FULL DENTURE SERVICE

Our dental team have training in denture technology and design, with expertise to the field of dental prosthetics. Collaborating with top tier laboratories and technicians, Brisbane Smile Boutique is equipped to provide denture solutions, tailored to meet diverse patient needs. Whether for a temporary requirement or as a cost-effective option for replacing multiple missing teeth, Brisbane Smile Boutique offers comprehensive denture care.

A denture is a custom-made, removable appliance designed to replace missing teeth and associated gum areas. There are three main types of dentures:

1. **Complete Dentures:** These are utilised when an individual has lost all of their natural teeth. Complete dentures restore functionality and aesthetics, allowing for normal eating and speaking, and contributing to a fuller facial appearance.

2. **Partial Dentures:** Used when some natural teeth remain, partial dentures fill in the gaps created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from changing position.

3. **Implant Retained Dentures:** This modern solution involves anchoring the denture to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, offering enhanced stability and a more natural feel compared to traditional dentures. Our practice attend to some cases, and other cases are referred to our specialist colleagues.

Brisbane Smile Boutique’s commitment to personalised patient care ensures that each denture is not only functionally effective but also aesthetically pleasing, providing a comfortable and satisfying solution for those looking to regain a complete and confident smile.

Full dentures

Complete dentures offer a valuable solution for those who have lost their teeth, with two primary types available: conventional and immediate dentures.

**Conventional Dentures:** These are created and placed around 8 to 12 weeks after tooth extraction, allowing time for the gums and bone to heal properly. This waiting period ensures a more accurate and comfortable fit as the dentures are molded to the fully healed gums and jawbone.

**Immediate Dentures:** Made in advance, immediate dentures can be placed immediately after the teeth are removed. This option ensures that patients do not have to go without teeth during the healing process. However, as the bone and gums shrink and change shape, particularly during the initial healing phase after tooth removal, immediate dentures often require adjustments. They are generally considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made once the tissues have completely healed.

It's important to note that dentures typically have a lifespan of about 10 years, but they can sometimes take a while for patients to get accustomed to. Poorly fitting dentures present several challenges: they can cause discomfort and difficulties in speaking and eating, and over time, they may lead to gum and jawbone deterioration. This deterioration can make it challenging to fit new dentures later on, as the underlying gum tissue may become less firm and the jawbone may recede. Regular dental check-ups and proper denture care are crucial to ensure a comfortable fit and to maintain oral health.

partial dentures

A removable partial denture is a dental appliance designed to replace missing teeth and gums, offering a functional and aesthetic solution for those who still retain some of their natural teeth. The base of the denture is typically crafted from a light pink material to mimic the appearance of natural gums, often accompanied by a metal framework that provides structure and stability.

**Key Characteristics of Partial Dentures:**

1. **Function:** Partial dentures are ideal when there are still some natural teeth present. They not only fill in the spaces created by missing teeth but also prevent the remaining teeth from shifting or drifting out of their proper position.

2. **Maintenance:** Maintaining oral hygiene with partial dentures is crucial. It involves cleaning the dentures and the supporting natural teeth multiple times a day to prevent plaque build-up and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups every six months are also essential to ensure the health of the remaining teeth and gums.

3. **Adaptability:** One of the benefits of partial dentures is their adaptability. Additional teeth can be added to the denture if any of the remaining natural teeth become unstable or are extracted. However, if significant changes occur over time, it might be necessary to create a new denture.

**Types of Partial Dentures:**

1. **Metal Base Dentures:** These dentures have a metal base set with artificial teeth, offering strength and durability.

2. **Acrylic Dentures with Metal Clips:** This type combines acrylic material with metal clasps that clip onto the remaining natural teeth, providing a secure fit.

3. **Flexible Cosmetic Dentures (Valplast):** These are made from a flexible, cosmetic material without any visible hooks or clasps, offering a more aesthetic solution for some patients.

Each type of partial denture has its unique advantages, depending on the patient's specific needs and the condition of their remaining teeth. Selecting the right type of partial denture is a decision best made in consultation with a dental professional, considering factors such as comfort, aesthetics, and the overall health of the remaining natural teeth.

IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES

Implant retained dentures are an alternative to conventional dentures where a dental implants are secured within the jaw, and a well fitting denture is attached over the top of these, so that it is fixed in the mouth, and then removed by the dentist each 3 months for professional cleaning. People find they can eat and enjoy foods because these implant retained dentures are so stable and secure, and they are the gold standard for teeth replacement.

CREATION of dentures

Dentures are made after impressions and bite measurements are made by the dentist, and models of the teeth and bite are sent to a laboratory and worked on with a technician for some weeks. Partial dentures often have a metal framework that is cast out of cobalt chrome, especially for strength.

HISTORY of dentures

The Italians and Romans made a style of denture using animal or human teeth and gold bands in the 7th century BC. The Japanese favoured wooden dentures which were carved after beeswax impressions of the mouth. Porcelain dentures were made in the 17th century, and modern dentures are made with acrylic and porcelain. 

alternatives to dentures?

Dental implants can be used to support bridges and appliances, called All-on-4's.  They cost a great deal, but they very closely resemble the feel of real teeth and are very well accepted.Dental implants are the better alternative to dentures but not everyone is suitable to have them placed.

CLEANING PARTIAL AND COMPLETE DENTURES

Daily cleaning of dentures is required because  bacterial plaque and scale called calculus can build up on false teeth, just as they do on natural teeth. Cleaning can be done using chemical or mechanical denture cleaners and your dentist can professionally clean these when you attend for preventive care each 6 months. Dentures should not be worn continuously, and should be left out of the mouth when sleeping to make sure that the gums can breathe and recover, otherwise we  risk developing a fungal infection or gum sores.

* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek an opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.