Dentures

A healthy mouth leads to better fitting and longer lasting dentures (sometimes called false teeth).

Why do people get dentures?

There are many reasons people may need dentures, including:

• replacing missing teeth
• to fix appearance of teeth
• make eating and speaking easier.

Who to see if you have or need dentures?

You can call Dental Health Services for Adults on 1300 011 013 and speak with us.

• We will ask you some questions to help work out what your needs are. Depending on your answers, we will then give you an appointment with a dentist or dental prosthetist.
• If you have some of your own teeth you will be examined by a dentist.
• If you don’t have any of your own teeth or your dentures are old, worn or don’t fit well, you will be examined by a dental prosthetist. They will examine your mouth and make your dentures.

We offer services to people who have either a Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card. If you don’t have these, you will need to see a private dentist.

What will happen at my appointment?

If you have some of your own teeth:

1. You will be examined by one of our dentists.
2. You might be placed on a waiting list to get general dental treatment. This will need to be done first so that you are dentally fit before a denture is fitted.
3. Once the general dental treatment is done, we will give you your first appointment to have your denture made. This appointment will be for impressions. You will have more appointments after this as well. The number of appointments you will need is specific to each person.

If you don’t have any of your own teeth or already have dentures that are old, work or don’t fit well:

1. You will be examined by a dental prosthetist.
2. We will put you on a Denture Waiting List.
3. When you reach the top of the list we will contact you to arrange your first appointment to start the process of having your denture/s made.

How much will my denture and any dental treatment cost?

Costs will vary depending on what sort of denture and dental treatment you need. The dentist or dental prosthetist will discuss costs with you before you make any decisions about what you get done.

Cleaning and caring for your dentures

• It is important to clean your dentures every day.
• If you don’t, you will have build-up of food, plaque, tartar and stains. This can lead to mouth and gum odour, infection or irritation. It can also change the appearance of your denture.

Cleaning your dentures

• Brush all areas of your denture twice daily with a soft toothbrush or denture brush and a regular (non-abrasive) toothpaste or mild soap.
• After brushing, rinse your denture thoroughly in cold or warm water.
• Clean your denture over a towel or a sink filled with water.
• Clean any remaining teeth, your tongue and gums with a separate soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Spit out and don't rinse.
• Place your denture in a glass or container of water overnight unless your clinician tells you something else.

Special tips for partial dentures

• After eating, rinse your mouth and denture.
• Take care not to bend clasps.
• Remove your dentures at bedtime. This allows your gums to 'breathe' and it reduces the chance of infection and inflammation in your mouth.
• Dentures should be cleaned and left to dry overnight.

Holding your dentures while cleaning

• Hold your dentures gently and without any pressure.
• Hold your lower and upper denture in the centre to clean. This is the strongest point.
• Do not hold the denture at the back as you may apply extra pressure or lose your grip whilst cleaning.