Losing teeth, whether gradually over time or following extractions, affects far more than appearance. It changes the way you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Custom-made dentures restore function and confidence by replacing missing teeth with prosthetics designed to fit your mouth precisely and complement your facial features naturally. At Eastern Dental Group in Wantirna South, we provide full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures, fabricated to the highest standard and fitted with care.
When multiple teeth need replacing, patients often ask whether dentures or dental implants are the better choice. The honest answer is that both are valid, and the right option depends on your individual circumstances, including your oral health, the extent of bone available, your budget, and your lifestyle priorities.
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. They are permanently fixed, function and feel like natural teeth, do not require removal for cleaning, and preserve jawbone density by replacing the missing tooth root. A single implant with a crown is generally preferred over a partial denture for replacing one or two missing teeth where bone is adequate, as it does not involve altering or clasping around the adjacent teeth.
Dentures are a more accessible option for patients replacing many teeth simultaneously, for those where bone loss limits implant placement without extensive grafting, or where the investment of implant treatment is not feasible at the time. Dentures can also be used as an interim solution while implant treatment is planned.
A dental bridge is a third option for replacing one to three missing teeth, a fixed, non-removable restoration supported by the adjacent natural teeth. Your dentist at Eastern Dental Group will explain all available options at your consultation and help you choose the approach that best fits your clinical situation and goals.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all of the teeth on the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both, and are recommended when a patient has no remaining natural teeth in that arch. A full denture sits on the gum ridge and is held in place by suction, the natural contours of the mouth, and in some cases denture adhesive. Modern full dentures are designed to closely replicate the appearance of natural teeth, including realistic gum-coloured bases and teeth selected to suit your facial proportions, skin tone, and aesthetic goals.
Full dentures may be provided as immediate dentures, placed on the same day as any remaining teeth are extracted, so that patients are never without teeth during the healing period. Immediate dentures require adjustment or replacement once the gum and bone have settled after extraction, as the ridge changes shape during healing. Your dentist at Eastern Dental Group will advise on the most appropriate timing for your situation.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They fill the gaps left by missing teeth and are designed to clip securely around the existing teeth using clasps or precision attachments, preventing movement during eating and speaking. In addition to restoring function and appearance, partial dentures serve an important preventative role, when teeth are lost and not replaced, the adjacent teeth begin to drift and tilt toward the gap over time, disrupting the bite and creating areas that are difficult to clean and maintain. A well-fitted partial denture prevents this from occurring.
Partial dentures can be made from acrylic resin, a combination of metal framework and acrylic, or flexible thermoplastic materials depending on the clinical situation and patient preference. Your dentist will discuss the most appropriate material and design for your case.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are the most stable and secure denture option available. Rather than resting on the gum, they are anchored to a series of dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone, eliminating the movement, slipping, and dietary limitations associated with conventional removable dentures.
Implant-supported dentures can be removable, snapping on and off the implants for cleaning, or fixed, meaning they are permanently attached and only removable by a dentist. Both options provide dramatically improved stability and chewing function compared to conventional dentures, and the implants themselves stimulate the jawbone to prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss. Patients who have struggled with ill-fitting or unstable conventional dentures are frequently excellent candidates for implant-supported alternatives. Eastern Dental Group provides implant-supported denture treatment as part of their comprehensive dental implant service.
Getting custom dentures at Eastern Dental Group involves several appointments spread over a number of weeks to ensure a precise, comfortable fit.
Initial consultation and assessment. Your dentist examines your mouth, assesses the health of any remaining teeth and gums, and discusses your treatment options. If any remaining teeth need to be extracted before dentures are made, this is planned at this stage. Addressing any active gum disease or decay before dentures are fabricated is important, as changes to the gum and bone after treatment will affect the fit of the finished denture.
Impressions and measurements. Precise impressions of your mouth are taken, along with measurements of your bite, jaw relationship, and facial proportions. These records are sent to a specialist dental laboratory where your custom dentures are fabricated.
Try-in appointment. A wax try-in of the denture, with the teeth set in their planned positions, is assessed in your mouth before the final denture is processed. This allows your dentist to check the fit, appearance, and bite, and make any adjustments before the permanent version is made.
Fitting and delivery. The finished denture is delivered, fitted, and adjusted to ensure comfort and correct bite. Some degree of minor adjustment in the days and weeks following delivery is normal as your mouth adapts, and Eastern Dental Group will schedule follow-up appointments to address any pressure points or fit concerns promptly.
Proper care extends the life of your dentures and protects your remaining gum tissue and natural teeth.
Daily cleaning. Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Brush them daily with a soft-bristled denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner, avoid regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive and will scratch the denture surface over time, making it more prone to staining and bacterial buildup.
Overnight soaking. Dentures should be removed overnight and soaked in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water to keep them moist and prevent warping. Most dentists recommend removing dentures at night to give the gum tissue a rest from pressure during sleep.
