Commonly referred to as false teeth, dentures are prosthetic teeth designed to replace missing or diseased teeth.

Just like natural teeth, a denture provides support to your lips and cheeks while helping you to chew your food and speak clearly. As such, having a set of dentures not only helps you chew, it restores the appearance and function of healthy teeth, while improving your overall facial appearance.

We offer a variety of prosthetic solutions to choose from. Depending on your specific needs, you can select from our range of full, partial or implant-retained dentures in Penrith. You have the further option of choosing between a fixed or removable type of denture.

A partial denture replaces either one lost tooth or a group of teeth on the upper or lower jaw. They attach to the remaining teeth with either metal clasps or – the more expensive option – precision attachments. The latter are more aesthetically pleasing as they’re nearly invisible. Your dentist will be happy to give you all the advice you need in order to choose which option is better for you. The dentist may also recommend crowns on your natural teeth as they improve the fit of your partial dentures.

A full denture is a total replacement for either the upper or lower teeth, or both. Any remaining teeth are removed and gum tissue is allowed to undergo preliminary healing before the dentures are placed in the mouth.

Your new full or partial dentures may feel awkward or bulky during the first few weeks until your mouth finally adapts. A little bit of practice is also required when putting your dentures in and taking them out. Before long, they will fit into place with relative ease. Follow the instructions from your dentist, and make sure you don’t force the denture into position by biting down, as that could bend or break the clasps.

Despite the wide use of dentures, there is a better alternative available for missing teeth which are dental implants. While the cost of implants is higher, the long term benefits outweigh the cost. Unlike dentures, implants maintain the amount of jaw bone over the long term.

Implants are advised for patients with poor bony ridge conditions, hyperactive gag reflex and sore areas of gum that become irritated when supporting a denture.

When eating with your dentures on for the first time, start with soft foods, such as a purée, soup, boiled eggs, ground meat or some cooked vegetables. For breakfast, soft cereals, such as warm porridge, can be a great choice.

Foods and liquids may taste different in the early stages but your sense of taste will eventually improve. It can be difficult to judge temperatures properly due to the insulating quality of the denture, so be careful with hot foods or drinks, otherwise you risk burning your mouth.

It’s also important to take small bites, chewing on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. While you can eat almost anything, you may want to avoid some of the more ‘difficult’ foods, such as crusty breads, tough red meats and chewing gum.