New and Immediate Dentures
Natural-looking and Comfortable New Dentures
If your current dentures feel worn, uncomfortable, or no longer function well, it may be time for a new set. Well-fitted dentures should help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Our goal is to provide dentures that not only function well, but also look natural and suit your face.
We carefully select high-quality denture teeth for every client, considering your age, face shape, skin tone, and personal preferences. This helps ensure your dentures look balanced and realistic. Dentures are not one-size-fits-all.
Before your dentures are finished, we arrange a try-in appointment where the teeth are set in wax. This allows you to see how they will look before they are completed. If any changes are needed, they can be made at this stage so you can feel confident about your smile before the final denture is made.
Getting Used to Your New Denture
When you first get a new denture, whether it’s your first or a replacement, it’s normal to experience a few sore spots or pressure areas. Think of it like wearing in a new pair of shoes. Your mouth needs a little time to adjust.
Sometimes these pressure points can cause small ulcers. If this happens, don’t worry, it’s common in the early days. If a sore spot doesn’t settle, your denture may simply need a small adjustment. We call this an “ease”, and it’s usually a quick and straightforward fix.
Immediate Dentures: Never Be Without Teeth
If your natural teeth have “given up the ghost” and need to be removed, we can work with your dentist or oral health surgeon to prepare a set of immediate dentures for you.
Immediate dentures are made before your extraction appointment and fitted on the same day your teeth are removed. This means you are never without teeth. Many people find this reassuring, as it helps maintain appearance, speech, and everyday confidence.
We make your immediate denture in Christchurch in advance and provide it ready for your dental professional to fit immediately after your extractions.
Please note: An oral health certificate from your dentist confirming which teeth are to be extracted is required before your denture can be made.
First Steps
If you think your teeth need to be removed, the first step is to visit your dentist so they can assess your teeth and confirm your treatment needs.
If it is possible to keep some of your natural teeth, particularly lower teeth, this is often beneficial. Natural teeth can act as anchors and help stabilise a denture.
Once you have seen your dentist, you can book an appointment with us and we can begin the process of creating your new smile.
What Happens After Extractions?
As your mouth heals, your gums naturally change shape and shrink. This is a normal part of the healing process and can cause your denture to feel loose after a few weeks.
In most cases, this can be corrected with a simple adjustment called a reline, which improves the fit and comfort. We usually recommend a reline around six months after extractions.
In some cases we may also place a temporary soft liner called a tissue conditioner to improve comfort while your gums are healing.