If you are struggling with a tooth loss condition, common signs include smiling less and constantly feeling the need to cover your mouth whenever you smile, talk or laugh. If that sounds like you, it may be time to get a denture. Applied as a removable or fixed prosthetic, dentures offer an affordable and minimally invasive method of restoring the appearance of your original teeth.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we supply custom designed dentures that fit in your mouth cavity based on your precise measurements. Committed to the health and aesthetics of your smile, we use quality prosthetic materials and clinically proven methods to make sure that all our dentures meet the high standards of safety, hygiene, and efficacy.
Looking for dental professionals that supply a customised denture solution? You have come to the right place.
For more information on our range of Denture solutions, call our friendly team at Molonglo Dental Surgery on 02 6287 1222.
What Type of Denture Should I Choose?
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we offer a comprehensive range of denture solutions that cater to a variety of tooth loss conditions. Whether you are looking for a fixed, removable, full or partial solution, we’ve got the right denture for you! Our dentures are available in different material combinations, sizes, shapes, and colours to suit the individual.
Dentures essentially consist of two components: The artificial teeth and the acrylic or metal plate (i.e. denture base) that holds the denture teeth in an arch-like formation and fits them to the underlying gums of the patient. Dentures may be categorised by design, type, application, and function. They can either be worn on the upper jaw, lower jaw or both simultaneously.
Here are the different types of dentures, in terms of function and application:
Complete Dentures
Sometimes referred as full dentures, these are recommended for the completely edentulous patient, in cases where all the natural teeth are missing.
Complete dentures are able to provide more stability and retentive strength due to their ability to spread out the maximum load across a larger surface area. With the back of the denture placed in the roof of the mouth, denture retention is also better secured by suction.
Partial Dentures
This type of dentures is required when only some of the natural teeth are missing. Depending on your specific requirement, partial dentures may either be used as a removable or fixed solution. Wire clips or claws that extend from the appliance and wrap around the supporting teeth are often incorporated to help secure partials in place. This type of prosthetic is often recommended for patients who have lost one or two tooth due to an injury or accident.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are placed in the mouth soon after tooth extraction, hence the term “immediate”. Also known as temporary dentures, this type of dentures allows the patient’s gums to heal and settle down while awaiting standard dentures to be constructed at a dental lab. They also provide pain relief and a layer of protection over the exposed sockets during the healing period.
Implant-retained Dentures
This type of denture offers the most stable and permanent form of teeth replacement. Embedded in your jawbone, implant-retained dentures will not shift and slide from the position the way removable dentures sometimes do. For more information, please refer to the page on Dental Implants.
Do you know that dentures not only help to cover an awkward smile, they can also improve dental hygiene, eating, and speech?
For more information on our range of Denture solutions, call our friendly team at Molonglo Dental Surgery on 02 6287 1222.
Debunking Denture Myths
When it comes to myths surrounding dentures, there is quite an assortment to look out for. Some of them quickly fall apart upon closer scrutiny, while others have been accepted as “fact” when they are no more than unfounded urban legends.
If you’re feeling a bit hesitant about getting dentures because you have heard some “facts’ about them through the dental grapevine, chances are, you’ll need a reality check on some of those claims.
Whether you are looking for cheap dentures or affordable dental implant supported dentures in Canberra, Molonglo Dental Surgery
Whether these claims undermine or oversell the benefits of dentures, you shouldn’t let them get in the way of your decision-making process.
That said, the Canberra dentist in our denture clinic at Molonglo Dental Surgery is in the best position to advice whether the teeth-replacement dental appliance will provide the optimum solution that serves your specific needs, wants and budget.
Denture Myth 1: “Once you have dentures, you don’t need to see a dentist regularly”.
Whether or not you are a denture wearer, you should visit your dentist regularly for an oral examination and professional cleaning. The twice-yearly comprehensive check-and-clean sessions are designed to monitor your dental condition – which is continually changing – and prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
During these visits, you should request for your dentist to check that your dentures are in good working condition.
Some of the things your Canberra denture clinic dentist will be looking out for are:
- Signs of discolouration or degradation due to wear and tear or a reaction to mouth fluids
- Bad smell caused by absorption of fluid and bacteria
- Looseness of the denture caused by tissue changes.
Denture Myth 2: “I need adhesives for my dentures for a better fit”.
