Dentures

A denture replaces missing teeth on a removable base. A partial denture fills gaps and is held by the remaining teeth; a complete denture replaces a whole arch and rests on the gum. Implant-retained dentures sit between the two: still removable, but clipped onto a small number of implants so they do not move. Dentures are the least expensive option and the least invasive, and for some people they are also the most sensible one — which is not how they are usually presented.

• Several teeth are missing and implants are not affordable or not suitable
• A whole arch is missing or the remaining teeth cannot be saved
• Bone volume is insufficient for implants and grafting is not wanted
• Medical conditions or medications make implant surgery inadvisable
• As an immediate replacement while implant sites heal
• An existing denture has become loose as the ridge has resorbed

• A bridge, where enough sound teeth remain to support one
• Individual implants and crowns
• Full-arch implant treatment, fixed and not removable
• An implant-retained overdenture, which is a middle option and frequently under-discussed
• Doing nothing, where the missing teeth are not affecting function or appearance

• X-rays, and a CBCT if implant support is being considered
• An assessment of any remaining teeth and whether they are worth keeping
• The shape and condition of the ridge the denture will rest on
• Your bite and the opposing arch
• Any previous denture experience and what specifically was difficult
• Medical history, including dry mouth and medications that cause it

1. 1

   Assessment and planning

   Examination, imaging, and a discussion of whether any teeth can be kept — which usually improves the result considerably.

   Carried out by: Partner clinic

2. 2

   Any extractions and healing

   Where teeth are removed, the ridge changes shape as it heals. An immediate denture may be fitted and later relined or remade.

   Carried out by: Partner clinic

3. 3

   Impressions and records

   Several appointments, taking impressions and recording how your jaws meet. This stage is unglamorous and determines the fit.

   Carried out by: Partner clinic

4. 4

   Try-in

   A wax version is tried in so tooth position, shade and appearance can be judged and changed before anything is finished.

   Carried out by: Partner clinic

5. 5

   Fitting and adjustment

   The finished denture is fitted, then adjusted — sore spots after fitting are normal and expected, not a sign something went wrong.

   Carried out by: Partner clinic

6. 6

   Maintenance and relines

   The ridge continues to resorb, so dentures loosen over years and need relining or remaking. Daily cleaning out of the mouth is essential.

   Carried out by: You

Dentures need several appointments spread over weeks, because the impression, record and try-in stages cannot sensibly be compressed. This makes them a poor fit for a short trip, and it is one of the few treatments genuinely better done where you live. Where extractions come first, healing time is needed before a definitive denture is made.

• The shape and height of the ridge — a flat, resorbed lower ridge makes a complete lower denture hard to stabilise
• Saliva, since dry mouth makes retention much harder
• Whether any teeth can be kept as supports
• Your bite and the opposing arch
• Tolerance for something removable
• Manual dexterity for daily handling and cleaning

• Partial or complete, and how many teeth
• The base material — acrylic, cobalt-chrome and flexible bases differ substantially
• Whether implants are used to retain it, and how many
• The number of appointments and the laboratory used
• Whether a try-in stage is included

We do not publish price ranges for this treatment. Any figure we could give before a clinic has approved it would be a guess presented as guidance. Your final price comes from the partner clinic in writing, after a dentist has reviewed your case.

• Movement while eating and speaking, particularly with a lower complete denture
• Sore spots, which are expected initially and need adjustment
• Continued resorption of the ridge beneath the denture over the years
• Altered taste and reduced bite force compared to natural teeth
• Speech takes time to adapt
• Partial dentures can accelerate decay and gum disease on the supporting teeth if cleaning is inadequate
• They will need relining and eventually remaking

• Can any of my remaining teeth be kept, and would that improve the result?
• Is a try-in stage included, where I can see it before it is finished?
• Would two implants to retain a lower denture be possible, and what would that change?
• What material is the base, and why that one?
• How many appointments does this need, and can that realistically be done in one trip?
• How often will this need relining, and who does that once I am home?

These are worth asking of any clinic, including ours. A clinic that answers them clearly and in writing is telling you something useful.

This treatment would be carried out by a licensed dentist at the partner clinic you choose, working in prosthodontics. Dental Anchor does not provide treatment and does not employ dentists.

• Full-mouth implants
• Dental bridges

• All-on-4 vs All-on-6: questions to ask before deciding

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