Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. A complete denture replaces all the teeth in one jaw. A partial denture fills the gaps where some natural teeth remain, and clips onto those teeth for support.
Why replace missing teeth at all?
- Chewing becomes harder, which quietly narrows what you eat
- Remaining teeth drift and tilt into the gaps, which changes the bite
- Speech can be affected, particularly with front teeth
- Cheeks and lips lose support, which ages the face
The stages
Dentures are made over several appointments rather than in one visit, because each stage is checked before the next is built on it.
- Assessment. Examining remaining teeth, gums and the ridges that will carry the denture.
- Impressions. Moulds of your jaws, then usually a second, more precise set.
- Bite registration. Recording how your jaws meet, so the teeth are set at the right height and position.
- Try-in. A wax version with the teeth set in place. This is your chance to comment on appearance — shape, shade, arrangement — while changes are still easy.
- Fitting. The finished denture is fitted and adjusted.
- Review. Almost everyone needs one or two adjustments for sore spots. This is normal and expected, not a sign something is wrong.
The settling-in period is real
New dentures feel bulky, increase saliva, and make speech feel odd at first. Most people adapt within a few weeks. Start with soft food cut small, chew on both sides at once to keep the denture stable, and read aloud to get used to speaking. Persevere — it does improve.
Looking after them
- Clean them over a basin of water or a folded towel — they break easily on a hard surface
- Brush daily with soap and a denture brush, not ordinary toothpaste, which is abrasive enough to scratch the surface
- Leave them out overnight unless we advise otherwise, so the gums get a rest, and store them in water so they do not dry and warp
- Still clean your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth twice a day
- Keep attending check-ups — we check the fit and examine the soft tissues underneath
Common questions
Will anyone be able to tell?
Modern dentures are made to match natural tooth shape and shade, and the try-in stage exists precisely so you can judge the appearance before it is finished. Tell us at that stage if something does not look right to you.
Why has my denture become loose over time?
The bone and gum ridge beneath a denture gradually change shape after teeth are lost, so a denture that fitted well can loosen after some years. It can often be relined rather than remade. Do not use long-term over-the-counter fixatives to compensate for a badly fitting denture — come and have it checked.
Are there alternatives?
Depending on the gap and the health of the bone, a dental implant or a bridge may be options, and implants can also be used to secure a loose lower denture. We will go through what is realistic in your case.
What it costs
We do not publish a price list, because the right treatment — and so the price — depends on what we find when we examine you. What we promise instead:
- A written treatment plan and quote before any work begins
- No charges you have not agreed to first
- Payment by MTN MoMo, Airtel Money or card
Nervous about this treatment?
Tell us when you book. We allow extra time, explain each step before we do it, and stop whenever you ask us to.