Dentures
Which type Is right for you?
Choosing the right type of denture depends on your individual needs, budget, and oral health. During your consultation, our dental prosthetist will take care to evaluate your situation and discuss the options that best suit your needs and expectations.
Dentures are custom made to fit each individually unique mouth. The denture base is supported by the soft gums and hard underlying jawbones, restoring your smile, and improving your ability to eat and speak.
The stability and fit of your dentures are dependent on the condition of your mucosa (gums), remaining jawbone, and surrounding tissues. This will be assessed and discussed during your consultation.
Full Dentures
Full Dentures, also known as “complete dentures”, are removable prosthesis designed to replace all your natural upper and/or lower teeth.
Why choose full dentures?
Restore your smile – be able to smile with confidence with our dentures tailor made to meet your individual appearance.
Improve chewing and speech – Full dentures replicate a full jaw of teeth and are the solution to having no teeth at all. Regain your ability to chew food and speak clearly.
Support facial structures – Full dentures help to support your facial structure by complimenting the shape of your face and preventing sunken cheeks and lips.
Boost confidence – Feel more confident in social and professional interactions.
The full denture process
The process of making dentures involves several steps and requires multiple appointments, and the collaboration of both the dental prosthetist and dental laboratory technicians.
There are different steps and stages required to produce a completed denture or dentures. The length of time it takes for new dentures to be made can vary depending on several factors, including the type of denture you need, and the specific procedures involved in the fabrication process.
Overall, the process of getting new dentures will usually take a few weeks, however more complicated dentures can take months. The time required will depend on the individual needs of the patient and the specific procedures involved in the fabrication and fitting of the denture. It is important to work closely with your dental prosthetist about the process and the expected completion time.
Initial consultation and impressions – a thorough examination of the patient’s oral health, including the condition of existing teeth, gums, lips check and tongue. Impressions of the patient’s mouth are taken using stock impression trays. These impressions capture the shape of the gums and any remaining teeth.
Creating models – Models are made from the impressions. These models serve as a replica of the patient’s oral anatomy. These initial models are used to plan the design of the proposed denture. Custom impression trays may need to be made to take a secondary impression of the patient’s anatomy to allow for the best possible result.
Secondary impression – New impressions are taken in the custom trays to produce models that capture the patient’s oral anatomy accurately, upon which, the dentures are made.
Bite registration – The relationship between the upper and lower jaws are recorded to ensure proper alignment and bite of the dentures and teeth. Different methods are used according to the treatment.
Try-In – A metal frame with teeth, or a tooth setup on wax, is tried into the patient’s mouth. This appointment evaluates the fit, look, and function of the denture prior to finalising the dentures. This allows us the opportunity to improve the dentures and adjust them if necessary.
Denture insert/fitting – The completed denture is fitted around the remaining teeth and/or on the gum. Final checks are done some final fine tuning is done as needed.
Denture care instructions are given to the patient to ensure proper care, cleaning, and maintenance of the dentures are carried out.
Follow-up appointments – Complimentary follow-up appointments may be scheduled to address any concerns, to make additional adjustments, or ensure the continued comfort and effectiveness of the dentures.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace one or more missing teeth while preserving your remaining natural teeth.
Partial dentures are retained by utilising the remaining natural teeth for support. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and surrounding teeth and soft tissues.
Acrylic Partial Dentures
Acrylic partial dentures are made with an acrylic base and typically have metal clasps that fits around your natural teeth.
Benefits:
- cost-effective
- versatile and easy to adjust
- a good temporary solution
Considerations:
- bulkier than other options
- may feel less natural
Cast Metal Partial Dentures
Cast metal partial dentures are made with a metal framework and an acrylic base that
holds the teeth. These dentures are durable and offer a more precise fit.
Benefits:
- stronger and thinner than acrylic bases
- long-lasting
- less bulky compared to acrylic partials
Considerations:
- more expensive than acrylic partial dentures
- metal clasps may be visible
Flexible Partial Dentures
Flexible partial dentures are made from a flexible thermoplastic material.
Benefits:
- lightweight
- comfortable
- sometimes more aesthetically pleasing as they don’t require metal clasps.
Considerations:
- slightly more expensive than acrylic partials
- not as durable as cast metal partials
Precision Attachment Partial Dentures
Precision attachment partial dentures use precision attachments instead of metal
clasps, offering a more secure, retentive and aesthetically pleasing fit.
Benefits:
- high comfort
- excellent aesthetics
- very stable
Considerations:
- more expensive
- may require modification of existing teeth for attachment
Implant-Supported Partial Dentures
Implant supported partial dentures use implant attachments to anchor to dental implants for added stability and support.
