- 020 8656 6959
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm. Saturdays by request only. Sunday: Closed.
Croydon Dental Practice · Replacing missing teeth
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, from a single tooth to a full set. We make NHS and private dentures at our dentist in Croydon on Lower Addiscombe Road, and we take time to get the fit, bite and appearance right.
The right denture depends on how many teeth you have left, the health of those teeth and gums, and what matters most to you, such as comfort, appearance or cost.
Replace one or more missing teeth when you still have some natural teeth. They clip onto remaining teeth and help stop them drifting.
Replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They rest on the gums and are held by suction and the muscles of the cheeks and tongue.
Made before teeth are taken out and fitted on the same day as the extraction, so you are not left without teeth. They usually need relining as the gums heal.
Implants can help hold a denture firmly, which some people find useful for a loose lower denture. See dental implants.
Acrylic (plastic) dentures are the most common type. They are quicker and simpler to make, easy to add teeth to if you lose more later, and are usually what is provided on the NHS. They tend to be thicker, which some people notice when speaking or tasting.
Metal-based (chrome) partial dentures use a thin cobalt-chrome framework. They can be slimmer and lighter, cover less of the roof of the mouth and may feel more stable, though they cost more and are harder to alter later. They are provided where clinically appropriate.
Private dentures also give more choice of tooth shape, shade and arrangement. Your dentist will explain what is available on the NHS and privately and give you a written price before you decide.
Making a well-fitting denture is a step-by-step process, with each stage checked before the next. Expect several visits over a few weeks.
It is normal for new dentures to feel bulky and for speech to sound slightly different for the first few weeks. You may produce more saliva at first, and sore spots on the gums are common. These usually settle with small adjustments, so please come back rather than putting up with discomfort.
Start with soft food cut into small pieces, chew using both sides of the mouth at once, and build up gradually. Reading aloud helps your speech adjust. A denture adhesive can help some people feel more confident, but it should not be needed to make a poorly fitting denture usable.
Be realistic about what dentures can do. They replace teeth, but they do not chew as efficiently as natural teeth, and lower full dentures in particular can be harder to keep steady. Over time the gums and bone shrink, so dentures loosen and may need relining or remaking every few years.
Alternatives worth discussing include a fixed bridge for one or two missing teeth, or implants.
Clean your dentures at least twice a day with a soft brush and soap or denture cleaner, not ordinary toothpaste, which can scratch them. Clean them over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Take them out at night, unless advised otherwise, so your gums can rest, and keep them in water or a soaking solution so they do not dry out and change shape.
If you have natural teeth left, look after them carefully, as plaque collects around the clasps. Keep up regular check-ups even with a full set of dentures, so we can check the fit and the health of your mouth.
Call us on 020 8656 6959 if your denture cracks or breaks, a tooth comes off it, it rubs and causes an ulcer, or any sore area does not heal within two weeks. Please do not try to repair a denture with household glue.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| NHS dentures (Band 3 course of treatment) | £332.10 |
| Private dentures | Confirmed after assessment |
| New patient examination with X-rays | £65 |
The NHS Band 3 charge covers the full course of treatment, including any other necessary treatment in that course. Private denture prices depend on the type, materials and number of teeth, and we give you a written quote after your assessment. NHS availability varies, so call to check NHS availability.
Spreading the cost: for selected private treatments you can apply for finance through Tabeo, including 0% interest for up to 12 months. Finance is subject to status, and we will explain the options before you commit. See our full price list for other treatments.
Loose denture? Implants can hold it firmly in place.
Fixed replacement teeth, or extra support for a denture.
A fixed option for one or two missing teeth.
Removing teeth that cannot be saved, with immediate dentures if needed.
Check-ups, fillings and everyday care for the teeth you still have.
Croydon Dental Practice is at 202 Lower Addiscombe Road, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 7AB. Addiscombe tram stop is a short walk away and East Croydon station is nearby, so it is easy to reach from across the borough. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30; Saturday appointments are by request and we are closed on Sunday.
For eligible NHS patients, dentures are part of a Band 3 course of treatment, currently £332.10. Private denture prices depend on the type and materials and are confirmed in writing after your assessment.
Yes, where clinically needed, under the Band 3 charge. NHS availability varies, so call 020 8656 6959 to check.
Usually several appointments over a few weeks, covering impressions, bite records, a try-in and fitting. Immediate dentures are made in advance and fitted on the day teeth are taken out.
Most people adapt over a few weeks, starting with soft food. Dentures do not chew as efficiently as natural teeth, and very hard or sticky foods can be difficult.
Gums and bone change shape over time, so dentures loosen. We can often reline a denture to improve the fit, or advise whether a new denture or implant support would help.
Usually we advise taking them out at night to let your gums rest, and keeping them in water. Your dentist will tell you if different advice applies, for example just after extractions.
Book an assessment for new dentures or to have your current dentures checked, with a written quote for private options. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30.