The affordable dentures at Molonglo Dental Surgery are custom-designed based on your precise measurements so that they that perfectly fit in your mouth cavity.
They do not require the regular use of an adhesive for a comfortable fit. The main purpose of denture adhesives is for them to be used in an emergency. When your denture has been loosened or cracked by an impact. Denture adhesives can help to keep the dentures in place until you see the dentist.
Using the adhesives as a “fitting” aid may result in masking infections and causing bone loss in the jaw.
If your dentures feel loose or are causing constant irritation, you should book an appointment to see your Canberra dentist immediately. An ill-fitting denture may contribute to the development of sores and tumours.
Denture Myth 3: “With all my teeth missing, I’m forced to endure a lifetime of dentures.”
Advanced dentistry has given us modern alternatives to removable dentures. The implant supported denture is a stable teeth replacement option that allows you to eat the kinds of food that removable denture wearers are unable to. Implant-supported dentures not only provide a fixed full denture solution for your missing teeth, they also look, feel and function like your natural teeth.
Denture Myth 4: “Denture wearers cannot speak properly or eat normally.”
It is true that not all denture wearers can eat everything they would like. However, it should be noted that many have very few dietary restrictions in their diets.
Modern dentures are designed to perfectly fit in your mouth cavity. While you may initially experience some issues with speech, that usually goes away when you get accustomed to the dental device in your mouth.
It should be noted that adjustment times vary between patients. It is often longer for those who are wearing a full plate or following teeth extractions. Most denture wearers are able to talk and eat normally after about two weeks.
If your speech or eating problems persist, book an appointment with your Canberra dentist to check the fit of your denture as soon as possible.
Explore more Treatments
Let’s help you get to the right place, these Molonglo services are closely connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of dentures varies according to the type and complexity of your treatment. the price of a full denture ranges between $1,500 and $3,000 per arch, while each partial denture costs between $800 to $2,000. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we believe in transparent pricing. Our team will provide a detailed quote during your consultation so that you will know exactly what to expect.
With proper care, dentures can generally last between 5 and 10 years. For optimal comfort and functionality, we recommend relining your dentures every 1–2 years. Denture relines help to adjust the inner surface of the denture to better conform to your gums, ensuring a perfect fit. In addition, denture patients are encouraged to come for regular check-ups so that we can monitor your oral health and make periodic adjustments as necessary.
No. However, it’s quite normal to experience mild soreness or discomfort when you first start wearing dentures. This is because your gums and jaw muscles need time to adjust to the new appliance. To help with this transition, we will schedule periodic adjustment appointments to ensure the denture fits snugly as well as alleviate any pressure points that you may feel. For most patients, the initial discomfort will subside within a few days as their gums and jaw muscles get used to the new denture.
While we strongly discourage our patients to sleep in their dentures, it’s technically possible to do so. However, removing your dentures at night actually gives your gums a chance to rest and recover. This will also greatly alleviate the risk of irritation or infection. To maintain proper oral hygiene, it is recommended that you remove your dentures before sleep to clean them thoroughly every night. If the removal of dentures before sleep is a concern for you, kindly approach our team as we are able to provide tips and reassurance to smoothen the process.
It is essential that you keep your dentures clean for both oral health and longevity. Brush your dentures daily using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. You may wish to avoid regular toothpaste, as it tends to be overly harsh and may cause scratches on the denture. To keep your dentures moist to prevent warping, soak the oral appliance overnight in water or a specialised denture solution. Don’t forget to clean your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth as well.
Yes. Most patients can continue to enjoy a variety of foods even with dentures. However, during the initial transition period, it's recommended that you start with softer foods like soups, eggs, and yoghurt. After that, you can gradually reintroduce chewier or crunchier items as you become more comfortable with the appliance. You will also find it easier to adjust by cutting up food into smaller bite sizes or chewing evenly on both sides. With a bit of practice, you should be able to eat most of your favourite foods without any issues.
We accept veterans’ schemes to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients. If you’re holding a Australian veteran's card, just let our team know. We’ll be happy to discuss the available discounts and payment options.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create dentures that look natural and feel comfortable. We take care to ensure that your dentures are tailored to your unique needs, and schedule periodic adjustments to ensure your comfort and satisfaction at all times. With our denture services, we strive to help you regain confidence in your smile.