Children's Full Dentures for Patients in East Finchley

Full dentures are rarely the first choice for children, but they are necessary in certain cases. The main reason is the absence of most teeth, a condition called anodontia, often linked to genetic disorders like Ectodermal Dysplasia. Another reason is severe early decay or trauma that has led to the loss of all primary teeth, where other options are not viable. In these cases dentures provide essential chewing and speech support. They also help maintain facial height and support the development of facial muscles. For parents in East Finchley, a consultation can determine if this path fits your child.

Our approach is gentle and paced to the child's comfort. First, you’ll have a 60 minute initial consultation where we assess your child’s needs and take digital impressions, which are quick and comfortable. Next, we create a wax model for a try in appointment, lasting about 30 minutes, to ensure the fit and appearance are right before the final denture is made. The final fitting appointment takes about 30 minutes. As a child grows, their jaw changes, so new dentures are typically needed every 2 to 3 years to ensure a proper fit and support healthy development. The entire process from first impression to final fitting usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. We find that involving the child in choosing the tooth shade can make the experience more positive for them.

Adapting to dentures takes time. At first your child might experience some soreness or find speaking and eating feel different. This is normal. We recommend starting with soft foods and encouraging them to practice speaking by reading aloud. The mouth will adapt within a few weeks. It's important to clean the dentures daily with a soft brush and store them in water overnight. You should also continue to clean your child's gums. Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you notice persistent sore spots or if the denture feels very loose.

Regular check-ups every 6 months are essential to monitor jaw growth and the health of the gums. As your child grows, the dentures will need to be remade to accommodate these changes, typically every few years. This prevents discomfort and ensures the dentures continue to support facial structure correctly. Think of it as needing new shoes as their feet grow. For emergencies outside our office hours, please visit A&E or call 111.

For children, the alternatives to full dentures depend entirely on the clinical situation. If some healthy teeth remain, a partial denture may be more appropriate. In cases of trauma where adult teeth have been knocked out, dental implants are a future option, but they are not suitable until the jaw has finished growing (typically late teens). For now, a denture can act as a space maintainer. The main alternative is often no treatment, but this can have significant negative impacts on nutrition, speech, and self-esteem. During your consultation, we'll discuss all viable options for your child's specific situation, ensuring you have all the information to make the best choice.

To choose what's right for your child, it's important to ask detailed questions, whether you consult with us or another practice in the East Finchley area. Ask about their experience with pediatric cases and what materials they use for the dentures. Enquire about the expected timeline and how many appointments will be needed. It's also vital to ask how they manage adjustments as the child grows and what the long-term plan is, including the transition to more permanent solutions in adulthood if applicable. Finally, get a clear breakdown of the costs for the initial set and subsequent replacements.

Creating custom full dentures for a child is a highly specialised service. The cost reflects the bespoke nature of the treatment and the multiple appointments required. Prices generally start from £1,200, which includes all impressions, fittings, and adjustments for the first six months. As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. However, we do accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We can provide a detailed treatment plan and cost breakdown during your initial consultation to help you with your financial planning.