Missing or damaged teeth can affect everyday comfort, how you eat, and how you feel about your appearance. Sometimes tooth loss occurs even with good preventative care.

Dentures are one of the most common solutions for replacing missing teeth. At The Point Dental, we can help you understand your options and find the right approach for your situation.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that restore the ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably when teeth are damaged or missing. Removable dentures are taken out at night, while fixed dentures stay in place.

According to Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia, 13.2% of Australian adults wear one or two removable dentures, with an average of 5.3 missing teeth per person.

When to Consider Dentures

Common reasons for needing dentures include tooth decay, accidental damage, and cracked or chipped teeth from grinding (bruxism).

Prevention is always the preferred approach, so if you still have healthy teeth, maintaining good habits can help protect them long-term.

Two Main Types of Dentures

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace only the teeth that are missing. They may be held by clasps around the remaining teeth, or fixed in place using a bridge or implant. For partial dentures to work well, the surrounding teeth need to be healthy enough to provide support.

• Removable partial dentures replace one or a few teeth, held by a clasp to adjacent natural teeth
• A bridge is a fixed partial denture that replaces teeth on one side of the mouth

Full Dentures

Full dentures replace an entire row of teeth on either the upper or lower jaw. They are typically made from acrylic and removed at night for cleaning.

How Do I Know If I Need Dentures?

Teeth support your overall health and quality of life. The decision to replace missing teeth depends on the location, type, and number of teeth affected.

To eat and function properly, you need a combination of front teeth for biting and back teeth for chewing. Front teeth also affect your appearance when you smile and speak. Your dentist can help you assess the options and make the right decision.

Other Denture Options

Fixed Partial Dentures (Bridges)

Where one or a few teeth need replacing and the adjacent teeth are still strong, a bridge may be recommended. The replacement tooth is mounted on a plate secured to the neighbouring teeth by crowns.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Dental implants use an artificial root to hold a denture securely in place. Implants are often preferred because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Snap-On Dentures

Snap-on dentures are held in place by dental implants but can be removed for cleaning. Unlike All-on-4 implants, which are permanent, snap-on dentures are removable and may be more suitable for patients with gum tissue loss.

Who Makes and Fits Dentures?

Dentures can be made and fitted by your dentist, a dental prosthetist, or a specialist prosthodontist. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and may require several visits to ensure a good fit.

Dentures are usually made a few weeks after any extractions, allowing the gum and bone to heal into their final shape. Immediate dentures are available if you prefer not to be without teeth during this period, though adjustments may be needed as healing progresses.

Adjusting to Dentures

Eating

Start with soft foods and eat slowly, cutting food into small pieces. Gradually introduce harder foods as you get used to the dentures. If you experience soreness, return to your dentist for adjustments.

Speaking

You may notice changes to how you sound at first. Dentures may occasionally click, and you may produce more saliva or experience dryness. If this continues beyond a few weeks, see your dentist.

Diet

Drinking plenty of water and eating a varied, nutritious diet helps keep your mouth healthy. Avoid sugary foods and drinks between meals.

Keeping Dentures Clean

Clean your dentures every morning and evening. Rinse them in cold water after eating.

Removable dentures:

• Remove from your mouth and brush all surfaces to remove food and plaque
• Use a denture brush and specific soap or paste (not toothpaste, which can scratch)
• Hold firmly in the centre to avoid snapping
• Clean over a basin of warm water or a towel to prevent breakage if dropped

Your mouth: Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your gums and any remaining natural teeth.

Fixed dentures: Clean as part of your normal brushing routine. Follow any specific instructions from your dentist.

Overnight: Remove removable dentures at night to allow your mouth to rest and help prevent fungal infection.

If you experience pain, discomfort, or swelling, book an appointment with your dentist.

When to Repair or Replace Dentures

Most dentures last 5 to 10 years. Regular six-monthly check-ups allow your dentist to assess fit and condition and recommend replacement when needed.

Same format as before. Click "..." → Custom HTML in the Body field and paste this in.

<div style="overflow-x:auto; margin:1.5rem 0;">
<table style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:0.95rem; line-height:1.4;">
<thead>
<tr style="background:#f4f1ec;">
<th style="text-align:left; padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:2px solid #d8d2c7;">Implants</th>
<th style="text-align:left; padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:2px solid #d8d2c7;">Dentures</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Integrated into the jawbone</td>
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Artificial teeth mounted on a plate</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background:#faf9f6;">
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Not reliant on adjacent teeth</td>
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Full dentures rest on gums; partials rely on adjacent teeth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Permanent solution</td>
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Removable or fixed with crowns</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background:#faf9f6;">
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Natural-looking</td>
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Appearance varies depending on the prosthesis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">Requires surgical placement of a titanium post</td>
<td style="padding:12px 14px; border-bottom:1px solid #eee;">No surgical implant required</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

The right option depends on your situation. Discuss both with your dentist to make an informed decision. Learn more about solutions for missing teeth.

Cost, Health Insurance, and Medicare

Medicare covers some diagnostic, preventative, and restorative dental procedures such as extractions. Private health insurance may cover part of the cost of dentures, with the remainder payable by you. Flexible payment options are also available.

For Patients with Dental Anxiety

If you experience anxiety or fear around dental procedures, let us know during your consultation. We can discuss ways to make your experience more comfortable, including sedation options.

Your Next Step

If you are considering dentures or want to explore your options for replacing missing teeth, contact us to book a consultation.