Full Dentures

Full dentures are removable dental appliances that replace all of the teeth in either your upper or lower jaw. They are a complete solution for individuals who have lost all of their natural teeth. Full dentures consist of:

• Artificial Teeth: The artificial teeth are made from acrylic or porcelain and are designed to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth.
• Base: The base of the denture is typically made from acrylic and is designed to fit the contours of your gums and palate. It’s coloured to match your gums for a natural appearance.
• Clasps (if applicable): If you have remaining teeth in your mouth, your dentist may use clasps to secure the denture. These clasps attach to your remaining teeth, providing stability.

Full dentures rely on suction and a proper fit to stay in place. The acrylic base creates a seal with your gums, creating suction that helps hold the denture secure.

Full dentures are a suitable option for individuals who have:

• Lost All of Their Natural Teeth: This could be due to tooth decay, gum disease, injury, or other factors.
• Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are essential for a proper fit and to ensure the denture can be comfortably worn.
• Sufficient Jawbone: The jawbone must be strong enough to support the denture and provide a stable base for suction. If the jawbone has significantly shrunk due to tooth loss, bone grafting may be necessary.

Factors to Consider:

• Age: While full dentures are suitable for people of all ages, they are often considered for older individuals who have experienced significant tooth loss.
• Oral Health: Your dentist will assess your overall oral health to ensure you are a good candidate for full dentures.
• Lifestyle: Full dentures require proper care and maintenance. Your dentist will discuss whether full dentures fit your lifestyle.

There are several types of full dentures available, each with its own characteristics and benefits:

Conventional full dentures are the most common type. They are made after all of your teeth have been extracted and your gums have had time to heal. This usually takes several weeks.

• Benefits: Allow for proper healing and gum tissue adaptation before the dentures are placed, resulting in a more comfortable fit.
• Drawbacks: Requires a waiting period before the dentures can be fitted, and you will be without teeth for several weeks.

Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after your teeth are extracted. They are custom-made based on impressions taken before the extractions.

• Benefits: Allows you to have teeth immediately after extractions, reducing the need to go without teeth during the healing process.
• Drawbacks: May require adjustments as your gums shrink and change shape during the healing process. Not as stable as conventional dentures and may need to be relined after a few months.

Implant-supported dentures are fixed dentures that are supported by dental implants. Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots.

• Benefits: Provide a more secure and stable fit than conventional or immediate dentures. Allow for better chewing function and can help prevent bone loss.
• Drawbacks: More expensive than traditional dentures. Requires a more involved procedure, including surgery to place the implants.

Getting full dentures involves a series of steps to ensure a comfortable fit, proper function, and a natural-looking appearance. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Assessment: Your dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your concerns, and determine if full dentures are the right solution for you.
• Oral Examination: They will check your gum health, bite alignment, and the condition of your jawbone.
• X-rays: X-rays might be taken to evaluate the health of your jawbone and determine if any bone grafting is necessary.
• Treatment Plan: Your dentist will create a personalised treatment plan, outlining the type of full dentures recommended, the expected timeframe, and the estimated cost.

• Accurate Impressions: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums using a special material. These impressions will be used to create a model of your mouth.
• Bite Registration: Your dentist will also record the relationship between your upper and lower teeth.

• If you have remaining teeth: Your dentist will extract the remaining teeth in a planned sequence.
• Healing Period: You’ll need to allow time for your gums to heal after extractions, typically 6-8 weeks.

• Lab Work: Our dental lab will use the impressions and bite registration information, where your full dentures will be custom-made.
• Design and Fabrication: A skilled technician will design and fabricate the dentures, ensuring a perfect fit and a natural appearance.

• Initial Fitting: You will return to the dentist to have your new full dentures fitted.
• Adjustments: Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and optimal function.
• Instructions: You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your full dentures.

It’s essential to schedule regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to check the fit of your dentures, monitor your gum health, and ensure proper hygiene.

The cost of full dentures in Australia can vary considerably, ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 per arch, depending on the type of denture, materials used, complexity of your case, and your dentist’s fees. Implant-supported dentures are typically the most expensive, while conventional dentures are generally more affordable. To get an accurate estimate, consult with the friendly staff at Sydney Oral Design Denture Clinic.