Dentures

Dentures are made from either plastic (acrylic) or have their teeth set onto a metal framework. They can be either full, replacing all the teeth, or partial, just some of the teeth.

Plastic partial dentures, although cheaper, cover a larger area in the mouth and are thicker than metal ones. This is because they need to be like this to give the strength necessary to stop them breaking.

Metal partial dentures can be made much thinner and smaller in area than plastic ones and have a lighter feel in the mouth and are much easier to wear. Particularly in the upper jaw, they cover a much smaller area of the palate. They are more expensive than plastic ones but last far longer and give a much better 'quality of life' value.

This is an example of a metal partial denture for the upper jaw on a model of the mouth. It covers the minimum area of the palate necessary.

It usually takes four visits to make plastic dentures, a week between each one. Metal framed ones take a little longer. I will see patients as often as necessary after fitting to deal with any minor adjustments needed.