Dental Prosthesis Options for Finchley Patients

A dental prosthesis is often the recommended solution if you have lost teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury. You should consider this treatment if you have difficulty chewing, if your speech is affected, or if gaps in your smile make you feel self conscious. Missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, which leads to bite problems. A prosthesis fills these gaps, providing support and preventing further dental issues. Many patients in Finchley choose a prosthesis to restore facial structure when tooth loss creates a sunken look. We can assess your situation to confirm whether a denture or a bridge is the right choice for you.

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. A full denture replaces all teeth in an arch, while a partial denture fills gaps when some natural teeth remain. Modern dentures are made from high quality acrylic and feel more comfortable and natural than older versions. They are usually the most affordable option and the process is non invasive. However, they need to be removed for cleaning and it can take time to get used to them. For example, a patient from North Finchley recently needed to replace two missing molars. A flexible partial denture was a good fit, costing around £600 and restoring his ability to chew comfortably without surgery.

A fixed bridge spans the gap left by a missing tooth. It involves creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth in between. Bridges are fixed in place and cannot be removed, which makes them feel secure and function like natural teeth. The main downside is that healthy adjacent teeth must be altered. A recent patient from East Finchley who lost a front tooth chose a porcelain bridge for its aesthetics. The treatment took two visits over two weeks and provided a seamless, permanent result. With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years.

Your treatment begins with a 45 minute consultation at our Finchley practice. We start with a thorough examination, including digital imaging, to check your oral health. Then, for either a bridge or denture, we take precise impressions of your mouth. These go to a dental laboratory where your custom prosthesis is made, typically in 2 to 3 weeks. You return for a fitting appointment lasting about 30 minutes, where we adjust the fit and bite until it feels comfortable. For a fixed bridge, this second appointment is when we cement the restoration in place.

There is no real recovery period for removable dentures, but an adjustment phase of 1 to 2 weeks is normal as you adapt to speaking and eating. A fixed bridge may bring mild sensitivity in the crowned teeth for a few days, which is easy to manage with ordinary pain relief. Long-term care matters. Dentures should be removed nightly for cleaning and soaking. Bridges require careful cleaning underneath the pontic using special floss to prevent plaque buildup. We recommend checkups every 6 months to monitor your gum health and the fit of your prosthesis. If you experience pain, looseness, or damage, call our practice during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5, Tue, Thu 11 to 7) for an assessment.

The main alternative to traditional dentures and bridges is dental implants. An implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. A crown is attached to the implant. Implants are the longest lasting option and do not require altering adjacent teeth. They also help prevent jawbone loss. They are more expensive, starting from £2,500, and involve a surgical procedure with a healing period of 3 to 6 months. We also offer implant supported dentures, which combine implant stability with the comfort of a denture. We can discuss whether you are a candidate for implants during your consultation.

As a private practice, we offer clear pricing with no hidden fees. The cost depends on the type and materials used. A removable partial denture typically costs between £400 and £800. A fixed dental bridge starts from around £1,500, depending on how many teeth are involved. These prices include all appointments, impressions, laboratory work, and the final fitting. We accept private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. You will receive a detailed, personalised treatment plan and cost breakdown during your initial consultation.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, ask these questions of any dentist in Finchley or North London: What are the pros and cons of a bridge versus a partial denture for my situation? What materials do you recommend and why? How long can I expect the prosthesis to last with good care? What is the total cost, including all appointments and adjustments? What happens if it breaks or needs relining in the future? What are the cleaning and maintenance requirements?