Types of Dentures and Their Costs in the UK

If you’re missing a tooth or simply want to enhance your smile, chances are your dentist has spoken to you about getting dentures in UK. They’re removable oral fixtures that replace missing teeth and last anywhere between 7 and 10 years, provided you take good care. 

A question that you will find yourself asking here is, “Which denture should I opt for?” Another one could be, “How much will it cost me?” Today’s blog answers both these questions in detail. 

Quick Insight: Why You May Need Dentures?

Before we explore the different types of dentures and their costs, let’s quickly understand why you may need one in the first place. 

You may have lost a tooth due to dental decay, gum disease, or injury and accidents. Even wear and tear due to natural aging can be a reason to lose your tooth. You may think, “It’s just a tooth, right? No big difference!” Truth be told, it does leave an impact. Take a look below:

• Functional challenges like chewing or biting into food. As a result, you may have to avoid hard food. 
• Difficulty pronouncing letters like“s,” “f,” or “th which require your teeth to guide the tongue and the airflow. Any gaps can cause the air to escape, leading to lisps or unclear speech.
• Your jawbone is understimulated for chewing. As a result, it deteriorates and shrinks over time, giving your face a hollow look. 

How Do Dentures Help?

Dentures replace lost teeth and support the soft tissues around them. Thus, you are able to chew better. It also closes the gap, preventing the air from just passing. Consequently, you’re able to speak clearly. Finally, dentures help maintain a natural facial structure. 

Types of Dentures

Dentures are available in different types, and each one is designed based on the extent of tooth loss. You can categorize them as per the gaps they fill and placement timelines. Below is a detailed breakdown. 

1. Full Dentures Cost in London UK

Full or complete dentures replace all your missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. It rests on top of your gums and requires support from the roof of your mouth or lower jawbone, depending on its placement. You may have to use a specific glue to keep them in place. Most individuals remove their full dentures at night to give their gums a break and clean the set for the next day. 

Cost: Approximately £700 to £2,000+ 

2. Partial Dentures Cost in London UK

If you’re missing some or most teeth in the top or bottom jaw, a partial denture is what you will need. They are similar to full dentures with one major change. These dentures do not replace or cover your natural teeth. Instead, they have clasps that hook around them. It’s a great way to fill the gaps. 

Cost: Around £750 to £1,500+ 

3. Immediate Dentures Cost in London UK

These are temporary dentures that are placed right after tooth extractions. Some people even call them same-day dentures. Once your gum heals, they will be replaced with final dentures.

Cost: Approximately £600 – £1,200 (per arch)

4. Implant-Retained Dentures in UK

Some people call them “snap-in dentures.” Implant-retained dentures do not rely on your gums and jawbone for support and stability. Instead, they make use of dental implants. These are small threaded posts that replace missing tooth roots. 

They have a “snap-on” mechanism where they snap onto the implants. As a result, you don’t need glue to keep them in place. Of course, you can remove them for cleaning and soaking. 

Cost: Approximately £7,100 to £10,000+ (both arches)

5. Implant-Supported Dentures in UK

They’re also called “permanent” or “hybrid” dentures. As the name suggests, you cannot remove them. Only your dentist is equipped to do so. If you plan to get these, know that they require extensive care, like daily cleaning and flossing. 

Cost:  £12,000 to £19,000+ (both arches)

6. Suction Dentures

Suction dentures are meant to suit those who’re looking for a non-invasive alternative. Suction dentures use suction mechanisms, instead of glue or implants, to create a secure fit. They reduce irritation and sore gums.

Cost: Approximately £1,999 to £3,600

Factors Affecting Denture Costs in UK

1. Number of Teeth

How many teeth are you looking to replace? The more teeth you need to replace, the higher the costs. It increases the overall time and material it takes to customize the dentures to fit your gums properly. 

2. Material Choice

One of the biggest factors that vary your denture costs is going to be your material choice. Dentures can be made of plastic, acrylic, porcelain, thermoplastic resins (Valplast), and even metal (titanium/cobalt chromium + acrylic). Each material has its pros and cons. 

Porcelain dentures are costlier than acrylic ones since they offer a more natural appearance and higher durability. Likewise, the cost of thermoplastic resins is higher than standard options due to their biocompatibility and aesthetic properties. 

3. Preliminary Treatments

You may have to undergo teeth extraction, gum treatment or make certain adjustments. These will add to your costs.

4. Other Factors

Rushed fittings may end up in ill-fitting dentures, while extra time may lead to fewer readjustments and better retention. As a result, frequency of fittings is a factor you’d like to consider. 

Another factor to consider is replacement. As your gum and jawbone change shape, your dentures will have to undergo change and realignment too. 

Additionally, detailing your dentures, like choosing hidden connectors instead of visible clasps, characterization, and implants, will add to costs. 

SDS’s experienced dentists design dentures to give you a natural-looking smile. Our team boasts some of the top NHS dental consultants who have been through rigorous training to ensure patient well-being.

FAQs

Which type of dentures is the best?

Implant-retained dentures typically offer one of the best wearing experiences as they make use of implants and snap onto the gum. Thus, it gives you stability and a better chewing experience, too.

What dentures stay permanently?

Implant-supported or fixed dentures stay permanently. They’re permanently attached to implants in your jawbone, which cannot be removed by themselves. You’ll need your dentist’s help for the same. 

Are dentures more painful than implants?

Yes, they can be, especially removable dentures. Since they’re less sturdy, they may lead to soreness at the end of the day. 

How many years can dentures last?

5-10 years with proper care and maintenance. It depends on the material of the denture as well.