Cosmetic
Dentures

Every denture is hand designed and individually crafted to provide the proper support for your facial muscles, complementing your facial structure. We take enormous care in ensuring dentures fit comfortably and securely in the mouth.

Treatment choices include:

• Full dentures
• Partial dentures
• Denture implants (implant-supported dentures)
• Denture repairs.

Our options also include affordable dentures.

Full dentures replace a complete arch of upper or lower teeth or both arches. An upper denture has an acrylic base covering the upper palate and the bony ridges that used to support natural teeth. Covering the upper palate provides additional retention, helping to secure the denture more firmly in place. Lower dentures are constructed in a horseshoe shape, only covering the lower arch that used to support your teeth. They rely entirely on the bony arch for retention.

Full dentures are non-invasive and are perfect for anyone who would prefer not to or who cannot have more extensive dental treatment. They are also a very affordable way to replace missing teeth, and many people find them a very good solution.

Partial dentures can replace one or more teeth in the upper or lower arches. The gum-colored base is usually strengthened with a lightweight metal substructure and has clasps that fit around existing teeth. These clasps help to hold the partial denture more securely in place. Some partial dentures have special attachments; these are fittings designed to clip onto specially adapted dental crowns, so the denture is held even more firmly in place.

Partial dentures are a good, affordable solution for anyone missing teeth. They are an especially good solution for anyone missing teeth in different areas of their dental arch. The partial denture base can support several teeth comfortably, and sometimes it can even be adapted to accommodate future tooth loss.

Denture implants are a good option for anyone who struggles to wear conventional dentures. Instead of the dentures resting entirely on the gums, they are supported with dental implants.

Dental implants are small posts usually made from medical grade titanium alloy that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once the bone has healed around the dental implants, they become firmly fused to the bone providing a strong anchorage point that is used to support the denture.

The denture either clips directly onto the dental implants or onto a special bar fitted over the dental implants. You can still remove the denture for easy cleaning, but it offers far greater support and stability. An implant-supported denture provides greater biting and chewing strength and cannot move around in the mouth.

An implant-supported overdenture is ideal for someone who perhaps has worn dentures for years, where the bony ridge that used to support their teeth has become flatter and narrower. After tooth loss, the jawbone naturally resorbs, making it progressively harder to retain dentures comfortably.

Without adequate retention, dentures can slip uncomfortably in the mouth, making it tricky to eat properly and to talk and socialize with others confidently. An implant-supported denture resolves these problems affordably. Because the denture is still removable, relatively few dental implants are needed for support. Sometimes a lower denture can be supported with as few as two or four dental implants.

Unfortunately, dentures can break or crack, and especially if dropped. If you need a denture repair, please contact Gentle Dental so we can arrange to have it mended professionally. Please don’t try to repair your denture, and especially don’t try to mend it with superglue or ordinary household glue. These adhesives can permanently damage your denture. We realize you need your denture and make every effort to provide a quick denture repair service.

First-time denture wearers are frequently concerned their denture will look unnatural. Modern dentures are carefully designed to look entirely natural, and our dentists collaborate closely with skilled technicians, combining our artistic and technical skills to provide you with dentures that look like your teeth. For example, if you currently have a diastema or gap between your front teeth, we can replicate this individual characteristic for you in your denture.

Full denture wearers can take this opportunity to have a more cosmetically perfect smile if they wish and can choose a shade of teeth that is more complimentary to their facial features. We also take great care to make sure your dentures properly support the muscles in your cheeks and lips.

Often people who have multiple missing teeth notice their facial features collapse inward, an effect that can be prematurely aging. Missing teeth and diminishing jawbone can change overall facial dimensions, reducing the height between your upper and lower jaw. We make sure your dentures are designed to restore these dimensions correctly.

Initially, just like any dental appliance, it can take a little while to become accustomed to wearing your new dentures. When we first fit your denture, we spend considerable time making sure it feels comfortable and fits correctly. Often, we will want to see you again a week or so later just to check the fit again and to make any minor adjustments.

When you first begin wearing your new dentures, you may need to adjust your diet slightly as they do not provide the same biting and chewing strength as natural teeth. We can advise you on which foods to try first and how to begin gradually adding new foods as you get used to wearing your new teeth.

It is critical to make sure you clean your dentures thoroughly, removing all food and plaque buildup, so they remain fresh and hygienic. We can show you precisely how to clean your dentures and can advise you on the best cleaning solutions and equipment. It’s important not to clean your denture with an ordinary toothbrush and toothpaste because this could damage the denture surface.

Any natural teeth must be brushed and flossed thoroughly, but even if you are edentulous (have lost all your teeth), you must still clean your gums gently to get rid of plaque and food debris. Also, it’s still very important to come and see us regularly for checkups so we can assess the condition of your denture and can carry out any necessary maintenance. We will also check your mouth for any signs of disease and conduct regular oral cancer screenings.