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Q: What are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth and are designed to be replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth.

The most common types of dentures available are referred to as Full or Complete Dentures and Partials. If you are not sure which is best for you, then make an appointment with your dentist for advise and options as well as the costs involved.

Q: Do you repair dentures?

Yes we certainly do. Arch Dental Laboratories offers a fast and affordable turnaround on denture repairs, relines and additions. Click here to visit our denture services or call us today on (03) 9568 1311 for a quote.

Q: What types of dentures are available?

There are a range of denture types available each having their own particular benefits and uses. These include: Complete / Full Dentures, Partial Dentures, Immediate Dentures and Implant Retained Dentures.

Q: What are implant retained dentures?

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. An implant-supported overdenture is attached to implants, while a regular denture rests on the gums, is not supported by implants, and tends to fit less firmly in the mouth.

Your implant-supported denture will be more stable than a regular denture. You will find it easier to speak and you won’t have to worry about the denture becoming loose or falling out of your mouth. You generally will be able to eat foods you could not eat before.

Q: What are immediate dentures?

Otherwise referred to as temporary or Transitional Dentures, Immediate dentures are dentures inserted immediately following tooth extraction designed to help protect your gums while you heal and make the transition to permanent dentures easier.

Click here for more information regarding our Immediate Dentures and how we can help put a smile back on your face.

Q: What are partial dentures?

Partial dentures are simply a removable option a dentist may use to replace missing teeth. This type of denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic base. Different types include: Partial Upper and Lower dentures.

Click here for more information regarding our Partial Denture services.

Q: What is a dental prosthetist?

A Dental Prosthetist is healthcare professional who specialises in the fit and manufacturing of removable full and partial dentures. Dental Prosthetist will usually begin as a Dental technician working in laboratory’s making dental appliances for all facets of dentistry. After further study at University they are able to deal direct to the public and specialise in the fit and supply of removable prosthetic (dentures).

Q: Why visit a dental prosthetist rather than a dentist?

A Dentist can and will make dentures however the price can be up to 50% higher than a Prosthetist due to the cost that they encounter from the dental laboratory in making your dentures. A Dental Prosthetist will fit and manufacture your dentures on site and therefore save you time and money. A Prosthetist’s technical skill will often provide you with a far superior denture.

Q: Why are my dentures loose?

Over time the bone in your mouth will resorb or shrink so the fitting surface of your denture will no longer fit the shape of your mouth. This process is especially noticeable after you have teeth extracted as the underlying bone structure begins to change. This resorption will continue to occur 6-9 months after you have had teeth extracted.

Relining your existing denture is the most common form of treatment however it is important that once your denture becomes that you visit your local Dental Prosthetist to have your dentures examined and the problem corrected.

Q: How long do dentures take to make?

A set of teeth typically take 2 weeks, however we are also able to offer an express service ensuring the patients denture health care needs.

Q: How long will my dentures last?

It is recommended that your dentures be replaced every 7-8 years with regular 6 monthly check-ups by a dental Prosthetist. Over time your denture will show signs of wear and may require relining, rebasing or remaking.

Q: Can existing dentures be repaired and modified?

Existing dentures can be repaired, teeth added relined and rebased if the gums have changed provided that the existing denture teeth are not overly worn down.

Q: How should I clean my dentures?

It is vital to maintain proper oral hygiene for your natural teeth as it is for your artificial teeth. To prevent the build-up of plaque or tarter, brushing of the gums around and between teeth should be done at least twice a day. This will also prevent odour causing bacteria to build up causing bad breath.

Clean and brush your denture after each meal to remove debris, paying close attention to areas around the clasps where food will tend to gather on partial dentures and the tissue fitting surfaces of the denture on full and partial dentures. Using a soft denture brush with a low abrasive (inexpensive) tooth paste will prevent the build-up of tartar. Regular soaking in a commercial denture cleaner is also advised.

Avoid the use of harsh bristle brushes or abrasive materials as it will lead to premature wear of your denture. To prevent accidental damage it is advisable to hold the denture while cleaning over the sink filled with water or a soft towel or face washer. Care must be taken not to break or bend the metal clasps as the fit will be compromised.

If you have more specific questions please contact us on (03) 9568 1311 and we will be happy to discuss.

Q: Which is best for me?

It depends contributing factors include your age, habits and expectations. Oral hygiene, the condition and position of the remaining natural teeth, as well as the position of the opposing teeth in the mouth also need to be considered.

A recent check-up of your remaining natural teeth by a Dentist is advised prior to the construction of a new partial denture.

Tissues covered by a denture normally do not maintain the same bone density level, and tends to gradually shrink or recede. It is therefore imperative that your partial denture be reassessed or replaced at regular two yearly intervals.

Natural teeth are continually wearing down due to masticatory forces. These are the forces that are applied when you eat.

Conservation of the remaining natural teeth is enhanced and wear and tear is minimised, by distributing these forces of chewing and grinding evenly to all the teeth, including any artificial teeth.

A partial denture plays a large part in minimising the wearing down of natural teeth.

A partial denture situated around the natural teeth and opposing a full denture usually results in the full denture being more successful and stable. This is due to the better balance and distribution of all the opposing forces involved in chewing, swallowing and speaking.

To become accustomed to your partial denture more quickly, it may help to cut food into smaller portions, and to master chewing on the premolar (first double teeth )and molar regions (back teeth) first and then on both sides of the mouth at the same time. Consuming non sticky food also helps.

Q: What health funds do you accept?

Arch Dental Laboratories accepts all major health funds and offers the convenience of HICAPS for on the spot processing for members of eligible private health funds. Please check with your Health Fund to confirm that our Dental / Denture services is included as part of your health insurance cover.

Click here for a list of some of the health funds we accept.