Different denture types

There are two types of dentures, complete and partial. Complete or full dentures replace all the teeth. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and may be used when surrounding teeth are not strong enough for a bridge, or when more than just a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures are one or more artificial teeth held in place by natural teeth or tissue support and/or by clasps that fit onto nearby teeth.

For both types of denture your dentist or specialist makes a model of your teeth by taking impressions. These models are used to custom-make your dentures. We work with some of the UKs leading denture technicians to ensure that we provide you with dentures that fit and feel comfortable.

Are dentures right for me?

We always discuss the best options for patients with missing teeth during a consultation. The ideal solution is usually dental implants or Implant Retained Dentures. However, many patients also wish to consider dentures. Finding a solution to missing teeth is very important, as dentures or implants prevent other teeth from changing position and restore confidence and chewing ability.

We’ll discuss affordability and give costs up front, so that patients know what to expect. You will have a full consultation with a qualified dentist who will create a prescription/treatment plan for you. Once this has been done we can discuss the options for materials and types of denture, if that is your treatment of choice.

Implant Retained Dentures

Loose and uncomfortable dentures can have a real impact on your quality of life. In Ealing, West London, we have years of experience “fixing” dentures with implants so that these problems don’t occur.

Stabilising slipping dentures improves oral function when speaking and eating, enhances appearance, increases confidence and provides greater comfort.
Implant retained dentures use a small number of implants allowing dentures to be fixed in place. Two or three implants placed in each jaw can provide stability for part or even a full set of dentures.
As the dentures are still removable they’re as easy to clean and maintain.
There’s no need for the denture to cover the roof of your mouth, so you can taste food better and your speech is less affected.

Visit our Implant Retained Dentures page for more information.

Types of Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can be made from acrylic, light alloy metal/acrylic combination or the latest flexible acrylic like Valplast.

Light Alloy (or Cobalt Chrome) Dentures

Light Alloy metal dentures are a good alternative to acrylic plastic dentures. They are made of medically-approved cobalt chrome alloy, or a hybrid of cobalt chrome alloy and nylon resin. Light alloy dentures have certain advantages: they are smaller, easier to clean so better for oral hygiene, light and strong, often they don’t cover the palate so allow for enjoyment of food and normal speech, and 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 an important difference, because they’re flexible they can replace a small number of teeth and fill a gap without necessarily covering the palate. They are good for small to medium sized gaps and are easy to fit. However, they are usually just a temporary measure to be used whilst waiting for implants or a bridge.

Telescopic dentures

A telescopic denture is stabilised by using at least two remaining, favourably positioned, teeth as anchors. They are prepared using ceramic caps which the denture snaps onto. This has very good aesthetic results and can be very stable whilst chewing, depending on the number of remaining teeth in a jaw.

Booking an appointment

Book with our Ealing dental team by calling 020 8840 5651 or email [email protected]