Dentures in Sandgate
Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace some or all missing teeth.
They can help restore chewing, speech and appearance when teeth have been lost.
Dental Seasons provides assessment and treatment planning for partial, complete, immediate and suitable implant-retained denture options.
The right approach depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of the remaining teeth and gums, jaw shape, expectations and other available treatment options.
New patients welcome.
What is a denture?
A denture is a removable appliance containing artificial teeth.
It may replace:
- One missing tooth
- Several missing teeth
- All teeth in the upper jaw
- All teeth in the lower jaw
- All teeth in both jaws
Dentures are custom-made to fit the individual mouth.
They may be used as a temporary solution during healing or as a longer-term tooth replacement option.
Types of dentures
Partial dentures
A partial denture replaces some missing teeth while natural teeth remain.
It may use clasps or another design to help stabilise the appliance.
Complete dentures
A complete denture replaces all teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Its fit depends on the shape of the gums, supporting tissues, saliva and other anatomical factors.
Immediate dentures
An immediate denture is prepared before teeth are removed and inserted on the same day as the extractions.
Because gums and bone change during healing, the denture commonly requires adjustment and may later need relining or replacement.
Implant-retained dentures
Dental implants may sometimes be used to provide additional retention for a removable denture.
Suitability depends on available bone, medical factors, implant planning and other clinical considerations.
Dentures are one option for replacing missing teeth
A denture is not automatically the best solution for every missing tooth.
Other options may include dental implants, dental bridges, a combination of implants and a removable prosthesis, or leaving a space in selected circumstances.
The right option depends on factors including the number of missing teeth, the condition of remaining teeth, available bone, general health, treatment cost, maintenance requirements, whether surgery is acceptable and your preferences. We can explain the realistic advantages and limitations of each option.
How are dentures made?
Assessment
We examine the gums, remaining teeth and bite and discuss what you need from the denture.
Complete necessary dental treatment
Teeth that require fillings, gum treatment or extraction may need to be managed before the final denture is made.
Records of the mouth
Scans or impressions and bite records are taken to help design the denture.
Laboratory stages
The dental laboratory constructs the denture through a series of stages.
Trial where appropriate
For many dentures, a trial stage allows tooth position, bite and appearance to be assessed before the appliance is completed.
Fit and adjustments
The final denture is fitted and checked.
New dentures commonly require follow-up adjustments as the mouth adapts.
What do new dentures feel like?
New dentures can feel unfamiliar at first.
You may notice:
- A sense of fullness
- Increased saliva
- Changes in speech
- Tender areas
- A different chewing sensation
- Difficulty managing certain foods initially
Adjustment takes time.
Small pressure areas may need professional adjustment rather than repeatedly tolerating soreness.
Do not try to reshape or file the denture yourself.
Eating with new dentures
It can take time to develop confidence when chewing with a new denture.
Starting with softer foods and smaller pieces can make adaptation easier.
Chewing slowly and using both sides of the mouth can help stabilise some dentures.
As you become accustomed to the appliance, a broader range of foods can usually be introduced.
A denture will not necessarily provide exactly the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth.
Should dentures be removed at night?
Yes, dentures are generally best removed while sleeping unless your dental practitioner has given different instructions for a specific reason.
Leaving them out overnight gives the tissues underneath the denture a period without continuous coverage and can reduce the risk of problems such as inflammation and fungal infection.
How should dentures be cleaned?
Remove dentures before cleaning them.
They can generally be brushed morning and night using:
- Warm or cool water
- A denture brush or separate toothbrush
- A suitable liquid soap or denture-cleaning product
Ordinary toothpaste is often too abrasive for acrylic denture surfaces and can create scratches.
Dentures may also be soaked using an appropriate denture-cleaning solution according to the product instructions.
Continue cleaning any remaining natural teeth and gums separately.
Why can dentures become loose?
The gums and jawbone continue to change after teeth are lost.
Over time, these changes can alter how a denture fits.
A denture that was stable when new may therefore become looser several years later.
Depending on the appliance and condition, management may include:
- Adjustment
- Relining
- Rebasing
- Denture adhesive
- Making a replacement denture
- Considering implant retention
A constantly loose denture should be assessed rather than relying indefinitely on increasing amounts of adhesive.
Dental implants and dentures
For suitable patients, dental implants can provide additional retention for some removable dentures.
This can be particularly useful where a conventional denture is difficult to stabilise.
Implant treatment involves surgery and requires separate assessment of the bone, gums, medical history and treatment goals.
Not every denture patient requires or is suitable for implants.
Do you still need dental check-ups with dentures?
Yes.
Regular dental assessment remains important even if you no longer have any natural teeth.
The appointment provides an opportunity to assess:
- The fit and condition of the denture
- The gums and tissues underneath it
- Areas of irritation
- Changes in the mouth
- Oral hygiene
- Any remaining teeth
- The soft tissues of the mouth
The mouth continues changing throughout life even when all natural teeth have been replaced.
Dentures in Sandgate
Dental Seasons is located at 119A Brighton Road, Sandgate QLD 4017.
We provide denture assessment and restorative planning for patients from Sandgate and surrounding North Brisbane and bayside communities.
Where another tooth-replacement option may suit you better, we can discuss the alternatives before treatment begins.
Denture questions
What is the difference between a partial and complete denture?
A partial denture replaces some missing teeth. A complete denture replaces all teeth in an upper or lower jaw.
What is an immediate denture?
An immediate denture is made before teeth are removed and fitted at the extraction appointment.
How many appointments does a denture take?
Dentures normally require several appointments. The exact number depends on the type of denture and complexity of treatment.
Are dentures uncomfortable?
New dentures can initially feel unfamiliar or cause pressure areas. Adjustment appointments are common while the mouth adapts.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
Dentures are generally recommended to be removed during sleep.
Should I use toothpaste on my dentures?
Ordinary toothpaste can be abrasive to denture materials. A denture brush with suitable soap or denture cleaner is generally preferable.
How long do dentures last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. The denture material wears and the shape of the mouth changes over time.
Can a loose denture be fixed?
Sometimes. Adjustment, relining or another modification may improve fit. In other cases a new denture may be appropriate.
Can dental implants hold a denture in place?
Yes. Implant-retained dentures may provide additional stability for suitable patients.
Do I need dental check-ups if I have no natural teeth?
Yes. The mouth and denture should still be examined regularly.
Need to replace missing teeth?
If you are missing one, several or all of your teeth, dentures are one of several possible replacement options. Book a denture consultation at Dental Seasons and we can assess your mouth, discuss the available choices and help you understand which approach may suit you.