Full or partial removable dentures, sometimes called false teeth, are dental prosthetics made from acrylic, nylon or metal, designed to replace one or more missing natural teeth. This is a less invasive route than a surgical option such as a dental implant, or than a fixed dental bridge.
Full dentures need the support of healthy gums, held by a precise fit with a fixative adhesive used if needed. Partial dentures are a smaller version, attached with discreet clips to your neighbouring healthy teeth to close the gap left by missing teeth.
Benefits of dentures
Dentures do more than replace teeth lost to trauma or decay. They restore your ability to eat, speak and smile naturally, support the teeth and gums and help prevent facial sagging, and offer a removable, less invasive option compared with implants or bridges. They are also flexible, with conventional, acrylic, flexible and implant-supported types available, and they can be adapted as your oral health changes, with the final set fitted once the gums have fully healed after extraction. Modern dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking than they once were.
Types of dentures
- Complete dentures: replace all upper or lower teeth.
- Partial dentures: secure to the remaining teeth using discreet clips.
- Immediate dentures: fitted the same day after tooth removal, useful when you need a fast solution.
- Implant-supported dentures: fixed to two or more implants for extra stability.
- Flexible dentures: made from thinner materials for increased comfort.
- Acrylic dentures: durable, cost-effective and widely used.
Your dentist will recommend the right choice based on your smile, your lifestyle and your oral health.
What happens during treatment
The process begins with a consultation to check your oral health and discuss what you want from treatment. We examine your gums, jaw and remaining teeth, then take precise impressions to ensure accuracy. At the trial stage, temporary models are tested to refine fit, bite and aesthetics. Once you are happy, your bespoke set is fitted, and we explain how to clean and maintain them. For dentures on implants, a 3D X-ray is used to plan placement before the surgical stage.
Adjusting to dentures
It takes a short while to get used to wearing dentures. Some patients notice mild soreness or slight changes in speech at first, but this settles quickly, and we are here to make adjustments if needed. Removing your dentures at night lets your mouth and saliva flow recover, which reduces problems such as sore gums.
How to clean dentures
Caring for dentures is simple but important. Brush daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to keep your remaining teeth and gums healthy. Wash the dentures with mild soap and lukewarm water, avoiding harsh abrasives. Use a denture cleaning solution to soak and refresh them, but do not leave them soaking too long. Rinse after eating to prevent food building up, and remove any adhesive carefully if you use a fixative. A good routine keeps results comfortable and long-lasting.
Who is suitable for dentures?
Dentures are an option if you have lost several teeth to decay, accident or gum disease, and they suit both upper and lower replacement. You may be recommended dentures if you have healthy gums and bone to support a snug fit, want a non-surgical alternative to implants, need an affordable and removable option, or need temporary teeth while waiting for a more permanent solution. They are not limited to older patients: younger patients sometimes need them after accidents or sports injuries. In fact we may recommend dentures over implants for athletes in contact sports, which reduces the risk of repeat treatment if a tooth is damaged again.
Alternatives to dentures
Some patients prefer to explore other routes. Dental implants are fixed directly into the jawbone and feel and function very close to natural teeth, supporting a single crown, a bridge or a full arch. A traditional bridge uses the strength of your other teeth to support one or more replacements. If you only need to restore minor gaps or improve the appearance of worn teeth, crowns or composite bonding may be worth considering. We will always explain the benefits of dentures alongside the alternatives, so you can make an informed decision.
Looking for the best dentures in London?
Every set of dentures is crafted by a highly experienced master technician we have worked with for years, which is what guarantees precision, comfort and a natural result. Add to that safe, established procedures, the latest diagnostic and treatment technology, clinically and scientifically proven methods, high-quality implant systems where implant support is needed, modern operating rooms, comfortable recovery rooms, established hygiene protocols and a central London location accessible by bus, car or underground.