Dentures Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, & Point Cook
Our experienced Dentists have successfully been creating Dentures for Hoppers Crossing, Werribee & Point Cook residents.
Dentures are effective and inexpensive way to replace missing teeth. Often, teeth are lost due to significant tooth decay, become severely broken or are very loose and infected because of Gum Disease. Overtime, lack of teeth can result in a bad bite and reduce your ability to chew and function properly. Our Dentists may recommend that you consider having a set of dentures as a replacement option for your missing set of teeth.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable, which means that they be taken in and out of the mouth as needed. They have a plastic pink surface that resembles the gums and artificial teeth are fixed into the plastic so that they look like your natural teeth. Wearing dentures have been a long-term solution for many people to help restore speech and smile.
Different types of Dentures
We provide three different types of Dentures to our Hoppers Crossing, Werribee & Point Cook patients. The three main types of Dentures are:
Type 1: Complete or Full Dentures
Unfortunately, some people may lose all their set of teeth. This can be at the top jaw or the lower jaw or a combination of both. In these cases, we may advise you to have full Dentures to replace your missing teeth.
When all the teeth are lost, the bone shrinks as it is no longer supporting teeth, this will eventually cause the face and lips to collapse in and make you appear older. When wearing full Dentures, they sit over the bony ridges of the gums and provides good support to your lips and cheeks – pushing them back out.
In addition to having a more youthful appearance, the full Dentures allows you to return to eating and drinking normally.
Type 2: Partial Dentures
When there are still some teeth remaining in the mouth, we may recommend having a Partial Denture.
Like full Dentures, they can be worn in the top jaw or lower jaw or both. The partial Denture will replace the required missing teeth and are held in your mouth by little clips that sits over or around your natural teeth.
When it comes to partial Dentures, there are many lay outs so it is important that our Dentists assess you properly to choose the correct design based on your needs.
Type 3: Implant supported Dentures
With progress in Dental Implant placement and success, another alternative to consider for those with all missing teeth is an implant supported Denture.
Typically, Dentures sit over gum ridges and are held into place by the amount of bone present in the jaw. Some people have very little bone and Dental Implants may need to be placed into the mouth so that the Dentures can clip on top of them for stability.
For more information on Dental Implants, please click this link.
How much do Dentures cost?
The cost of the Dentures is dependent on the materials you choose. When the base of the denture is made from only acrylic, the cost of the dentures typically sits between $650 to $1,500 depending on the amount of clasp and teeth you need to replace.
Some people prefer a stronger base or less acrylic, in those instances, we would recommend them to consider having a metal bar or plate added to the Denture. These types of Dentures are referred to as “cobalt chrome Dentures” and can cost between $1,500 to $2,500.
How long do Dentures last?
Cobalt chrome Dentures often lasts 10 years or more compared to acrylic Dentures which has a life span of 5 years.
The lifespan of the Dentures is dependent on changes to your gum and bone as you age, if the difference is very minimal for you then it may last even longer before you consider replacing or re-sizing your current Dentures.
Dentures Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, & Point Cook Treatment Process
As Dentures are custom made to fit your gum and mouth, there are a few appointments required.
Our expert Dentists will go through the steps with you so that you can understand what is going on. Depending on the types of Dentures (complete, partial, implant retained), each step may vary slightly but typically they involve the following:
1. Book a consultation
If you're in need of Dentures in Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Point Cook & surrounding suburbs the first step is to set up a consultation with us.
You can make a booking by booking online or calling us on 03 9748 7271.
2. First Moulds
Moulds are taken of your gums and teeth (if any).
3. Second Moulds
We'll take a second mould of your gums and teeth (if any) with specially designed custom tray, this will allow our Dentists to capture more details of the gums and ridges.
4. Measuring and shade selection
We'll work with you to measure your bite and select the correct shade for your smile and face.
5. Mock fitting
We'll prepare a mock fitting of your Denture with a wax version of the Denture.
Once you and our Dentists are happy with the colour, comfort and bite then we will ask the dental technician to process the wax to create the actual Denture.
6. Actual fitting
This is the final stage of the treatment process and involves fitting the Denture into your mouth and adjusting slightly if needed.
When you wear your Dentures for the first time, it is normal for it to feel uncomfortable and you may develop ulcers as the skin in your mouth tries to adapt to something new.
It is like breaking into a new set of shoes, time and practice is required before you can feel comfortable again.
7. After treatment care
We like to review our patients 1-2 weeks afterwards to ensure you are comfortable. We may make minor adjustments to the Denture as needed to alleviate any lingering discomfort.
Caring for your Dentures
It is very important that you take care of your Dentures well so that it can lasts as long as possible. Follow these simple steps to help care for your Dentures:
- Brush your Dentures two times a day, in the morning and at night with a toothbrush and soft hand soap. Do not use toothpaste as the particles in the toothpaste can wear away the Denture.
- When brushing, stand over a folded towel or basin of water, if you drop it suddenly there is something there to cushion it, otherwise the Denture may break permanently
- Brush your gums with a soft toothbrush to remove debris of food and bacteria
- Soak your Dentures daily in a solution to also help remove any remnants of bacteria, this will help the Denture feel and smell clean
- Remove the Dentures before going to sleep and keep them in a dry and safe place like your Denture container. Your gums need to rest and breathe and going to sleep with them increases your risk of a fungal infection.
- Visit our Dentists regularly for professional Check ups and Clean
Over time your mouth shape may change with age and little adjustments may help you with your Denture wear. If they no longer fit well, it is time for a replacement or reline (a process to re-size your Denture so that it is tighter again).
You can visit the Australian Dental Association website for more care tips.
What is a Denture adhesive and do I need it?
A Denture adhesive helps keep Dentures in place and can be easily purchased from supermarkets and pharmacies.
Some people may need to use Denture Adhesive to help keep the Denture in place, this is often seen in people with complete Dentures whose bones have shrunk too much. When bone shrink, the ability for the Dentures to remain seated without sliding becomes tricky and that is why some people feel “looseness” in their Denture. To overcome this, apply Denture adhesive to the bottom of the Denture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.