Auckland Central

Dentures | Auckland Central | Lumino The Dentists

Dentures, or false teeth, are designed to replace missing teeth. They are custom-made for you and take on the appearance of your natural teeth.

When you think of dentures often the first image that comes to mind is the old-fashioned, removable set of false teeth that sit in a glass of water next to your bed at night.

This isn’t how dentures are made today. They have come a long way over the years. Modern techniques mean dentures can be secured in place with dental implants to provide better stability. They cover less tissue which can give you an improved ability to taste and a better fit in your mouth.

What are dentures?

Don’t worry, you don’t need to feel bad about getting dentures. They’re not just for the elderly who have lost all their teeth. Dentures can be used in many situations to help bring back somebody’s smile when their own teeth are missing.

Dentures are constructed to replace missing teeth and are supported by gum tissue. Traditionally they have been removable, but dentures now can be secured in place using dental implants. There are a few different types of dentures which your dentist will go through with you to find the best solution for your individual needs.

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New dentures

New dentures are useful if you don’t like the way your smile looks or you’re struggling to chew food.

Benefits of new dentures:

  • To get that great smile back
  • To give you confidence when you smile and talk
  • To help you to retain the look of your natural teeth

Immediate dentures

You’ll need immediate dentures if you get some or all of your natural teeth taken out. If this is your situation, a clinical dental technician will work with your dentist to give you an immediate denture, right then and there.

How it works:

  • An impression is taken of your mouth
  • Your natural teeth are removed and your dentures are fitted immediately
  • Your dentist reviews the healing process during the first week
  • After 3 to 6 months your dentures are adjusted
  • After 6 to 12 months your dentures are re-lined

Replacement dentures

If your dentures are worn, discoloured, broken, or are uncomfortable then you may need replacement dentures. As you age, your mouth changes shape and you begin to see lines and creases appear around your mouth. To ensure that your dentures offer good support for your cheeks and lips and continue to fit well, you will probably need to replace your dentures every eight to ten years.

Re-lining your dentures

You might need your dentures re-lined if your dentures are less than four years old but are feeling loose. That’s because your mouth is always slowly changing shape. Re-lining your dentures is a simple procedure and it’s usually done on the day you visit.

Appointment information

Appointments

  • At least 4 appointments
  • At the first consultation visit your dentist will examine your teeth and make a recommendation. You will also have an impression taken of your mouth
  • If you need teeth extracted your dentist will remove your teeth and fit your dentures immediately using immediate dentures
  • After the fitting of your dentures you will need to have another appointment during the first week so your dentist can review the healing process
  • You will usually need your dentures adjusted within the first 3 to 6 months of having them fitted
  • You will usually need your dentures re-lined within the first 6 to 12 months
  • Further appointments may be needed if you have any problems or issues with your dentures

How long it takes

  • The consultation will usually take around 30 to 60 minutes
  • Following appointments will usually take around 1 hour

You may be asked about

  • Your dental history and medical history
  • If you are experiencing any pain or problems with your dentures
  • Your normal oral care routine at home

Before your appointment

  • No special preparation needed

After your appointment

  • Eat soft and easy-to-chew foods in the first few weeks following your denture fitting
  • Rinse with warm salt water to help with healing
  • Use pain relief medication if you need it
  • Use a cold compress to help control and limit swelling
  • From 2 days after your surgery remove and carefully clean your dentures twice a day using a denture brush and denture cleanser
  • Don't smoke for at least 48 hours after denture surgery

Quick tip

With proper care dentures can last for years. Take good care of your oral health by flossing daily, brushing twice daily and regularly visiting the dentist and hygienist.

Enquire now

Have questions?

The cost of dentures can depend on a few different factors. The price may depend on whether you’re getting a full set of dentures and the condition of your teeth. Each situation can be unique. We recommend booking a consultation with a dentist. At the consultation appointment they will examine your teeth and be able to give you an estimate of the cost of getting dentures.

Our experienced dental team are experts at providing you the best care when getting your dentures placed. Making sure you feel comfortable during and after the procedure is a high priority. However, it’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort with dentures, particularly after the procedure as it takes time to get used to your new dentures. Pain and swelling can be common following extraction and the fitting of dentures. The pain will go away once the healing is complete and you have adjusted to your dentures. We recommend regular visits to the dentist following the fitting, as you adjust to your new dentures.

There are a few different types of dentures which are used in different situations. Your dentist will go through these with you and suggest the best option for you. New dentures are usually used when you don’t like the appearance of your teeth or you’re having problems chewing food. Immediate dentures are used immediately after teeth are extracted. Replacement dentures are used when dentures become worn, discoloured, broken or uncomfortable. If you’re unsure what the best denture type is for you, talk to your dentist. They will recommend the best option to suit your needs.

After teeth are extracted, dentists will use immediate dentures. These are fitted immediately after tooth extraction. Immediate dentures will need to be adjusted between 3 to 6 months later and then re-lined between 6 to 12 months later, until healing is complete.

Has your dentist suggested the idea of dentures? There’s no need for concern! Dentures have come a long way over time. They are not just for older people who have lost all their teeth. They can be used to help someone get back their smile in cases when their own teeth are missing. Normally people don’t plan to have dentures at a young age but they can often be a good choice for various situations, such as when teeth are missing at a young age, or dental implants aren’t suitable for some reason.