Dentures in
West Perth

You know it’s time for a clinic visit when you have multiple missing teeth, your teeth are worn down, you have difficulty eating or speaking because of missing teeth, and your teeth are shifting out of place due to tooth loss. While there is another popular alternative to dentures, such as a dental implant, artificial teeth are a more affordable treatment option.

There are two major types of false teeth, such as full or complete dentures and partial dentures. Both can be fixed and removable. As the name suggests, full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth from the upper or lower jaw but not a complete set.

Fixed dentures, either partial or full, are supported by dental implants. These are titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. After the implants have healed and bonded with the bone, they provide a strong foundation for the denture. Implant dentures are not removable and can only be taken out by your dentist. On the other hand, removable partial dentures often consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-coloured plastic bases, which are connected by a metal framework that holds the denture securely in your mouth.

Partial dentures are often used when some natural teeth remain, so these remaining natural teeth can support them with clasps. Complete dentures can also be removable and are used when all your teeth are missing. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-coloured base, supported by the tissues in your mouth.

It is not required to remove your partial dentures when you sleep. However, if you are comfortable doing so, it is highly recommended to give your gums a rest. Wearing your partial dentures to sleep all the time may cause gum sores and inflammation. It may also shorten the lifespan of your partial dentures. 

You can remove them before bed and put them back in the morning. Just make sure to store your artificial teeth in a safe place, like a denture cup, to avoid breakage. Remember to clean them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.

Denture care is not complicated, but you need to regularly clean them so that they can last. To clean your artificial teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleanser on the pink base and under any clasps. Rinse your dentures well after brushing. You may also soak your removable dentures in a denture cleanser solution overnight to keep them moist and prevent them from warping.

Avoid using abrasive toothpaste, vinegar, and hot water, which can damage your dentures. Note that dentures with scratches can harbour bacteria, which may require you to replace them. If you’re using denture adhesive, follow the instructions on the package correctly. But avoid using too much glue, especially ones that contain zinc, as they can cause adverse reactions, such as nerve damage and numbness or tingling sensation. When cleaning your dentures, remove all the adhesive from both the denture and your gum tissue.

Like other dental prosthetic devices, the cost of false teeth varies. This depends on your location, your dentist, the type of dentures you need, and your dental insurance, if you have any. However, the 2020 Australian national dental fee survey says that a full conventional denture starts at $4,000. 

On the other hand, either an upper or lower denture’s price starts at $2,200. This is just an estimate and could go lower or higher, so it’s always a good idea to ask your dentist before proceeding with the treatment.

Dentures are necessary to restore your teeth’s functions, so some private health funds may cover a portion of your denture costs, depending on your level of cover. Please call your provider to find out if you are covered.