A Complete, Comfortable Set of Teeth, From £780 Per Jaw

What Is a Total Prosthesis (Complete Denture)?

A total prosthesis, commonly known as a complete denture, is a removable dental appliance that replaces all of the teeth in one jaw (upper, lower, or both). It consists of a gum-coloured acrylic base that fits over your gums and ridges, with a full set of artificial teeth attached.

Modern complete dentures are a world apart from the uncomfortable, obvious dentures of the past. Today's dentures are custom-made using detailed impressions of your mouth, precision laboratory techniques, and high-quality acrylic teeth that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. The result is a comfortable, secure fit and a natural-looking smile.

An upper denture covers the palate (roof of the mouth) and uses suction to stay in place. A lower denture sits on the gum ridge and may require a small amount of denture adhesive for additional security, as there is less surface area for suction.

The process typically requires 2 to 3 appointments over 3 to 5 days. Your dentist takes precise impressions, records your bite, selects tooth shades and shapes that suit your face, and works closely with the dental laboratory to create a denture that fits well and looks natural.

Am I a Good Candidate?

A complete denture may be right for you if you:

• Have lost all your natural teeth in one or both jaws and need a full replacement
• Are about to have remaining teeth extracted and need a replacement planned
• Have an existing denture that is worn, ill-fitting, or uncomfortable and need a replacement
• Want a more affordable alternative to implant-supported options such as All-on-4
• Have adequate gum ridges to support a removable denture

If your jawbone has shrunk significantly after years of tooth loss (a natural process called resorption), your dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures or mini-implant retained dentures for better stability. Your dentist assesses your mouth and discusses the best options with you during your consultation.

What Happens During Your Treatment?

Appointment 1, Impressions and Records

Your dentist takes detailed impressions of your gums and ridges using impression trays. Bite records are taken to ensure the upper and lower teeth will meet correctly. You discuss tooth shade, shape, and arrangement, your dentist helps you choose options that look natural for your age and face shape. These records are sent to the dental laboratory.

Between Appointments (1-3 Days)

The dental laboratory creates a wax try-in, a preliminary version of your denture set in wax on a base plate. This allows your dentist to check the fit, bite, and appearance before the final denture is made.

Appointment 2, Wax Try-In

You try on the wax version. Your dentist checks that the teeth are positioned correctly, the bite is comfortable, and you are happy with the appearance. Adjustments are made at this stage. Once approved, the laboratory processes the final denture in durable acrylic.

Appointment 3, Final Fitting

Your completed denture is fitted. Your dentist checks the fit, comfort, and bite, making any fine adjustments. You receive instructions on how to wear, clean, and care for your new denture. Minor adjustments in the following days are normal and included in your care.

Recovery and Aftercare

There is no surgical recovery with a complete denture, but there is an adjustment period as your mouth and muscles adapt to the new appliance.

Days 1-3: Your new denture may feel bulky or unfamiliar. This is completely normal. You may produce more saliva than usual, and speaking may feel slightly different. Eat soft foods in small pieces and practice speaking aloud to build confidence. Sore spots may develop where the denture presses on the gum, note these and report them to your dentist for adjustment.

Week 1-2: Your mouth adjusts and the denture begins to feel more natural. Most patients are eating a wider range of foods and speaking normally by the end of the second week. Return for any adjustments needed, this is a normal part of the process.

Month 1: Comfort improves significantly. You develop confidence in wearing your denture throughout the day. Continue to remove your denture at night to let your gums rest.

Long-term: Clean your denture daily with a denture brush and soak it overnight in a denture cleaning solution. Attend regular dental check-ups, your dentist monitors the fit of your denture and the health of your gums and ridges. Over time, the jawbone gradually changes shape, and your denture may need relining or replacement (typically every 5 to 8 years).

Risks and Considerations

Complete dentures are a non-surgical treatment, so risks are minimal. However, there are considerations to be aware of.

Adjustment period: Wearing a new denture takes getting used to. It is normal for it to feel unfamiliar for the first few weeks. Eating and speaking require practice. Most patients adapt fully within 2 to 4 weeks.

Sore spots: Pressure points where the denture presses on the gum are common in the early days. Your dentist adjusts these, typically a quick, painless appointment. Several adjustments may be needed in the first weeks.

Retention (lower denture): Lower complete dentures are inherently less stable than upper dentures because there is less surface area for suction. Some patients need denture adhesive for additional security. If retention is a significant concern, implant-supported overdentures offer a more secure solution.

Bone resorption: When natural teeth are lost, the jawbone gradually shrinks over time. This is a natural process that happens regardless of whether you wear a denture. Over the years, your denture fit may loosen and require relining or replacement. Regular dental check-ups help manage this.

Eating limitations: While modern dentures allow you to enjoy a wide range of foods, very hard, sticky, or chewy foods can be challenging. Most patients learn which foods work best and adapt their eating habits accordingly.