Dentures Melbourne

Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures replace one or more teeth while you retain some natural teeth. The partial base may be acrylic, cobalt chrome or a suitable flexible material. An implant-retained overdenture is another removable option. We explain how each design relates to your mouth, preferences and budget before recommending treatment.

Yes. A carefully planned partial denture can replace a single tooth or a small number of teeth. The design must provide enough support and retention to be safe and practical. We compare acrylic, cobalt chrome and, where suitable, Valplast options with a bridge or implant. A very small appliance is only appropriate when its size and design are clinically suitable.

We individually select tooth colour, size, shape and position, then consider the way your smile sits with your face and remaining teeth. The gum-coloured acrylic is carefully shaped and contoured. Bring older photographs or examples of smiles you like. They help us understand your preferences; the final design must also work with your bite, lip support and the space available.

Yes. Tell us if you prefer a brighter shade and a straighter, more uniform arrangement instead of a more characterful natural appearance. We discuss these choices while planning your denture, rather than assuming everyone wants the same look. Where a trial stage is possible, it gives you an opportunity to comment on appearance before the appliance is finished.

Yes. Our removable denture work is Australian made. Enhance Dental works with Glenn Fordham at Foradent Laboratories in Melbourne for laboratory work including full, acrylic and cobalt chrome designs, relines and suitable additions or repairs. Dr Joseph Paino values this established working relationship and its attention to detail. Clinical appointments and ongoing reviews remain with Enhance Dental.

There is no single best material for every patient. Acrylic can be useful when future changes or additions are anticipated. Cobalt chrome provides a strong, thin metal framework that is planned around your remaining teeth. We discuss support, visible clasps, the bite, maintenance, future tooth prognosis and fees. A material recommendation should follow examination rather than appearance alone.

Valplast is a branded flexible nylon material used mainly for partial tooth replacement. A suitable design can use gum-coloured flexible clasps instead of metal clasps. It may appeal when you want a discreet removable option for one or a few missing teeth. We assess whether the required support, hygiene access and bite make it a sensible choice in your case.

Depending on the case, a flexible partial may be used as an interim, medium-term or longer-term removable solution. It is worth discussing if you do not want, or are not suitable for, a fixed bridge or implant treatment. Longer-term use still needs clinical reviews. No appliance lasts indefinitely, and changes to your mouth can mean an adjustment, laboratory modification or replacement is needed.

Often, but it depends on the base material, framework design, condition and where the additional tooth is needed. Foradent can assess additions to suitable acrylic and cobalt chrome appliances. Valplast additions require an appropriately equipped laboratory and may be possible; they are not handled like routine acrylic repairs. We first check whether modifying the existing appliance is preferable to making a replacement.

A reline renews the fitting surface against the gums. It can be considered when the mouth has changed but the existing appliance is otherwise suitable. It does not change every worn tooth, correct every bite problem or repair a failing framework. We examine fit, tooth wear, bite and tissue health to decide between an adjustment, reline, repair or a new denture.

We work with Foradent to assess suitable cobalt chrome repairs and modifications, including welding retention components when appropriate. The framework material, position of the problem, available space and remaining teeth all matter. Some damaged or poorly designed appliances are better replaced. Bring the denture and any broken parts to your appointment so that we can discuss realistic laboratory options.

Allow for several clinical and laboratory stages rather than a single visit. Your plan may include measurements and impressions, recording the bite, a trial stage where appropriate, final fitting and follow-up adjustments. Timing depends on the design, laboratory requirements, any preliminary dental care and healing after extractions. Tell us about travel or an important event early so we can discuss what is achievable.

An immediate denture may be an option when tooth removal is planned. It is prepared before extraction and fitted at the extraction appointment when appropriate. Because the gums and bone change during healing, further visits and relining or replacement may be necessary. We explain the likely sequence and costs in advance. This option must be planned; it cannot be assumed for every extraction.

An implant-retained overdenture is removable by you for cleaning and attaches to implants. A fixed full-arch implant bridge, sometimes called All-on-X or All-on-4, is designed to stay in place and is removed by a clinician when necessary. They differ in surgical requirements, maintenance and fees. We discuss suitability and arrange implant or specialist assessment when required.

Fees depend on whether you need a full or partial appliance, the material and design, laboratory work, extractions or other preliminary treatment, and the follow-up involved. Repair and reline fees also depend on the condition of the appliance. We provide an individual treatment plan and discuss the fees before you proceed. Ask what is included and whether future adjustments or relines are separate.

Your entitlement depends on your policy, waiting periods, annual limits and the treatment item numbers. Bring your health fund details and ask for an estimate before deciding. The fund confirms any benefit payable; a quote from the practice does not guarantee a rebate. We can also discuss the practice payment options and help you understand the proposed treatment stages and associated costs.

Remove it for cleaning and use the method recommended for its material. Protect it from drops by cleaning over a towel or basin of water. Use a suitable denture brush and non-abrasive products; ordinary toothpaste can scratch the surface. Clean remaining natural teeth separately with fluoride toothpaste. Ask us which cleanser is suitable for acrylic, metal components or a flexible base, and rinse thoroughly before wearing.

Usually they should be removed during sleep, unless your dentist gives different instructions, such as after an extraction. Follow the storage advice for your particular material rather than one rule for every appliance. Valplast recommends keeping its flexible partial hydrated in water or its recommended cleansing solution when it is not being worn. Avoid hot water and follow the product directions for cleaning.

Contact us for an assessment instead of persisting with discomfort or trying to bend, file or glue the appliance yourself. Keep broken pieces and bring them in. Tell the team if you are unable to eat or wear it, or if you have a sore that is not healing. We assess the cause and explain repair, reline or replacement options and timing.

Yes. We review the appliance, fit, bite and the health of your gums and other oral tissues. Bring your denture even if you have stopped wearing it. If you retain natural teeth, they also need preventive care and review. Your recall interval is tailored to your needs, particularly if your medical health, medicines or ability to manage daily cleaning has changed.