Acrylic dentures in the UK: options, fitting and costs
Originally published
An acrylic denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. It can replace a few teeth or a full upper or lower set. It may help with eating, speech and appearance, but the most suitable option depends on your mouth, remaining teeth and preferences.
Cost is one consideration. Fit, comfort, maintenance and what a denture can realistically do are just as useful to discuss before deciding.
When might an acrylic denture be suitable?
A partial denture replaces some missing teeth while other natural teeth remain. A full denture replaces all the teeth in one jaw. Some people need dentures for both jaws, while others only need one.
The base is usually pink acrylic shaped to sit over the gums, with replacement teeth chosen to suit the mouth. Partial dentures may also have clasps. A dentist will check whether the remaining teeth and gums can support the proposed design.
Missing teeth can make chewing harder, and nearby teeth may change position. This does not mean that every gap will cause headaches, stomach ulcers or further tooth loss. The benefits of replacement should be assessed for your situation.
What materials and alternatives are available?
Acrylic dentures are one removable option. Metal-framed or flexible dentures, bridges and implant-supported replacements may also be considered, depending on the remaining teeth, bone, health and budget.
Our fee listing for the one-to-three-tooth acrylic denture specifies high-impact acrylic and EnigmaLife teeth. Ask which materials are included in your own treatment plan. “High-impact” does not mean unbreakable, and no material removes the need for cleaning or review.
Flexible dentures are not automatically more comfortable or suitable for everyone. Tell your dentist about any known material allergy so they can check the proposed product. Read more about denture types before discussing the options.
How is a denture made and fitted?
The process starts with an examination and a discussion of your needs. Existing decay or gum disease may need attention. Remaining teeth are not removed automatically: any proposed extraction needs its own reason and discussion of alternatives.
Your dentist takes impressions or scans, records how your jaws meet, and helps choose the size and shade of the replacement teeth. A trial stage allows the appearance and bite to be checked before the final denture is made. Fitting and follow-up visits allow adjustments.
Several appointments are usually needed, but there is no fixed number for every full or partial denture. If teeth are being removed, an immediate denture may sometimes be fitted at the extraction appointment. It will often need adjustment, relining or replacement as the mouth heals. In other cases, the dentist may recommend waiting before making the final denture.
Getting used to a denture and keeping it comfortable
It can take time to adapt to speaking and eating with a new denture. Start with softer food cut into small pieces and follow the fitting advice. A denture should not be expected to feel exactly like natural teeth or make every food easy to chew straight away.
Contact the dentist if it rubs, slips, clicks or makes eating painful. Do not file or repair it yourself. Gums and jawbone can change shape over time, so even a denture that once fitted well may need adjustment or replacement. There is no automatic five-year replacement date.
Clean the denture daily using the method recommended for its materials. Ordinary toothpaste can scratch the surface. Remove it at night unless your dentist gives different instructions, and follow their advice on storage. Keep cleaning the gums, tongue and any remaining teeth, and attend dental reviews. Our denture care guide covers the routine in more detail.
Current acrylic denture prices
The listed services at our practice are:
- Full acrylic denture: £700.
- Partial acrylic denture replacing 4–14 teeth: £600.
- Partial acrylic denture replacing 1–3 teeth: £400.
Ask for a written quote confirming the denture or dentures included and any preparatory treatment, adjustments or future maintenance charges. Our listed denture prices are for one arch. Ask whether your written quote also includes any treatment needed for other teeth. You can also check our prosthodontic fees.
If you are considering instalments, read the current finance terms. Availability is subject to eligibility, status and affordability checks. Do not assume that the first twelve months of every agreement are interest-free; the applicable terms depend on the repayment plan.
To discuss whether an acrylic denture would suit you, contact the practice for an appointment.