Dentures in Winthrop, Perth

Replacing missing teeth, comfortably 

Missing teeth affect more than appearance. They change how you chew, how you speak and how the rest of your teeth sit over time. Dentures replace missing teeth with a removable set that is custom-made for your mouth.

There is more than one type, and the right one depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of your gums and jawbone, and what you want out of it. Our dentists will talk you through the options at your first appointment.

Full dentures, partial dentures and implant-retained dentures

• Full dentures: Replace a complete set of upper or lower teeth. The acrylic base is flesh-coloured to blend naturally with your gums.
• Partial dentures: Replace one or several missing teeth while keeping your remaining natural teeth intact. They clip neatly into place using precise attachments.
• Implant-retained dentures: Anchor securely to dental implants fixed into the jawbone, providing exceptional stability when chewing or speaking.

Getting fitted without the fuss

• Step 1: Consultation and assessment. We examine your remaining teeth, gums and jawbone, take x-rays where needed, and discuss which type of denture suits you. If any teeth need to come out first, we plan that at this stage. You receive a written treatment plan and estimate.
• Step 2: Impressions and measurements. We take detailed impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth, plus measurements of how your jaws meet. These are what the denture is built from, so this appointment is unhurried.
• Step 3: Try-in. Before the denture is finished, you see a try-in version with the teeth set in wax. This is where you check the shape, size, colour and position of the teeth and tell us what you want changed. Adjustments are far easier at this stage than after the denture is finished.
• Step 4: Fitting. The finished denture is fitted, the bite is checked, and we make any adjustments needed on the day. We will go through how to insert and remove it, and how to look after it.
• Step 5: Review and adjustment. New dentures almost always need a small adjustment or two in the first few weeks as your gums settle. Sore spots are normal early on and are usually fixed quickly. Do not put up with them, and do not try to adjust the denture yourself. Call us and come in.

Ongoing care: Gums and jawbone change shape over the years, so a denture that fits well today will need relining or remaking eventually. Regular check-ups let us catch that before it becomes uncomfortable.

How to look after your dentures

Daily cleaning:

• Rinse your dentures after eating.
• Clean them at least once a day with a soft denture brush and a denture cleaner. Ordinary toothpaste is too abrasive and will scratch the surface, which makes them stain faster.
• Clean over a folded towel or a basin of water. Dentures break easily if dropped on a hard surface.
• Brush your gums, tongue, palate and any remaining natural teeth with a soft brush. This matters even if you have no teeth left.

Overnight:

• Take your dentures out overnight unless your dentist has told you otherwise. It gives your gums a rest and lowers the risk of fungal infection.
• Keep them in water or a denture soaking solution so they do not dry out and change shape.

What not to do:

• Do not use hot or boiling water. It can warp the denture.
• Do not use bleach, and do not use bleach-based products on dentures with metal parts.
• Do not use DIY repair kits or glue on a cracked denture. Bring it in.
• Do not rely on adhesive to fix a denture that has become loose. Looseness usually means the fit needs attention.
  

Keep coming in: People with full dentures sometimes assume they no longer need the dentist. Regular visits let us check the fit, check your gums and soft tissues, and pick up anything that needs attention early.

When to call us: Call if you have a sore spot that does not settle within a few days, if the denture rubs, clicks or slips, if it cracks or a tooth comes loose, or if you notice redness, soreness or a white coating on your gums or palate.

Denture FAQs

• What are dentures made of?
  The base of a full denture is usually acrylic, flesh-coloured to look like gum tissue. Partial dentures may have a metal or acrylic framework. The teeth are typically acrylic or composite. Which combination suits you depends on the type of denture and how it needs to be retained.
• How long does it take to get used to dentures?
  Most people need a few weeks. Early on it is normal for speech to feel different, for the denture to feel bulky, and for you to produce more saliva. Eating takes practice. Start with soft foods cut small, chew on both sides at once, and build up from there.
• How long do dentures last?
  The denture itself can last many years, but your gums and jawbone change shape over time, so the fit will not. Most dentures need relining at some point and replacing eventually. Regular check-ups are how we track that.
• Can I eat normally with dentures?
  Most foods, yes, with practice. Very hard, very sticky or very chewy foods stay difficult for some people. Implant-retained dentures hold more firmly than conventional ones, which makes a difference for some patients.
• How do I remove stains from my dentures?
  Daily cleaning with a soft denture brush and a denture cleaner prevents most staining. For build-up that will not shift, bring them in rather than scrubbing harder or using household products. We can professionally clean them without damaging the surface.
• Should I sleep in my dentures?
  Generally no. Taking them out overnight gives your gums a rest and reduces the risk of fungal infection. There are exceptions, so follow the advice your dentist gives you.
• Can I have dentures if I have lost bone in my jaw?
  Usually yes, though bone loss affects which options are realistic. Implant-retained dentures need enough bone to place the implants. We assess this with x-rays before recommending anything.
• How much do full and partial dentures cost in Perth?
  It depends on the type of denture, the materials and whether any extractions or implants are needed first. We assess you and provide a written treatment plan with costs before treatment starts. We process health fund rebates on the spot with HICAPS. Call 08 9310 5960 to arrange an appointment.

Talk to us about your denture options 

Book an appointment and our dentists will assess your teeth and gums, explain which type of denture suits you and give you a written plan.