Dentures are prosthetic devices that replace a few or all of your teeth. They are often associated with old age when it’s normal to start losing more or all of your teeth. However, this is not the case. Modern-day dentures are much more advanced and comfortable, providing a budget-friendly alternative to other tooth replacement options.
Complete dentures replace all of your teeth and can be immediate or conventional. Conventional dentures are made and fitted after you have had all remaining teeth removed and the gums have healed. Conversely, immediate dentures are fitted as soon as your remaining teeth have been removed. The benefit of immediate dentures is that you won’t have to be without teeth after oral surgery, but you risk needing future adjustments. This is because the bones and gums can shrink after healing, so your immediate dentures may not fit as well as before.
Partial dentures contain a complex system of false teeth, gum-coloured plastic and a metal framework that fits onto the upper and lower teeth. They are entirely unique and made to fit your tooth gaps to restore your smile and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. In addition, partial dentures are still removable and require the same upkeep as your complete dentures.
If you have several missing teeth and are struggling to eat and speak, then dentures might be the solution for you. Dentures are typical in older patients who have lost teeth due to weakened enamel and decay. This is mainly because our bone structure starts to break down as we age, and you can only receive tooth replacements like dental implants if you have a healthy bone structure.
Being removable, dentures can be convenient but require more upkeep. This makes them much more affordable than other tooth-replacement procedures, such as dental implants and bridges. Our professional team will consult with you and assess your teeth before advising if dentures are a suitable treatment option.
The state of your gums and teeth will be examined to make sure they are healthy and ready for dentures. Sometimes an X-ray may be needed to prevent unforeseen challenges with the underlying bone. We will then discuss the various denture options with you and any benefits or drawbacks of each.
After deciding on a denture type, we take several impressions and measurements of your gums and jaw. From here, we use the impressions to develop moulds that will let us know if adjustments need to be made to your final denture. We work with a specialised dental laboratory that produces high-quality dental prosthetics to create your denture.
The length of the process can vary depending on the type of denture you are receiving and if you require tooth extraction and healing in between. We typically advise patients that they can expect their dentures within 3-6 weeks. This allows time for healing and several fittings to ensure that your dentures match perfectly.
It’s normal for dentures to feel strange at first – it will take some time to get used to. The dentures may feel loose, and you might struggle to eat and speak at first, but this will soon become natural with some practice. It is also common to experience some initial discomfort as your gums adjust. Allow some time for the dentures to settle, but make an appointment with us should you have extreme discomfort or continue to struggle.
Only you will know that you have dentures. Everyone else will see a sparkling new smile that looks exactly like natural teeth. Having restored function and aesthetics will allow you to live your life confidently. So, yes, you will look different, but it will be a massive improvement and relief.
Dental hygiene and care are still critical, even if you don’t have any natural teeth left. You need to gently brush your remaining teeth and gums daily to prevent plaque build-up and further damage to the teeth and jawbone. In addition, you will need to follow several instructions for looking after your new dentures. These must be removed when you sleep and cleaned twice daily with a special denture solution. Avoid dropping your dentures, and ensure that they stay moist when not in use. You can place them in water or a dental soaking solution. We will provide you with a complete guide for caring for your dentures after you receive them.
061 228 979 | 061 220 817