Dentures to Replace Missing Teeth

Get a New Smile Fast with Partial or Full Dentures

Having one or more missing teeth can affect both the function and appearance of the teeth. Fortunately, cosmetic dentures are available to replace missing teeth and restore function with a natural-looking and long lasting solution. They offer an effective alternative to patients that are not suitable for dental implants or porcelain veneers.

At East Bentleigh Dental Group, we understand that you want results as quickly as possible, which is why we offer one day denture procedures that can give you a completely new smile in just a few days. Our full and partial dentures are lightweight and customised to the individual’s mouth shape for maximum comfort.

The Impacts of Missing Teeth

It can be common for people to lose one or more teeth, especially as they age. Missing teeth can cause difficulties in chewing, affect a person’s self-esteem, result in deterioration of bone, weaken the jaw, and even increase the chances of other teeth being loss. It can also result in a form of dysfunctional occlusion known as Dental Distress Syndrome (DDS), where the upper and lower jaws have a dysfunctional relationship. A major cause of DDS is missing one or more teeth, causing symptoms such as pain and tenderness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and even hearing loss. For these reasons, it’s important to seek advice and treatment from a dentist to prevent further issues from developing as a result of missing teeth.

The Common Causes of Missing Teeth

There are many reasons why a person may be missing one or more teeth, including:

• Dental trauma / injury
• Poor dental hygiene
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Severe infection

How to Prevent Losing Teeth

The best way to prevent tooth loss is to visit your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and cleans. Maintaining optimal oral health by brushing twice daily and flossing daily can also help to keep your teeth and gums in a healthy state and minimise the risk of tooth loss. It’s additionally good practice to wear a mouthguard when taking part in contact sports to prevent any impact to the teeth.

The Treatment – Partial or Full Dentures

At East Bentleigh Dental Group, we offer dentures as an effective and affordable replacement for missing teeth. Our dentures are classified as partial or full, with an impression of the patient’s mouth being made for a customised fit.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace a small number of teeth and help maintain the position of existing teeth. They’re suitable for people who still have some natural teeth left, helping to fill in missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. A partial denture involves replacement teeth being attached to a gum-coloured base made from plastic, which can then be freely inserted and removed from the mouth by an individual. Implant supported dentures can also be made for those who might only have dental implants rather than natural teeth.

Full Dentures

A full set of dentures replaces an entire set of teeth (upper or lower) to allow a person to once again enjoy the foods they love. Once all teeth have fallen out or been removed and the gum tissue has healed, a set of flexible full dentures can be fitted. Like partial dentures, full dentures also involve replacement teeth being attached to a gum-coloured base that fits into the mouth.

Home Remedies

While no home remedies are available to replace missing teeth, certain remedies can be useful in the immediate aftermath of losing a tooth until you can get an appointment with your dentist. These remedies include rinsing with warm salt water to prevent infection and applying a hot or cold compress to alleviate pain.

FAQs

What are the types of dentures?

There are many different types of dentures available that cater to different needs and budgets. At East Bentleigh Dental Group, we offer partial and full dentures in a range of materials, including resin and porcelain.

Which dentures are most comfortable?

For ultimate comfort, our clinic recommends flexible dentures. These dentures are made from a soft resin material and hug the contours of the gum in order to prevent the sensation of pressure.

Is resin or porcelain better for dentures?

The replacement teeth in dentures can be constructed from a number of materials, with porcelain and acrylic resin being the most common options. Porcelain teeth have a very natural appearance and can be colour matched to existing teeth, making them a good choice for partial dentures. Porcelain also lasts longer than resin, as it’s a harder material. However, resin can also be a good choice for both full and partial dentures, especially for those on a budget.

Your dentist will be able to outline the pros and cons of each material to help you choose the best dentures for you.

Can you eat while wearing dentures?

Yes, it is possible to consume food while wearing cosmetic dentures, although this can be challenging to begin with. It can take several weeks before it feels comfortable to eat with dentures, but there are steps you can take to make this transition easier. Some suggestions include eating soft foods, cutting food up into small pieces, chewing slowly, and avoiding foods that are hot, sticky or sharp-edged.

Can you sleep with dentures on?

No, it is not recommended to sleep while wearing dentures. Removing your dentures while sleeping gives your gums the opportunity to rest, helping to prevent irritation, inflammation and other complications.

Are partial dentures a good option?

Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, partial dentures could be a good option for you. Our dentist will examine your teeth and mouth in order to determine the most suitable option.

How do you maintain dentures?

There are a number of steps involved for maintaining dentures, such as removing and rinsing them after eating, brushing them daily to keep them clean, and removing them at night and keeping them moist to retain their shape. Your dentist will be able to provide you with further maintenance tips that are tailored to your specific type of dentures.

Learn More About Dentures with EBDG

At East Bentleigh Dental Group, our dentists are happy to answer any questions you may have about full and partial dentures, as well as implant supported dentures. To learn more or enquire about the best dentures for your needs, contact us today to arrange an initial consultation.