What Are Full Dentures?

Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with comfort. They sit on the gum and are custom-made to match your facial features as closely as possible. If you or someone in your family has lost all their natural teeth, or extractions are coming up, full dentures in Christchurch are often the most practical and proven path forward.

Merivale Denture Clinic, located at 206b Papanui Road in Merivale, provides full dentures for patients across Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. Senior Clinician Thomas Gu studied and worked at the University of Otago's Faculty of Dentistry in Dunedin for over ten years, leading departments in removable prosthesis including full dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported prosthesis, and orthodontic appliances. He has also spent four years at a private Christchurch clinic. That depth of hands-on experience is what you get when you walk through our door.

Browse our full range of denture services to see everything we offer under one roof.

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How Does the Full Denture Process Work?

Getting full dentures at Merivale is a step-by-step process designed to avoid surprises. Here is what to expect:

• ​Immediate dentures: Fitted straight after extraction so you are never without teeth. Because they are made before your teeth are removed, we already know how your jaw sits naturally, which is important for getting the best function from your new dentures.

• Delayed dentures: Some patients prefer to wait four to six months for gums to settle before having dentures made, which does mean going without teeth during that time. This is a valid option and our team will talk through the pros and cons with you.

• Wax try-in: Before your dentures are finished, you will have the chance to see them in wax first and request any changes. What you approve is what gets made.

• Relining: Once your gums have settled and shrunk over the following months, your dentures may need relining to restore the fit. This is an additional cost and our team will let you know when the time is right.

We work alongside your dentist throughout this process to keep everything coordinated and as comfortable as possible.

If down the track your dentures need attention, our denture repairs service is available to get you back on track quickly. You may also want to read about implant dentures if you want a more stable option that clips onto implants and still lifts out for cleaning, or cosmetic dentures if aesthetics are your priority.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Full Dentures Christchurch