Dentures

New technology and dental know-how have not only given dentures a natural appearance but they are now more comfortable than ever.

Dentures (also known as false teeth) are custom-made to fit your mouth, so they can appear like natural teeth. Constructed to replace missing teeth, dentures have traditionally been removable. More modern techniques can now provide dentures secured in place with dental implants.

Depending on the severity of your case, your dentist will either create partial dentures for a few missing teeth or complete dentures to replace a full set of missing teeth. Dentures are removable and easy to clean. The false teeth will discolour like regular teeth, so proper dental care at home and regular check-ups are necessary to take care of them.

Immediate Dentures

Should you require some or all of your natural teeth to be removed, you’ll need immediate dentures. Your dentist will work with you and the clinical dental technician to deliver an immediate denture.

Consultation

Your dentist will examine your teeth and recommend the best solution.

Extractions & Fitting

If you need teeth extracted, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth for an immediate denture. This denture will then be fitted at a later appointment, immediately after the teeth have been extracted.

Healing Review

After fitting your dentist will see you for another appointment during the first week to review the healing process.

Check-Ups

Usually, your dentures are adjusted within the first 3 – 6 months.

Your dentures will then be re-lined within the first 6 – 12 months.

While immediate dentures offer you the benefit of having teeth straight away, the disadvantage to this option is that you will most likely require a new denture 3-6 months down the track due to bone resorption and gingival recession.

There are no clearly defined general conditions as to when a complete denture should be replaced. However, for a healthy person, a denture will usually require replacement every four to eight years on average.

What To Expect

Booking Your Appointment

Making a denture usually requires at least 4 appointments: 

  • Consultation
  • Extractions and fitting
  • Healing review
  • Check-up

Further appointments may be needed if you have any queries with your dentures.

Before You Arrive

There is no special preparation needed for your appointment.

During Your Appointment

Consultation: Your dentist will examine your teeth and recommend the best solution for you. You may be asked about:

  • Your dental history
  • Your normal oral care routine
  • Any problems

Extractions and Fittings: Remove your tooth/teeth and fit denture right then and there

Healing Review: Review the healing process during the first week

Check-Up: After 3 – 6 months your dentures are adjusted

Check-Up: After 6 – 12 months your dentures are re-lined

 

Length Of Appointment

The consultation can take 30 – 60 minutes.

The following procedure will take approximately 60 minutes for each appointment.

After You Leave

  • Eat soft foods that are easy to chew in the first few weeks following your denture fitting.
  • Rinse with warm salt water to help with healing
  • Don’t smoke for at least 48 hours after denture surgery 
  • Follow care instructions as directed by your dentist