I Need Dentures! What’s Involved?

If you’ve just found out that you need dentures - or you suspect that you need dentures - you’ve probably got a whole lot of questions about the whole process.

There are a lot of myths about dentures out there and you may have heard some stories that make you feel a little anxious - but the truth is, dentures are not like they used to be.  Modern dentures look just like natural teeth and help millions of people all over the world to live, eat, speak and smile much more confidently.

Some people find that the idea of dentures takes a little getting used to, but the more you know about the product and the process, the better.   No doubt you’ll get used to your new teeth quickly and start enjoying the benefits that they offer, but to help you along in the meantime, here’s some background that you should find useful.

Types of dentures

There are several types of dentures, namely partial dentures, implant dentures and full dentures and your dental professional will discuss the best option for you.

Partial dentures are generally used when there are some teeth remaining but the patient can’t have a bridge or other replacement option because the surrounding teeth aren’t strong enough to support a bridge.  Financial considerations may be another reason for partial dentures although it is possible to get high quality dentures at an affordable price - you just need to choose your dental practice carefully.  Partial dentures are fitted to the gum and are fastened onto the adjacent natural teeth and can be easily removed and put back in at any time. 

Full dentures are removable prosthetic devices which replace missing teeth.   They are held in place by the muscles in your mouth as well as by the way that they are fitted to your gums.   The ‘fit’ is really important from a practical perspective (eating, speaking etc) as well as for aesthetics and is one of the key reasons why it is crucial to have dentures fitted by an experienced professional.

Implant dentures are permanent prosthetics which are anchored onto to small screws in the jawbone (much like the root of a tooth) and are an option for people who have significant bone loss or who wish for a stabilised structure. 

The idea of dentures need not be overwhelming and your dental professional will allay any fears or uncertainty about the process.  To help you understand what’s involved, here are some important questions you should ask:

·         Are there advantages to keeping as many of my natural teeth as possible?

·         What are my options for dentures?

·         What do dentures cost and what are the ongoing maintenance costs going to be?

·         Are all dentures the same?  

·         What steps are involved in the process of having dentures fitted and how long will it take?

·         Is my age a factor, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants over dentures?

·         How will dentures affect my facial features?

·         Will dentures look natural?

·         Will I need to change or restrict my diet with dentures?

·         Will dentures affect the way I speak?

·         Are dentures uncomfortable or will I get used to them?

·         How do I clean and care for my dentures?

You should also ask your dentist about the type of dentures that they fit and whether they have access to the latest technology and innovations in dentures and the fitting process.   In the past, artificial teeth were made from porcelain or plastic but they’re now made from a more durable hard resin which looks totally natural.   However, not all dentures are the same and you need to know that seeking a bargain will have a detrimental effect on your all-important smile as well as on your overall health and wellbeing.

The process of having dentures fitted isn’t as complicated or as lengthy as you may imagine and there are plenty of benefits.  The more informed you are about the process, the more confident you’ll feel about your decision.

For answers to all your questions about dentures, it’s worthwhile getting in touch with Discount Dentures in Perth and Joondalup.  Their highly experienced and compassionate team is more than happy to talk you through the various options open to you and what you can expect - and they will discuss all the various options open to you.  Their speciality is excellent quality dentures and professional services at an affordable price and you can get in touch through their website www.discountdentures.com.au (where you’ll also find loads of valuable information and advice) or by calling 08 9300 2332.