Complete Dentures in North London: A Guide to Restoring Your Smile

Complete dentures are the standard solution when you have no teeth remaining in either your upper or lower jaw, or both. This treatment is often right for you if you're dealing with the effects of widespread tooth decay, advanced gum disease (periodontitis), or significant dental trauma. You might also be a candidate if existing partial dentures are no longer viable due to further tooth loss. Many of our patients from across North London choose complete dentures as a practical and effective way to regain the ability to eat a varied diet, speak clearly, and feel confident in their smile again.

Creating your new dentures is a precise, multi-step process that typically spans 4 to 6 weeks and involves several appointments. First, we have a 45-minute consultation to discuss your needs and take initial impressions. Over the next weeks, you return for a series of try-in appointments. We use wax models to refine the bite, fit, and appearance, allowing you to approve the tooth shape and shade. For instance, a patient from Highgate chose a slightly off-white shade for a natural look. Once you are completely happy, our lab fabricates the final acrylic denture. The final fitting appointment lasts about 30 minutes, with minor adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Adjusting to new dentures takes time. During the first days, you experience some soreness and increased saliva, which is normal. We recommend starting with soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes, gradually introducing firmer foods as you get comfortable. It is common to have a slight lisp initially; practicing reading aloud for 15 to 20 minutes daily helps your speech adapt quickly. You must remove your dentures overnight to allow your gums to rest. Clean them daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner. If you develop a persistent sore spot that does not resolve in a few days, call us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) for an adjustment. With proper care, dentures last 5 to 10 years before needing replacement.

An alternative to traditional dentures is an implant-retained denture, sometimes called a snap-on denture. This involves placing two or more dental implants in the jawbone, which the denture then clips onto. The main advantage is significantly improved stability and retention. It won't slip or move while eating or speaking. This is a more costly option and requires a minor surgical procedure, but it offers a higher level of function and confidence.

If you need teeth extracted immediately before getting dentures, an immediate denture can be made in advance and fitted on the same day as the extractions. This means you never have to be without teeth. However, as your gums heal and shrink over the next 3 to 6 months, these dentures will become loose and require frequent adjustments and a permanent reline or replacement. We can discuss if this is a suitable option for you during your consultation.

To make an informed choice, here are key questions to ask any provider in North London. What materials do you use for your dentures, and how do they differ? What is the total cost, including all adjustments for the first months? How do you ensure the teeth look natural and not artificial? What is your process if the denture causes persistent sore spots? Can you show me any before-and-after examples from previous patients? Asking these questions helps you understand the quality of care and the final product you will receive.

As a private practice, we focus on using high-quality materials for a precise and durable fit. The cost for a single complete denture (upper or lower) typically ranges from £900 to £1,500, depending on the complexity and materials used. This price includes all your impression, fitting, and initial adjustment appointments, with no hidden fees. We accept private dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation, and we can help you understand your coverage.