What Are Full Dentures and How Do They Work? 

Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are custom-made dental prostheses designed to replace a full set of missing teeth. Whether you’re missing teeth due to age, injury, or dental disease, full dentures offer an affordable and functional solution to restore your smile, chewing ability, and speech clarity. With advancements in dental technology, modern dentures are far more comfortable, natural-looking, and durable than in the past. But what exactly are full dentures, how do they work, and what should you know before considering them?

What Materials Are Full Dentures Made Of?

Full dentures are typically crafted from durable materials such as acrylic, porcelain, and sometimes metal frameworks. The denture base, which sits over the gums, is often made from acrylic, providing a comfortable and cushioned fit. Porcelain or acrylic teeth are attached to the base, carefully colour-matched to mimic natural teeth.

These materials are chosen for their durability and their ability to replicate the appearance of natural teeth, giving wearers confidence in their smiles. Acrylic dentures are more common due to their flexibility and comfort, but porcelain is often preferred for its realistic appearance and long-term durability.

What Types of Full Dentures Are Available?

Full dentures come in a variety of types to suit different needs:

How Are Full Dentures Fitted?

Getting full dentures is a process that requires careful planning and precision. After your initial consultation, where your dentist will discuss your specific needs and oral health, the steps are typically as follows:

1. Initial Impressions: The dentist will take impressions of your mouth using dental moulds to create a custom fit.

1. Trial Fitting: A preliminary denture, often called a “wax model,” is made to test the fit and appearance. Adjustments are made at this stage to ensure comfort and natural aesthetics.

1. Final Fabrication: Once the trial is approved, the final denture is crafted using the selected materials.

1. Fitting and Adjustment: Once the dentures are ready, they are fitted, and adjustments are made to ensure comfort.

1. Follow-Up Appointments: Over time, as your gums heal and adjust to the dentures, follow-up appointments are necessary for further adjustments.

How Long Do Full Dentures Last?

The longevity of full dentures typically ranges between 5 and 10 years. However, this depends on several factors, including how well they are cared for and the materials used in their construction. Regular check-ups with your dentist sydney cbd are essential to ensure the dentures are still fitting well, as the shape of your mouth may change over time due to bone resorption (the natural process where the jawbone shrinks after tooth loss).

Additionally, if you opt for implant-supported full dentures, the longevity may be extended due to the added support provided by dental implants. Regular cleaning, along with occasional relining or rebasing, helps maintain the fit and comfort of your dentures.

How Do You Care for Full Dentures?

Caring for full dentures is crucial to ensure their longevity and to maintain good oral hygiene. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Daily Cleaning: Dentures should be cleaned daily using a soft toothbrush and a mild denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive.

1. Soaking: Dentures should be soaked overnight in a denture cleansing solution to remove bacteria and keep them moist. If they dry out, they can lose their shape.

1. Regular Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your dentures fit well and that there are no underlying issues with your oral health, such as gum disease or irritation.

1. Avoiding Stains: Just like natural teeth, dentures can stain. Avoiding tobacco, coffee, and tea, or cleaning thoroughly after consumption can help prevent discolouration.

Can Full Dentures Affect Your Speaking and Eating?

Yes, but with time, most patients adapt well to speaking and eating with full dentures. Initially, you may experience some difficulty with pronunciation, especially with words that involve the “s” and “f” sounds. Chewing harder foods can also be challenging at first. However, with practice, these difficulties typically subside.

For better stability, adhesive products are available to help dentures stay securely in place while speaking or eating. Implant-supported full dentures, in particular, provide enhanced stability, reducing movement when chewing or speaking.

What Are the Common Challenges with Full Dentures?

Full dentures are not without their challenges. Common issues include:

• Initial Discomfort: It’s common to feel discomfort or soreness initially. This is usually temporary, but adjustments may be needed for a better fit.

• Gum Irritation: Improperly fitted dentures can cause gum irritation, sores, or even infection. Regular adjustments and proper cleaning can help prevent this.

• Bone Resorption: Without natural teeth, the alveolar bone that supports the dentures may gradually shrink, causing the dentures to fit less securely over time. This is particularly common in conventional full dentures, though less so in implant-supported options.

Are Full Dentures Affordable?

Full dentures are often considered an affordable option for tooth replacement, especially compared to treatments like dental implants. In Australia, the cost of full dentures can range from AUD 600 to AUD 8,000, depending on the type, materials used, and whether dental implants are involved.

Many dental clinics offer payment plans, and some dentures may be covered by health insurance. Regular maintenance and care should also be factored into the long-term costs.

How Are Full Dentures Supported by Research?

Research has consistently shown that full dentures, particularly those supported by dental implants, provide an effective solution for restoring oral function and aesthetics. Studies indicate that dentures can improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from complete tooth loss, allowing them to eat, speak, and smile with greater confidence.

Australian dental guidelines recommend dentures as a viable solution for full tooth replacement, provided patients follow proper care and maintenance routines. Furthermore, advancements in dental technology have led to the development of more comfortable and durable materials, such as acrylic and porcelain, which make modern dentures both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Where Can I Get Full Dentures?

If you’re considering full dentures, it’s important to consult with an experienced dental professional who can guide you through the process and help determine which type of denture is best for you. At Macquarie Dental, we offer comprehensive denture services, including conventional, immediate, and implant-supported dentures. Contact us for a consultation to explore your options and restore your smile with confidence.

Read More: What Is a Single Tooth Denture and Why Should You Consider It?

References:

• Australian Dental Association. “Dentures: An Overview of Options and Costs in Australia.”

• Dental Prosthetics Guidelines, Australian Government Department of Health.

FAQs on Full Dentures

1. How long does it take to get used to full dentures?

   Adjusting to full dentures typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months. During this time, you may experience discomfort, minor soreness, and challenges with speaking or eating. However, with regular use and adjustments from your dentist, these issues usually improve. Patience and practice are key to getting used to your new dentures.

2. Can I sleep with my dentures in?

   While it’s possible to sleep with your dentures in, most dentists recommend removing them at night to give your gums a rest. Sleeping without dentures allows your gums to recover from the pressure of wearing them during the day. Removing dentures also promotes better oral hygiene and helps prevent gum irritation or infections.

3. How often should I replace my dentures?

   Full dentures typically last between 5 to 10 years, depending on how well they are maintained. Over time, wear and tear, along with natural changes in your mouth, may cause the dentures to become loose or uncomfortable. Regular dental check-ups will help determine when it’s time for adjustments, relines, or a full replacement.

4. Will dentures affect the way I eat?

   Eating with full dentures can be challenging at first, but most people adapt with time. Initially, it’s advisable to start with soft foods and gradually introduce more solid foods as you become more comfortable. Chewing may feel different, and cutting food into smaller pieces can help. With practice, most people can enjoy a wide variety of foods with dentures.

5. How do I keep my dentures clean?

   Dentures should be cleaned daily using a soft toothbrush or a special denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser. Regular toothpaste can be too harsh and cause scratches. It’s also important to soak dentures overnight in a denture cleansing solution to prevent bacteria build-up and to keep them from drying out, which can alter their shape.

6. What are implant-supported dentures, and how are they different from regular dentures?

   Implant-supported dentures are secured in place using dental implants, which are surgically inserted into the jawbone. This provides extra stability and prevents the dentures from moving or slipping while eating or speaking. Regular dentures, on the other hand, rest on the gums and may require adhesives for better stability. Implant-supported dentures offer improved comfort, functionality, and a more natural feel, but they are a more costly option and involve a surgical procedure.