General Dentistry
T: 01752 343140
Full and Partial Dentures at Larkham House
What are full or partial dentures?
Dentures, or false teeth, are removable prosthesis which help replace one or more teeth which are missing from a person’s mouth. A ‘complete’ or ‘full’ denture is one which replaces all the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. A ‘partial’ denture fills in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth. It may be fastened to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments.
Modern cosmetic dentures are now far more comfortable, acceptable and in fact you’d be surprised at how many people are actually wearing dentures without you knowing.
What dentures do we offer?
Our dentists use the latest techniques and laboratory technology in dentures, which look very natural, fit properly and give you back your smile and healthy appearance. Its time to replace your ill-fitting dentures if they come away when you are eating, rub and create sore spots or prevent you from tasting. We discuss what is important to you and what you wish to achieve out of your denture.
We carry out a thorough assessment of your bite, how you chew, and your natural smile. Taking this into consideration, we will prescribe the most suitable type of denture, depending on your budget and needs, including NHS acrylic dentures, Private acrylic and Cobalt Chrome dentures which don’t cover the palate.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic and Chrome Cobalt Dentures
| Acrylic | Chrome Cobalt |
| Pros | Pros |
| Suitable for most people | Very Strong and Light |
| Can be fitted as soon as a tooth is removed | Increased Patient Comfort |
| Easy to adjust and repair | Excellent Aesthetics |
| Cons | Cons |
| Not as strong as Chrome Cobalt | More Difficult to Repair |
| Tend to be larger/bulkier than Chrome Cobalt | Not suitable for every patient wanting a denture |
| Can stain and discolour with time | More expensive than Acrylic Dentures |
Are there alternative options to dentures for replacing missing teeth?
Yes, we also offer dental implants which can be used to support cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Please consult your dentist for advice.
Why bother with Dentures?
An essential step in keeping a healthy smile is to replace teeth which are missing. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can and will change position, drifting into the neighbouring spaces. Teeth which are out of position may actually damage tissues in the mouth. In addition, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly between crooked teeth. As a result, you may run the risk of tooth decay and gum disease (periodontitis), which could lead to loss of further teeth.
A removable partial denture fills in the space where teeth are missing and helps to fill out your smile. A denture helps you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth; a denture may also improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for the lips and cheeks.
How do I get used to my dentures?
We will give you specific instructions about how long the denture should be worn and when it should be removed. Initially, you may be asked to wear your partial denture all the time. Although this may be initially a little uncomfortable, it is actually the quickest way to identify parts of the denture which may need adjusting. We can adjust the denture to ensure a more comfortable fit. After making adjustments, we recommend that you remove the denture before going to bed and replace it in the morning.
- Initially you may find it strange when eating – if so, keep to a softer diet for a few days
- If your speech is affected then practice talking in front of the mirror or read aloud to yourself when alone.
- You may notice a slight increase in salivary flow – this is quite normal and will improve with time.
How should I care for my dentures?
With good care your dentures should last for many years. Here are some tips to help look after your denture;
- Always remove them at night to allow your gums to rest
- Clean your dentures everyday by brushing them with a soft toothbrush and denture cream
- Store them in water when not being worn to stop them drying out
- Denture cleaning tablets should be used regularly to prevent stains
- Brush remaining teeth and gums
- Attend regular dental appointments
If you do have any problems with your dentures please contact us immediately. It’s important for issues to be investigated early in order to prevent them developing. These could include:
- Pain or sore spots on the gums
- Looseness of dentures
- Clicking in the dentures
- Bleeding in the gums
- Bad breath
Dr Graham Adlard
Director
GDC 78803
BDS (Lon), Pg Dip ClinDent, MFGDP RCS (Eng)
Clinical educator
NHS Dental Chair for South West England
Special interest in:
- Gerodontollogy (older generation dentistry)
- Complex Dentures
- Periodontics (gum disease)
- Anxiety control (nervous Patients)
To Diploma level.
He also has a interest in:
- Dental Aesthetics including Teeth Whitening and Dental Veneers (smile improvements)
- Facial Aesthetics (anti wrinkles and fillers)
- Implants (Small Bicon implants)
For which he has undertaken many hours of advanced courses.
Graham qualified from The Royal London in 2000. Following his experience in hospital with Maxillo-facial surgery, community and
general NHS practice, Graham became principal and sole owner of Larkham House Dental Practice. Vivek Giddani became a
director in 2018.
Graham has been a facilitator and clinical supervisor for the Peninsular Dental School from its inception to the present day where it has become one of the leading dental universities in the UK.
Graham is the NHS Dental Chair for South West, overseeing all aspects of primary and secondary care. His ethos is to secure the
longevity of NHS dentistry and improve referral networks.
Graham aims to promote good Oral Health from Bristol to the Isles of Scilly.
What do our patients say about treatment at Larkham House?
