Regain Your Smile with Partial Dentures in Brighton & Brisbane
You’re in good company if you’ve lost one or more teeth. In fact, the majority of Australians have parted company with at least one, and the average adult has four to five missing teeth. People lose teeth for various reasons, from gum disease, road accidents, sports incidents, and simple tooth decay. But whatever the reason for tooth loss, partial dentures provide an effective solution that will help maintain your remaining teeth, make eating easier and ensure you can flash a smile without feeling self-conscious.
What are Partial Dentures?
You might think dentures are for people missing most or all of their teeth. However, partial dentures are used when just a few teeth are missing. They fill the gaps with natural-looking false teeth and look just like the real thing, so nobody will notice the difference.
Partial denture cost is significantly cheaper than getting implants. The replacement teeth are mounted on a partial plate that has spaces to fit around your existing teeth. We always prioritise preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.
Depending on your needs, you can be fitted with a partial upper denture, a partial lower denture, or both. When you have dental plates for missing teeth, they can come fitted with different types of hooks and clasps to keep them in place. Your dentist will explain the options that might be appropriate in your case and offer suggestions as to what is likely to work best for you.
Partial Dentures – Suitable for All Ages
Partial dentures in Brighton and Brisbane are more commonly used than you might think. They are not just for older people. Younger adults also lose teeth, some due to decay or gum disease and others due to sports injuries and other accidents.
Partial dentures provide a cost-effective solution. Some people choose to have a partial denture as an interim measure while contemplating other alternatives, such as implants. This is a good idea, as leaving the gap empty for any period of time can cause more problems than you think.
Fill Those Gaps
When you lose a tooth, you might not think it is a big problem, especially if it is a back one, so nobody can see the gap. But if you leave it, you could face bigger problems than a bit of difficulty eating nuts.
For one thing, that gap will be an ideal place for trapped food, and bacteria can easily start to form, leading to bad breath, gum disease and decay at worst. Secondly, you will often find that with time, the surrounding teeth can drift to fill the gap, leaving them crooked and affecting your bite. With partial dentures, none of these things have a chance to get started, so if you have lost a tooth, call us without delay so we can take you through the different alternatives.
Schedule an Appointment Today
We offer same-day visits and late opening hours that work around your schedule. Contact our friendly, caring today to book a time to discuss partial dentures in Brighton! We’re providers with Medibank, HCF and MDF. You can claim your health fund rebate on the spot with our HICAPS machine.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
Common Questions For Partial Dentures
How long do Partial Dentures last?
If cared for properly, partial dentures are expected to last for years- on average, 5 to 10 years. After that, we recommend new partial dentures as our mouth and dentures are likely to change during this time which will affect the fit and look.
How do Partial Dentures Stay in Place?
Partial dentures are custom fitted and tightly adapted to your teeth and gums, which helps to hold the partial denture in place along with clasps and hooks.
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Can you eat with partial dentures in your mouth?
Definitely! Many of our patients actually tell us they eat better with a partial denture as their missing teeth are replaced, and they no longer feel the pain of hard foods hitting their gums.
What are the three types of partial dentures?
- Cast-metal dentures have natural-looking teeth on a rigid and ultra-thin cobalt-chromium framework to replace missing teeth. The metal framework covers less of your gums, improving the feel and taste while eating and overall dental health. It is also stronger and more stable however some people may be allergic to the materials used and may not like the appearance of metal clasps depending on the location.
- Acrylic partial dentures (or dental flipper) are made from acrylic, a type of plastic and often help in by metal clasps. As acrylic is a weaker material than metal, these dentures cover more of your gums and are often thicker and bulkier. That said, acrylic dentures are cheaper to make and easier to repair.
- Flexible partial dentures are made from a thin, flexible type of plastic and are best for replacing three teeth or less, making them small and comfortable. They have no metal clasps and stay in place by gripping onto your teeth and gums. As a result, flexible partial dentures can be damaging to your gums in the long term.
As you can tell, there are several types of partial dentures, so we recommend speaking to your dentist to help you decide the best option. Brighton Dental Suite might be considered a general dentistry and a denture clinic.
What is the average cost of partial dentures?
On average, partial dentures cost around $1600 and greatly depend on the type of denture and the number of teeth to be replaced.
How many teeth do you need for partial dentures?
You will generally need at least two teeth on each jaw for partial dentures to fit well and feel comfortable. Don’t worry if you have fewer teeth than that, as your dentist can discuss other options suited for you. If you’re curious about the difference between a full set of dentures and a partial set of dentures, the full set will comprise the whole top set of teeth or the whole bottom set of teeth.