Dentures are custom made prosthetic dental devices designed to restore form and function in those who have lost all or part of their natural teeth. They improve overall quality of life including eating, speaking, facial support and aesthetics. 

Dentures are made of various materials. All of which are TGA approved, stable, and biocompatible with the mouth. These include acrylics for the base and multilayered acrylics for the teeth to ensure a natural transitional shade, metal alloys such as Cobalt-Chromium, and Nylon flexible materials. 

• Complete (Full) Dentures: Replace all teeth in an arch (upper or lower jaw). They rest directly on the gums and underlying bone. 

• Partial Dentures: Used when some natural teeth remain. They fill gaps created by missing teeth and are often held in place by clasps that attach to existing teeth. 

• Immediate Dentures: Placed immediately after teeth extractions. They serve as a temporary solution while gums heal and can be adjusted or replaced later with conventional dentures. 

• Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures): These dentures attach to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, providing greater stability and retention than traditional dentures. 

Adjustment time varies for everyone, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months. You may experience initial discomfort, increased saliva, and difficulty with speaking or eating. However for most people after 2-3 weeks you will have gotten use to wearing and using your new denture(s).

Initial discomfort or soreness is common as your mouth adjusts, and your gums and supportive structures settle in to your denture(s). Follow-up adjustments are usually part of the process, and it is encouraged to see your dental prosthetist a week to two after you have received your denture(s) if discomfort persists.  

The process usually involves several appointments: impressions of your mouth, creation of models, try-ins of wax prototypes, and final adjustments of the finished dentures take place typically over the course of 2-4 weeks depending on the amount of missing teeth and what material is being used for the base of the denture. If you're getting immediate dentures, they are prepared in advance of the tooth extractions. 

For complete dentures, yes. For partial dentures, only the missing teeth are replaced.

Dentures should be cleaned daily, similar to natural teeth, but with a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser or mild soap. Avoid regular toothpaste as it can scratch the denture surface causing the shine to fade and micro-scratches to accumulate on the denture surface making it conducive for plaque to attach to and proliferate. 

It is recommended to remove your denture(s) at night to allow your gums and jaw tissues to rest and to promote oral hygiene. Very much like we do with our shoes for our feet to rest and breather. However, if you do choose to sleep with them, it is imperative you thoroughly clean your denture(s) and your mouth appropriately so as the oral environment and your denture(s) are clean. As soon as you wake up in the morning it is advisable to repeat the process of cleaning your mouth and your denture(s) if you sleep with them. 

The average lifespan of dentures is 5-10 years, but this can vary depending on materials, care, and changes in your mouth. Regular check-ups and relines are important to maintain a good fit.

It takes practice to eat with new dentures. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and gradually introduce harder, chewier foods. Avoid extremely sticky or hard foods.

Initially, your speech may be affected, but with practice, your tongue and facial muscles will adapt, and your speech should return to normal within a few days. Think of a chamber of a whistle. The opening remains the same size (your lips), however the internal volume has reduced as there is now a denture in there causing the air to resonate through your mouth and out of your lips slightly different to how it previously did. For the first few days after receiving your denture(s) reading aloud, talking a lot, or singing to the radio can help you acclimatise quickly. 

While not always necessary, denture adhesive can provide additional stability and comfort, especially for lower full dentures or if you experience some looseness. Your dental prosthetist can advise if it's appropriate for you.

Poor denture hygiene can contribute to bad breath. Daily cleaning of both dentures and your mouth (gums, tongue) is essential. 

Dentures may need relining every 1-2 years due to changes such as bone resorption  in your jawbone. They typically need to be replaced every 5-10 years.

If your dentures feel loose, uncomfortable, or cause you soreness and discomfort, contact your dental prosthetist for an adjustment. Do not attempt to adjust them yourself.

If your dentures break, crack, or chip, contact your dental prosthetist immediately for repair. Avoid using superglue or attempting home repairs.