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Dentures & Partials

Are you seeking a solution for missing teeth? People just like you have trusted tooth replacement with dentures for centuries.

Types of Dentures

Dentures are a removable piece of hardware used to replace some or all of your natural teeth. They come in two standard types:

Conventional dentures are not fitted until after the gums and jaw have fully healed from the extraction of your teeth.
Immediate dentures are fitted before your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures will require several more fittings than traditional dentures, as the shape of your jaw and gums will change during the healing process, but they have the advantage of immediately restoring your teeth after extraction.

Partial dentures can be used when only some of your teeth need to be removed. Partials function similarly to a bridge but are removable.

Adjusting to Dentures

When you are first fitted for dentures, you may have to wear them all the time, including while sleeping. This will allow your dentist to quickly find spots that need to be reshaped due to discomfort or irritation. After the dentures are properly fitted to your jaw, dentures can be removed at night.

While dentures are not real teeth, you will want to care for them as if they were. Brush your dentures to remove food particles. You will also need to place your dentures into lukewarm water or a denture cleaning solution any time you remove them from your mouth. Hot water can warp dentures, so it's best to avoid it.

It can take some time for your mouth to adjust to the shape of dentures. At first, it may feel awkward and bulky to have the appliances in your mouth, but over time, you will become accustomed to the dentures.

Contact our dental practice for more information on whether dentures are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to look after your new dentures

Getting used to your new dentures may take some time particularly if you haven’t worn a denture before. Each person is an individual and some people will need more time for your dentures to feel they are a part of your body. Initially they may feel quite a “mouthful” and you may find you produce more saliva in response to the new prostheses in your mouth. This will settle. Your speech may be affected with some slurring and mispronunciation of sounds, but rest assured that your tongue and lips will adapt to their new environment. Try practicing by reading or talking aloud. Efficient eating will come with time. When you start to eat on your new teeth try softer smaller bites of food to avoid biting your tongue, lips and cheeks. Learning to use your dentures will take time and patience.

Ulcers are not uncommon while your mouth adjusts to new dentures. Please call the surgery to have your denture adjusted. If wearing your denture is too painful remove it to allow the area some healing time but start wearing your denture again a few hours prior to your appointment so the area that needs adjusting can be seen.

Night time – remove your dentures at night. They can be stored in a special case (out of harms way) overnight. Leaving your dentures in 24 hours a day can contribute to dental decay and gum problems.

Cleaning – dentures can be slippery so be careful not to drop them while cleaning. It is recommended you clean them over a towel or a sink half filled with water to prevent dropping and breaking them. Denture cleansers or mild soap can be used to clean your denture along with a soft or denture toothbrush. Do not use hot water as this may damage the acrylic.

Natural teeth - If you wear a partial denture ensure you remove your denture at least twice a day to clean your natural teeth. Your tongue and gums can be brushed with a soft toothbrush and non-alcoholic antibacterial mouth rinse can be used to aid with gum health (ie. Colgate plax)

Denture long term maintenance – if your denture is becoming loose (falls out when eating or speaking) or breaks please call the surgery for assistance. If your denture is wearing out it may be time for a new one or alternatively a reline can be considered.

Immediate dentures – leave your denture in for the first 24 hours after your teeth are extracted until you attend the surgery for your review appointment. Your denture protects the healing sockets and if you remove it too early swelling may prevent you from being able to put it back in place. Maintain a soft, nutritious diet while your sockets are healing to minimise the chance of ulceration while you are getting used to the new denture. 3-6 months after your teeth are removed a reline is likely to be needed to correct the fit of the denture once healing has taken place. Denture adhesives (polydent) may need to be used during this time for retention but are not a good long term solution for a loose denture.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr Nick Georgiou BDS (Queensland)
Dentist

Dr Nick started practising at Welsford Dental after completing his dental degree at University of QLD in 1999. Since then he has gained much experience in all facets of dentistry and loves to provide dental treatment in a friendly and gentle manner. Having been born and bred in Shepparton - he’s a true local. Nick loves nothing more than a good yarn about the footy or the latest news headlines and as a Collingwood supporter you can be reassured that yes he has ALL his teeth and wants to ensure ...