FAQ
What is a denture?
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. It is made of Acrylic and sometimes in combination with metals. A complete denture replaces all teeth. A partial denture fills in spaces left by missing teeth.
Who is suitable for a denture?
If you have lost most or all of your natural teeth you would be a candidate for a complete denture. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining
What is an immediate denture?
An immediate denture is fitted by your Dentist or Oral Surgeon at the time of the extraction of your natural teeth. Your denture will be made before your teeth are removed. An immediate denture is a popular choice for those wearing dentures for the first time.
Should I wear my denture at night?
It is recommended to take your dentures out at night to allow for the gums under your denture/s to rest.
How do you clean and care for a denture?
A daily routine of brushing and a soaking once or twice weekly is a very effective way to look after dentures. These methods will ensure dentures stay clean and fresh.
Remove your dentures before cleaning. Ensure you are holding the denture over a basin containing water. We suggest for twice daily cleaning to use a mild soap such as Sunlight Liquid Dish Detergent. If you prefer to use a toothpaste please ensure you are using a denture recommended product and not a normal toothpaste as these can be very abrasive to the denture.
For soaking we recommend a once a week denture cleaner called Cal-Dent. This product is great for removing stains and calculus from dentures and we have had fantastic feedback from our patients in regards to this product.
We also recommend visiting us for a “Warrant of Fitness” and Cleaning at least once a year or even twice yearly.
How long will my denture last?
The average life expectancy of a denture is approximately 7-10 years old. However this does vary from person to person. Some dentures are likely to last longer than this but it is important to remember that an older denture can harbour lots of bacteria and this can lead to oral health issues. As we age our jaw changes shape and shrinks. This will cause loss of appearance, chewing difficulties, the denture will become loose and you may experience discomfort of your mouth. We have ways of rectifying some of these changes but if left to long without addressing the denture may need to be remade.
How do I know it may be time to replace my dentures?
Visiting your dentist or a Clinical Dental Technician to assess your denture/s would be the best way to see if you may need to replace them. As we age our jaw changes and gums shrink but the denture because it is rigid and cannot adapt will not change with them. Some indications that your denture may need to be replaced or it may be time to visit your technician are as follows:
- Sore and irritated tissue,
- Problems with chewing certain foods
- Loose, falling out when speaking or laughing
- Headaches, jaw or ear pain
- Bone (ridge) loss
You do not wear your denture or partial denture most of the time.
What is a reline?
A reline is a procedure, normally done overnight to update the fit of your denture, and involves taking a new impression. Your mouth continuously changes over time, and relines are necessary every so often to keep your dentures fitting well. Signs that you may need a reline include soreness, food entrapment, breakage, and instability. If you have experienced recent weight loss or an illness, a reline may be recommended more frequently.
What is an implant denture?
An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. ( implants are normally two titanium bolts surgically placed by a dentist into your jaw bone) A regular denture rests on the gums, and is not supported by implants.