long does it take to make a denture?
It will take a number of visits in order to fabricate a denture, with each visit involving precise treatment steps that are essential to ensure that a comfortable fit and the appearance you desire is achieved. After your initial consultation, we can discuss with you in detail the length of time, number of appointments and the procedures that will be involved in order to fabricate your new dentures. As a team we are very experienced in the fabrication of dentures. So that we can maximise the comfort and appearance of the dentures we only use the finest materials available. We encourage our clients to sit down with our highly skilled technicians so that they can witness and be involved in the decision making process of how the teeth will be designed so that a more natural appearance can be achieved. The results can be so realistic even family members and friends may be fooled into thinking that they are natural teeth.
What to expect?
It can take several days or weeks to get used to wearing dentures and before an individual feels that a denture is comfortable and functioning effectively. It takes longer if you are a first-time denture wearer and as the number of teeth being replaced increases. Eating will require practice and it is advisable to start with soft food cut into small pieces.
New dentures may also alter the speech and pronouncing certain words will require practice. We will be best placed to advise you on the difficulties you might face following a detailed consultation and evaluation.
Certain patients may find it too difficult to adapt to using dentures and their normal daily routine may be affected. In these cases, precision clips attached to dental implants may be used to help retain and stabilise the denture.
Alternatively dental implants can be used to support a fixed bridge or a denture, producing stability close to natural dentition.
The non surgical face lift
If your denture teeth have worn down or have not been made to the appropriate dimensions (as is quite often the case), the lower third of your face will appear over closed (your chin gets closer to your nose) and your dentures sink back. This increases facial lines and reduces the support to your cheeks, making your lips appear thin. This produces the effect of premature aging.
Our special interest in facial and dental aesthetics means when we design your new teeth we pay special attention to your facial appearance. Your face and lips are the frame for your smile. Many clients comment on looking younger as well as achieving a beautiful natural smile.