Oral hygiene. Even with full dentures, it is important to brush the gums, tongue, and palate daily with a soft brush to stimulate circulation and remove plaque. Patients with partial dentures should brush all remaining natural teeth thoroughly and floss daily. Regular check-up and clean appointments remain important for monitoring gum health and the condition of any remaining teeth.
Handle with care. Dentures are fragile and will break if dropped onto a hard surface. Fill the sink with water or place a folded towel in the basin when handling them over the sink.
Most private health insurance policies with major dental extras provide partial cover for full and partial dentures, subject to waiting periods, annual benefit limits, and the level of cover held. The rebate varies significantly between funds. Implant-supported dentures involve both a surgical implant component and a prosthetic component, which may be covered under different benefit categories. Eastern Dental Group welcomes patients with any health fund, processes claims on the spot via HICAPS, and does not participate in preferred provider schemes so all treatment recommendations are made in your clinical interest. Call us before your consultation to understand your entitlements.
Eastern Dental Group is located at 169 Stud Road, Wantirna South VIC 3152, and provides custom denture treatment to patients from Wantirna, Knoxfield, Scoresby, Bayswater, Boronia, and surrounding eastern suburbs. We are open Monday to Friday with late availability on Tuesdays until 7:30 PM.
Eastern Dental Group provides custom-made full and partial dentures in Wantirna South, located at 169 Stud Road, VIC 3152. The practice services patients from Wantirna, Knoxfield, Scoresby, Bayswater, Boronia, and surrounding suburbs in Melbourne’s east. Appointments can be booked online or by calling (03) 9887 0822.
Eastern Dental Group offers three types of dentures. Full dentures replace the entire upper or lower set of teeth and are suited to patients who have lost all their natural teeth in one or both jaws. Partial dentures fill the gaps left by some missing teeth, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of position. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants for enhanced stability and a more secure fit compared to traditional removable dentures.
Full dentures replace all of the teeth on the upper or lower jaw and are recommended when a patient has no remaining natural teeth in that arch. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain — they clip around the existing teeth to fill in the gaps and restore the appearance and function of the smile. Eastern Dental Group provides both options, custom-made to each patient’s unique dental anatomy.
Implant-supported dentures are a more stable and permanent alternative to traditional removable dentures. They are anchored to a series of dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone, which act as secure anchor points for the denture. Unlike conventional dentures that rest on the gum and can shift during eating or speaking, implant-supported dentures stay firmly in place, offering improved comfort, confidence, and chewing function. Eastern Dental Group in Wantirna offers implant-supported dentures as part of their dental implant treatment range.
The process of getting custom dentures typically involves several appointments over a number of weeks. The initial appointment involves a comprehensive assessment and impressions of your mouth, which are sent to a dental laboratory where your dentures are fabricated. Further appointments are scheduled for fitting, adjustments, and final delivery. The total timeframe varies depending on the type of dentures and the complexity of your case. Your dentist at Eastern Dental Group will outline the full process at your consultation.
Modern custom-made dentures are designed to closely resemble natural teeth in shape, size, and colour, and are tailored to complement each patient’s facial features for a natural appearance. At Eastern Dental Group, advanced technology is used to ensure precision in the fabrication and fit of every denture, helping patients regain a confident and natural-looking smile.
Well-fitting custom dentures should feel comfortable and functional for everyday activities including eating and speaking. New denture wearers may experience an adjustment period of a few weeks while the mouth adapts to the appliance. Some minor soreness or increased saliva production is normal initially. Eastern Dental Group prioritises personalised care and precise fitting to minimise discomfort and ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.
Dentures should be removed and rinsed after eating, and brushed daily with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner — not regular toothpaste, which can scratch the surface. They should be soaked overnight in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water to prevent them from drying out and warping. The gums and any remaining natural teeth should also be brushed daily. Regular dental check-ups at Eastern Dental Group are important to ensure dentures continue to fit correctly as the jaw changes over time.
With proper care, dentures can last between five and ten years before they may need to be replaced or relined. Over time, the shape of the jaw and gum ridge changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and oral health issues, so regular reviews at Eastern Dental Group are recommended to monitor fit and function and address any changes early.
Minor chips, cracks, or breakages to dentures can often be repaired. It is important not to attempt to repair dentures yourself using household adhesives, as this can damage the appliance and harm the gums. Eastern Dental Group advises patients to contact the practice as soon as possible if their dentures are damaged, to assess whether a repair or replacement is the most appropriate solution.
Many private health insurance policies with major dental extras provide partial cover for dentures, subject to waiting periods, annual limits, and the level of cover held. The rebate available varies significantly between funds. Eastern Dental Group welcomes patients with any health fund and will assist with claiming where possible. Patients are advised to check their individual policy details and speak with the practice team about fees before commencing treatment.
Dentures and dental implants serve the same purpose but differ in several important ways. Dentures are a removable and more affordable solution, whereas dental implants are surgically placed and offer a permanent, fixed result that more closely mimics natural teeth and helps preserve jawbone density. The best option depends on the patient’s oral health, the number of missing teeth, bone availability, budget, and personal preference. Eastern Dental Group offers both treatments and will help you determine the most suitable solution during your consultation.
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