Implant-retained dentures need additional steps, such as the surgical placement
of dental implants by an oral surgeon and the placement of attachments/abutments that connect the denture to the implants.
Benefits:
- improved stability
- improves chewing efficiency
- reduces the risk of bone loss
Considerations:
- higher cost due to the surgical placement of implants, implant components and fitting requires sufficient bone density
Immediate Dentures
The full denture process
The process of making dentures involves several steps and requires multiple appointments, and the collaboration of both the dental prosthetist and dental laboratory technicians.
There are different steps and stages required to produce a completed denture or dentures. The length of time it takes for new dentures to be made can vary depending on several factors, including the type of denture you need, and the specific procedures involved in the fabrication process.
Overall, the process of getting new dentures will usually take a few weeks, however more complicated dentures can take months. The time required will depend on the individual needs of the patient and the specific procedures involved in the fabrication and fitting of the denture. It is important to work closely with your dental prosthetist about the process and the expected completion time.
Initial consultation & assessment – Our Dental Prosthetist will evaluate your oral health and discuss your specific needs and expectations. A treatment plan and timeline is established for the procedure.
Impressions – We take care to take accurate impressions and measurements of your mouth to allow the best possible outcome for your immediate denture treatment.
Custom denture creation – The new dentures are made and prepared for collection. The immediate dentures need to be available when the teeth are extracted by the dentist or surgeon.
Tooth extraction and immediate fit – Your dentist or oral surgeon will carefully remove your teeth, and your new dentures are placed in your mouth immediately after the teeth are extracted. Fitting the dentures immediately after the extractions helps to reduce swelling of the gum, and covers the extraction site, reducing the risk of an infection, or “dry socket’.
Initial adjustment – We make the necessary adjustments to ensure your dentures fit securely and comfortably once the bleeding has stopped (usually 2-3 days after extraction).
Healing and adjustment – It takes time to adjust and get used to the new dentures. Pressure spots are common as part of the healing and adjustments process, and your dentures may loosen as your gums heal and shrink. We provide complimentary follow-up appointments to adjust the fit and may do a temporary soft reline if necessary. Ensure you contact us with any pain or concerns.
6 month denture fit check – After several months of healing, a reline procedure should be done to renew the fitting surface of the denture to retain a close fit of your dentures with the mucosa. In some cases, a new denture is required, depending on how the jawbone and mucosa has healed and changed shape.
Denture maintenance – Your permanent dentures will need to be checked regularly to maintain a good fit and ensure a comfortable denture wearing experience.
Benefits of immediate dentures:
- No waiting period – avoid the inconvenience of living without teeth while your gums heal.
- Gum protection – immediate dentures act as a protective cover for your gums after extraction to help prevent infection and dry socket.
- Aesthetic appeal – maintain your smile and appearance immediately after tooth removal.
- Smooth transition – helps you get accustomed to wearing dentures right away.
After 24 hours, your dentist will typically remove the dentures, check your healing progress, and advise you on further care. You will likely need adjustments to the dentures as the gums continue to heal.
If you remove the dentures yourself after 24 hours, a saltwater rinse is commonly
recommended to promote healing and prevent infection.
Saltwater rinse
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of warm water
Instructions:
1. Dissolve the salt completely in the warm water.
2. Gently swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds, avoiding vigorous rinsing.
3. Spit out the solution carefully; do not swallow.
4. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day, especially after meals, for the first few days after
extraction.
Note:
Wait at least 24 hours after the extraction before using a saltwater rinse and avoid spitting forcefully to prevent dislodging the clot in the extraction site.
Do not be tempted to leave the denture out after extractions. The tissue may swell without the denture to contain it and you will be unable to fit the denture on the swollen tissue. Ensure you wear the denture as much as possible post extraction and remove only to clean the denture and do the salt rinse.
How often should I have my dentures checked?
Dentures should be regularly checked to ensure they are fitting properly and functioning as they should.
The frequency of denture reviews will depend on your individual needs. In general, it’s recommended that you have your dentures checked at least once a year. During the check-up we will examine your dentures for any signs of wear or damage, evaluate their fit and function, and clean them thoroughly to ensure that your dentures are fitting properly and not causing any discomfort or irritation, however, if you experience any changes in your oral health, or notice any problems with your dentures, such as sore spots, difficulty chewing or speaking, or a loose fit, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Appointment
Ready to take the next step towards a confident smile?
Scheduling an appointment is easy! Simply give us a call to speak with our friendly team, or fill out our referral form online at your convenience. Whether you need a consultation, denture repair, or custom mouthguard fitting, we’re here to help. Don’t wait – let’s get started on your journey to better oral health!