Dentures

Above: Before & After Pictures of Dentures

Should I Get Dentures?

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth (false teeth) and people get them for both their aesthetic and functional benefits. Dentures can replace a full set of teeth or sit amongst existing teeth (fill in the gaps).They can be crucial for regaining or maintaining the confidence that is often lost with missing teeth which can even result in changes to the shape of the face. Dentures can help a person to regain the basic ability to eat unhindered.

Should you get dentures or implants or fixed bridges? You will be able to fully assess your situation with your dentist to establish which one is for you but here is a quick overview of your other options.

Dental Implants have become more popular in recent years as they mimic the look and feel of real teeth the best. They are screwed into the gum bone and unlike dentures do not need to be removed and are the strongest of the tooth replacement options. The only special care one needs to take with implants is the same care taken with brushing and flossing of natural teeth. Implants require surgery and as such all the associated costs make it expensive at up to $6,000 per tooth. Full mouth restorations can be achieved in this manner.

Fixed Bridges utilize the teeth one either side of missing teeth (generally no more than 3 missing teeth in a row) as supports for these permanent implants. Crowns are generally placed on top of the natural teeth, securing the implant into position with cement. They are a much cheaper option then dental implants while still doing a good job of mimicking the natural look and function of natural teeth.

Types of Dentures

There are three types of dentures but they all have the same acrylic base that curves to the roof of your mouth and the horse shoe shaped base for the gums and tongue.

Conventional Full Dentures require the removal of existing natural teeth to prepare the gum for dentures. After it is healed, a full denture is put in place. This results in a period of weeks or months of missing teeth.

Immediate Full Dentures Unlike the conventional full dentures, immediate dentures are attached on the spot as your teeth are removed. There is no waiting for the gum to heal, instead the patient returns after several months when slight adjustments may need to be made after the healing and growth of the gum. The best part about immediate full dentures is that there is no waiting time where you are left without teeth.

Partial Dentures Partial dentures are most appropriate for people who have some of their natural teeth remaining. These existing teeth are used in conjunction with the metal frame work to support the denture.

What do Dentures Feel Like?

You should not be feeling excessive pain with dentures. There will be an adjustment period of becoming accustomed to the feel of them and it is natural for them to feel strangle, a little uncomfortable and maybe even a little sore to begin with. However, if you feel the pain is extreme be sure to return to your dentist.

Here are some of the feelings that you can expect from dentures after the first weeks or even months or having them inserted.

• Mild soreness
• Looseness of the denture
• Denture feeling uncomfortable
• Excess saliva

How much do Dentures Cost

Firstly, you should check if your health insurance covers any dental costs involved with dentures. Depending on the type you require denture prices are between $500 and $2500.

Because of the price there is a large cross section of people who need but would otherwise find it difficult to find affordable dentures. There may be government health schemes that allow certain people to go on a waiting list at selected health clinics. Such schemes provide free dental services children under 18 years old and people holding a pensioners or health care card.

The base of the dentures will change over time. They will be subject to wear and tear, movement and the changes in your bone and gum. The base of the dentures can be adjusted, realigned or replaced completely while still maintaining the denture teeth.

How to take care of Dentures

Dentures are actually quite delicate so be sure not to drop or subject dentures to impact, they can break easily. High temperatures will distort the shape of dentures, so do not wash them in hot water or place them in high temperature conditions.

Always remove your dentures at night before going to bed to allow your mouth to rest from the dentures and to avoid infections. They need to remain moist at all times, so when they are not in your mouth, place them in either regular cold water or a denture cleaning solution.

As you should your natural teeth, brush your dentures well and use a very soft brush to also brush in around your gums and tongue where your dentures will be placed.

Problems with Dentures

If your dentures are broken or bent out of shape, always take them back to your dentist for repair. Do not try to repair them yourself. The chances are, you will damage them further and using dentures that you have attempted to repair yourself could do damage to your mouth. You may wonder if you can use normal super glue to repair dentures. The answer is absolutely not; take them to your dentist.

Coming Soon - Dental Dentures Database

Browse our directory - NSW/Sydney, Victoria/Melbourne, Queensland/Brisbane, South Australia/Adelaide, WA/Perth, ACT/Canberra, Northern Territory/Darwin, Tasmania/Hobart