Full and partial dentures
Dentures are removable replacement teeth set in a gum-coloured base. At Caspian Dental Clinic, we provide dentures in Bushey for people missing a few teeth or all of them, taking time to get the fit, bite and appearance right.
A full (complete) denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw and is held by suction and the shape of your gums. A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth, is usually held by clasps around your remaining teeth, and helps stop those teeth drifting into the gaps.
Acrylic or chrome partial dentures?
Acrylic dentures are made entirely from tough plastic and can be full or partial. Chrome partial dentures have a thin cobalt-chrome metal framework with gum-coloured acrylic and false teeth attached. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Acrylic denture | Chrome partial denture |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | £800 – £1,400 | £1,000 – £2,000 |
| Used for | Full or partial dentures | Partial dentures |
| Feel | Thicker, covers more of the gums and palate | Thinner and lighter, covers less of the mouth |
| Support | Rests mainly on the gums | Rests partly on the teeth, often more stable |
| Adding teeth later | Usually straightforward | Possible, but more involved |
Suitability for each type is confirmed at an examination, and we’ll explain which design we’d recommend and why.
How dentures are made, step by step
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Assessment
We examine your mouth, treat any decay or gum problems first and talk through your options, including implants and bridges.
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Impressions
We take moulds of your mouth. Often a second, more detailed set is taken in a tray made specifically for you.
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Bite registration
We record how your jaws meet and choose the shape, size and shade of the teeth with you.
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Try-in
The teeth are set in wax so you can see how they look and feel before the denture is finished, and changes can be made at this stage. For chrome dentures, the metal framework is usually checked first.
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Fitting
We fit your denture, check your bite and show you how to put it in, take it out and clean it.
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Adjustments
Sore spots are common in the first few weeks. We’ll see you to ease them, so please don’t try to adjust the denture yourself.
Getting used to new dentures
New dentures take time to get used to, often a few weeks. At first they may feel bulky, and you may produce more saliva than usual.
- Speaking: some words may sound different at first. Reading aloud helps your tongue and lips adapt.
- Eating: start with soft food cut into small pieces, and chew on both sides at once to keep the denture stable. Avoid very sticky or hard food early on.
- Lower dentures: these are often harder to keep stable than upper ones, because of the tongue and the smaller area of gum.
A denture won’t feel exactly like natural teeth, and chewing is less efficient. If a denture stays loose or sore, come back and see us rather than putting up with it.
“Dr Kimia is professional, thorough and always very gentle.”
Fiona, Google review
Cleaning and caring for your dentures
- Clean your dentures daily with a soft brush and mild soap and water or a denture cleaner, then rinse.
- Clean them over a bowl of water or a folded towel, so they’re less likely to break if dropped.
- Take them out at night, unless we advise otherwise, and keep them in water or a soaking solution so they don’t dry out. Never use hot water, which can warp them.
- Brush your gums, tongue and any natural teeth, especially those the clasps rest against.
- Keep up regular dental check-ups, even with no natural teeth, so we can check the fit and the health of your mouth.
Relines and replacement
After teeth are lost, the gums and bone underneath gradually shrink, most noticeably in the first months after extractions. A denture that once fitted well can become loose, rub or trap food. A reline adds new material to the fitting surface to restore the fit, and we’ll confirm the fee beforehand.
With good care, dentures should last several years. Over time the teeth wear and your mouth changes, so they eventually need replacing.
Implant alternatives to dentures
If a loose denture is getting you down, especially a lower one, dental implants may help. They can replace individual teeth, support a bridge or help hold a denture more firmly in place.
Implants involve surgery, need enough healthy bone and cost more, starting from £3,000, so they aren’t right for everyone. If you’re missing one or two teeth with strong teeth either side, a fixed bridge may also be an option.
Dentures in Bushey: costs
Acrylic dentures cost £800 – £1,400 and chrome partial dentures £1,000 – £2,000, depending on the number of teeth and the design. We’ll confirm your fee before treatment starts.
Why choose Caspian Dental Clinic?
You’ll see Dr Kimia Mirzakhani, our principal dentist, from your first assessment to your final adjustment. She has more than 25 years’ experience and won’t rush you through the fitting or the settling-in period. We’re about 100 yards from Bushey railway station, easy to reach from Watford, and open on Saturdays.
“Great personal service – Dr Mirzakhani goes the extra mile to make sure you’ve really been looked after.”
Askari, Google review
Dentures: frequently asked questions
How much do dentures cost in Bushey?
At Caspian Dental Clinic, acrylic dentures cost £800 – £1,400 and chrome (metal-based) partial dentures cost £1,000 – £2,000. The fee depends on how many teeth are replaced and the design, and we confirm it before treatment.
How long does it take to make dentures?
Making a denture usually involves several appointments over a few weeks, covering impressions, bite registration, a try-in and the fit. Chrome dentures may need an extra visit to check the metal framework. Follow-up adjustments are then arranged as needed.
How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
Most people adapt within a few weeks, although lower full dentures can take longer. Speech usually settles first; eating takes more practice, so start with soft food cut into small pieces.
Should I sleep with my dentures in?
Usually not, unless we’ve advised otherwise. Taking them out at night gives your gums a rest and helps keep your mouth healthy. Keep them in water or a soaking solution overnight so they don’t dry out.
Why has my denture become loose?
The gums and bone under a denture slowly shrink over time, especially after recent extractions, so the fit changes. A reline can often restore the fit; if the denture is old or worn, a new one may be better.
Can I have implants instead of dentures?
Possibly. Implants can replace missing teeth or help hold a denture more securely, but they need enough healthy bone and good general health. Suitability is confirmed at a consultation and examination.