Frequently Asked Questions

At Total Denture Care, we understand the decision to get dentures might seem overwhelming. So, to help you on your journey, here are some frequently asked questions that we hope will help you make an informed decision.

Denture FAQs

1. What are dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. They can be full (replacing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw) or partial (replacing a few missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw).

2. What are the types of dentures available?

The main types of dentures are complete (full) dentures, partial dentures (acrylic, chrome metal or flexible Valplast), and implant-supported dentures. Complete dentures replace all teeth in one or both jaws, partial dentures fill in gaps where some natural teeth remain in one or both jaws, and implant-supported dentures (complete full or partial dentures) are anchored by dental implants.

3. How do dentures stay in place?

Dentures stay in place through a combination of suction, fit, clasping (retainers) and sometimes dental adhesives. Implant-supported dentures are anchored by dental implants, providing a more secure fit.

4. How long do dentures last?

With proper care, dentures typically last 5 to 10 years. However, they may need adjustments, annual denture check ups and professional denture cleans, relining, or replacement due to changes in the mouth and wear over time.

5. How much do dentures cost?

The cost of dentures varies widely based on the type, materials, processes used in fabrication, level of experience of the dental practitioner, and location. On average, full dentures can range from $1800 to $3500 per arch, while partial dentures can cost between $700 and $3000 per arch, and implant-supported dentures from $5000 upwards (note this price is for the denture only as surgery costs vary). 

Remember that we can provide quality dentures and mouthguards to meet a range of budgets. As each patients’ case is different we recommend an initial 30 minute consultation to discuss your options with our Denture Professional, so feel free to contact us today on (08) 9317 7777 or info@totaldenturecare.com.au

6. Will dentures affect my ability to eat?

Initially, you might find eating with dentures challenging, but with practice, most people can eat a wide variety of foods. After the initial adjusting period, you will be able to eat more efficiently. Softer foods and small bites are recommended at first; and it is advised to avoid harder foods.

7. Can I sleep with my dentures in?

While some people do sleep with their dentures in, it’s generally recommended to remove them at night to give your gums a chance to rest and to perform proper cleaning. This also helps prevent bacteria build-up.

8. How do I care for my dentures?

Clean your dentures daily using soapy water and a soft denture brush and then soak in a non-abrasive denture cleaner.  A professional denture clean is recommended once a year at Total Denture Care Perth.

9. Will dentures change the way I speak?

Dentures can affect speech initially, but most people adapt within a few weeks. Practicing speaking out loud can help you adjust more quickly. After a period of time you will be able to speak better than you could initially without dentures.

10. Are dentures uncomfortable?

New dentures may feel odd or uncomfortable at first, but with proper fit and adjustments by your Dental Prosthetist, they should become comfortable.

11. What should I do if my dentures are loose or cause pain?

If your dentures are loose or cause pain, see your Dental Prosthetist at Total Denture Care Perth for adjustments or a reline. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to sore spots, infections, or other issues.

12. How often should I reline my denture?

On average, dentures need to be relined every 2-3 years, and where teeth have been extracted, a reline may be needed after 3-6 months as changes in your mouth occur. However, this does depend very much on the individual so a denture check up can assess this. 

13. How often should I visit the Dental Prosthetist with dentures?

It’s important to visit your denture clinic regularly, typically every year, to ensure your dentures fit properly and to check your overall oral health.

14. How often should I visit the Dental Prosthetist with dentures?

It’s important to visit your denture clinic regularly, typically every year, to ensure your dentures fit properly and to check your overall oral health.

15. Can I get dentures immediately after tooth extraction?

Yes, immediate dentures can be placed right after tooth extraction which means you can have an instant smile, but they may require adjustments and a reline as your gums heal and shrink.

16. Can I add an additional tooth onto my denture if I lose one of my natural teeth?

In most circumstances yes you can add another tooth onto your denture; however, it does depend on the type of denture you have and its design. At Total Denture Perth we can normally add a tooth onto your pre-existing denture in the matter of a few hours with our on-site laboratory. 

17. What happens if my denture breaks, do I need a new one or can it be repaired?

Both accidental and non-accidental denture breaks unfortunately happen! In most circumstances dentures can be repaired easily depending on the age and type of denture as well as how it was broken. However, once a denture is broken, the area can become a weak spot so we will discuss with you the best denture repair option to suit your needs – wire strengtheners and other techniques can be used to help prevent your denture breaking easily in the near future. At Total Denture Care Perth, our skilled on-site clinic and laboratory can assist with emergency denture repairs normally within an hour or same day. 

18. My denture constantly feels loose, what can I do?

A loose denture can be rectified through various processes including a simple denture adjustment, tightening of denture clasps/ retainers, a denture reline, applying denture adhesive or an implant-support overdenture. Our skilled Dental Prosthetist can look at your individual case to assess the best solution for you.

Pretty Penny Finance Dental Payment Plans

We have partnered up with Pretty Penny Finance on ways our patients can access payment plans to help pay for denture treatment needed. This payment support will help ease the financial stress of dental treatment and ensure all our patients are able to lead a happy and healthy life with high quality care. Contact us today on 9317 7777 or info@totaldenturecare.com.au to find out more.

Easy and Stress Free Payment Plan for our Patients

Pretty Penny Finance is a family run Perth based dental payment plan provider focused on assisting you to obtain a personal loan for your dental procedure. They understand the journey can be stressful and costly, this is where they come in; they help their clients find the right dental payment plan and make the application process simple and streamlined. The team behind the scenes are committed to going above and beyond with competitive rates, fast approvals and dedicated to taking away the hassle of getting an affordable dental payment plan.

Some key benefits of Pretty Penny Finance include

Start Treatment Immediately; Spread Treatment Costs Over Time; Affordable and Easy Repayments; Simple Application Process and Fast Approval