What Are Dentures? A Comprehensive Guide

Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit each patient's mouth and can be made of acrylic, metal, or other materials. Dentures help restore the functionality and appearance of your natural teeth, enabling you to chew, speak, and smile confidently.

Types of Dentures

1. Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are full sets of artificial teeth designed to replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both. They are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth and are typically constructed from high-quality acrylic resin.

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace one or a few missing teeth in a jaw where some natural teeth remain. They consist of replacement teeth attached to an acrylic or metal base that blends in with your gums, and they may include a metal framework for added support and stability.

3. Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are a type of complete denture made in advance and placed in the mouth immediately after the removal of natural teeth. This ensures that the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

4. Implant-Retained and Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-retained dentures are anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants provide a stable and secure foundation, offering significantly better retention, stability, and comfort compared to traditional removable dentures.

How Are Dentures Made?

The process of crafting custom dentures involves several key steps:

1. Taking Dental Impressions Your dental prosthetist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, taking precise measurements and registration of your bite. Impressions are taken using dental putty or digital scanning technology to create detailed moulds of your oral structures.

2. Creating a Dental Model Using these impressions, a dental laboratory creates precise stone models of your mouth. A wax model of the dentures is built on these models to test fit, alignment, and appearance in the patient's mouth. Adjustments are made as necessary until both patient and clinician are satisfied.

3. Customising and Processing The laboratory fabricates the final dentures using durable materials like acrylic resin, composite, or porcelain. The artificial teeth are carefully positioned to match natural aesthetics.

4. Fitting and Adjustments The completed dentures are fitted in your mouth. Your prosthetist will make minor adjustments to eliminate pressure points and ensure your bite is balanced and comfortable.

Benefits of Dentures

• Improved Chewing Function: Replacing missing teeth allows you to chew food more effectively, supporting better digestion and nutrition.
• Enhanced Appearance: Dentures support the lips and cheeks, preventing the sunken appearance that occurs with tooth loss and restoring natural facial structure.
• Improved Self-Confidence: Having a complete, natural-looking smile significantly enhances confidence in social and professional settings.
• Speech Clarity: Replacing missing teeth helps you speak clearly and pronounce words correctly.
• Preserved Oral Health: Properly fitted dentures distribute chewing forces evenly, preventing remaining teeth from shifting or experiencing excessive wear.

Drawbacks of Dentures

• Adjustment Period: It takes time to get used to the feel of new dentures. You may experience temporary soreness, increased saliva flow, or minor speech changes.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Dentures require daily cleaning and handling with care to prevent plaque buildup, stains, and odours.
• Adjustments Over Time: The jawbone naturally shrinks (resorbs) over time after tooth loss. This means dentures will need to be relined or replaced every 5 to 10 years to maintain a proper fit.

Caring For Your Dentures

To keep your dentures in excellent condition and protect your oral health, follow these guidelines:

• Daily Cleaning: Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or non-abrasive denture cleaner. Do not use regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the acrylic.
• Nightly Soaking: Always remove your dentures at night. Soak them in water or a mild denture cleaning solution to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
• Handle with Care: When cleaning, hold your dentures over a folded towel or a sink filled with water to cushion them if dropped.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your prosthetist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Never attempt to adjust or repair damaged dentures yourself.

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact your prosthetist if you experience any of the following:

• Loose Fit: If your dentures slip, click, or feel unstable while eating or speaking.
• Persistent Pain or Sores: Persistent irritation, redness, or sore spots on your gums.
• Damage: If the denture is cracked, chipped, broken, or has lost a tooth.
• Odour: A persistent unpleasant smell or taste that does not go away with cleaning.
• Difficulty Chewing: If you find it increasingly difficult to eat normal foods.

Costs of Dentures

The cost of dentures depends on the complexity of your case and the materials used.

Insurance and Financial Assistance

Many private health insurance plans in Australia cover a portion of denture costs under general dental extras. Additionally, state government programs like the Victorian Denture Scheme (VDS) and federal programs like Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) benefits provide subsidized or free dentures to eligible pension cardholders.

Alternatives to Dentures

If you are exploring alternatives to traditional dentures, options include:

• Dental Bridges: Fixed restorations that bridge the gap of one or more missing teeth, anchored to adjacent healthy teeth or implants.
• Dental Implants: Individual titanium posts placed in the jawbone to support crowns or bridges, closely mimicking natural teeth.
• All-on-4 or All-on-6: Fixed full-arch prosthetics supported by four or six strategically placed dental implants, offering a permanent, non-removable solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are dentures made of?

Dentures are made of medical-grade materials. The base is typically crafted from pink acrylic resin or a lightweight metal alloy (like cobalt-chromium) for strength. The teeth are made from acrylic resin or porcelain for a lifelike appearance.

What do new dentures feel like?

Initially, new dentures can feel bulky, tight, or foreign. You may experience temporary soreness or increased saliva. This is completely normal and resolves as your tongue, cheeks, and gum tissues adapt.

Will eating with new dentures be difficult?

It requires practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, chew slowly, and use both sides of your mouth to keep the dentures stable. Avoid sticky or extremely hard foods in the beginning.

How long do dentures last?

On average, dentures last 5 to 10 years. Over time, natural changes in your jawbone shape and general wear-and-tear mean they will require professional relining or replacement.

Is it okay to sleep with dentures in?

It is strongly recommended to remove your dentures overnight. This allows your gums and bone to rest, prevents bone resorption, and reduces the risk of oral infections like thrush (denture stomatitis).

Are dentures painful?

They should not be painful. Some minor soreness is common during the first few weeks of a new fitting, but persistent pain or raw spots are signs that you need a professional adjustment.

For professional denture fittings, relines, or repairs, contact Oak Park Denture Clinic at (03) 9306 5432 or book an appointment online at our contact page.