Dentures & Prosthetics

Which prosthesis suits which situation?

The right choice depends on how many teeth remain, the condition of the bone and gums, and the patient's daily habits. There is no single prosthesis that suits everyone — each option carries its own trade-off between cost and benefit.

Fixed options

A bridge is supported by the teeth on either side of the gap. It requires those teeth to be reduced, but in return cannot be removed by the patient and is straightforward to get used to.

An implant-supported crown or bridge provides the same level of stability without touching the neighbouring teeth, though it calls for surgery and a healing period.

Removable options

A partial denture is used when some natural teeth remain, gaining support from them through clasps or precision attachments.

A complete denture is fitted in a jaw with no remaining teeth and is retained by the gum; achieving good retention is harder in the lower jaw than in the upper.

An implant-supported overdenture rests on two or four implants. It remains removable while largely resolving the problem of movement.

How treatment proceeds

The first appointment covers an intraoral examination, radiographs and an assessment of any existing prosthesis. An impression follows, taken either digitally or by conventional means. Try-in appointments are scheduled during the laboratory stage to check tooth arrangement, shade and bite. An adjustment visit is arranged within the first week after delivery — correcting pressure points on a new prosthesis is a normal, expected part of treatment.

Getting used to a new prosthesis

Speech and chewing settle within a few weeks. Starting with soft foods, reading aloud to retrain speech, and keeping the prosthesis in clean water overnight — unless your dentist advises otherwise — all make the adjustment easier.

The gum and bone beneath a removable prosthesis change over time, so dentures typically require relining or replacement roughly every five to seven years. Annual check-ups allow this change to be caught early.

This page is general information and does not replace a dental examination. Whether the treatment suits you, and the method and duration, are decided only after an intraoral examination and radiographic assessment.