• Full dentures are used when all the teeth in the mouth are missing. They are made of plastic and the teeth and base plate can be designed to create a lovely smile. We try to customise your dentures so that the teeth appear natural. The process usually takes 4 weeks, visiting the practice once a week. The first step involves impression taking. The second step registers the bite. The third stage is the “try in”, ensuring that you are happy with the dentures before they are finished. On the 4th visit, you take them home.

For denture care go here.

Prices start from £600 for one denture.

• Partial dentures can be used to replace missing teeth. They are removable (unlike a bridge that is fixed). There are a number of reasons to replace missing teeth: appearance, helping you eat and preventing the remaining teeth moving into unhealthy positions, which can make it difficult to clean them and alters the bite. Teeth that are difficult to clean are more likely to decay and the gum is likely to become inflamed. A partial denture consists of false teeth fixed to a plate. The teeth are made of plastic and are shape and colour matched to your remaining teeth.

Materials

The plate can be made of plastic or metal (chrome cobalt).

Plastic dentures are cheaper and easier to make but may harm the remaining teeth (depending on the design). They are sometimes used as an interim step if a tooth has been extracted and the gum needs time to heal.

Prices start from £500.

Metal dentures can be made more accurately and as the metal is much stronger, the plate is usually smaller and thinner. The plate is usually held in place by the use of clips (clasps) which makes them comfortable to wear. They are considerably more complex to make.

Prices start from £750

When you see your dentist, they will discuss the various options with you