--- title: Dentures at Core Dental Southbank canonical_url: https://directory.coredental.com.au/dental-services/dentures-at-core-dental-southbank-3/ category: description: # Dentures at Core Dental Southbank **Category:** Dental Services **Target Word Count:** 2,200 words --- ## Comfortable, Well-Fitting Dentures in Southbank Losing teeth — whether from decay, gum d... geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # Dentures at Core Dental Southbank # Dentures at Core Dental Southbank **Category:** Dental Services **Target Word Count:** 2,200 words --- ## Comfortable, Well-Fitting Dentures in Southbank Losing teeth — whether from decay, gum disease, injury or age — affects far more than your smile. It changes how you eat, how you speak, and how you feel about yourself. For many people, dentures are the practical, reliable solution that restores function and confidence. At Core Dental Southbank, we provide full and partial dentures designed to fit comfortably, look natural, and serve you well for years. Whether you're getting dentures for the first time, replacing an old set that no longer fits properly, or exploring implant-retained options for greater stability, our team at 55 City Road will guide you through the process with care and clarity. As part of the Smile Solutions group, we also have direct referral access to prosthodontists and oral surgeons at the Collins Street Specialist Centre for complex cases, implant-retained denture options, and full-mouth rehabilitation. --- ## Types of Dentures ### Full Dentures (Complete Dentures) Full dentures replace all the teeth in one or both jaws. They rest on the gum ridges and, in the case of upper dentures, the palate. Full dentures are used when all natural teeth in an arch have been lost or need to be removed. **Conventional full dentures** are made after any remaining teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed — a process that typically takes eight to twelve weeks. During this healing period, you may go without teeth, which is why some patients opt for immediate dentures. **Immediate dentures** are pre-made based on measurements and impressions taken before your teeth are removed. They're inserted on the same day as extractions, so you're never without teeth. However, because the gums and bone change shape as they heal, immediate dentures typically require relining or adjustment after a few months to maintain a good fit. ### Partial Dentures Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place. They fill gaps, restore chewing function, and prevent the remaining teeth from drifting into the empty spaces — which can cause bite problems and further tooth loss over time. Partial dentures use clasps, rests or precision attachments to anchor to your existing teeth, and they're designed to blend with your natural teeth in colour and shape. --- ## Denture Materials The material your denture is made from affects its fit, durability, comfort and cost. At Core Dental Southbank, we offer several options: ### Acrylic Dentures Acrylic is the most common denture material, used for both full and partial dentures. - **Cost-effective** — Acrylic dentures are generally the most affordable option - **Easy to adjust and reline** — Acrylic can be modified relatively easily if adjustments are needed - **Good aesthetics** — Modern acrylic dentures can be made to look quite natural - **Bulkier** — Acrylic dentures tend to be thicker than metal-based alternatives, which some patients notice in terms of comfort and speech ### Cobalt Chrome (Metal Framework) Dentures Cobalt chrome partial dentures use a cast metal framework with acrylic teeth and gum-coloured acrylic where needed. They offer several advantages over all-acrylic partials: - **Thinner and lighter** — The metal framework can be made much thinner than acrylic, making the denture feel less bulky in the mouth - **Stronger and more durable** — Cobalt chrome is significantly stronger than acrylic, meaning the framework is less likely to fracture - **Better fit and retention** — The metal framework can be precisely designed with rests and clasps that grip natural teeth more effectively - **More hygienic** — The thinner design covers less gum tissue, allowing better airflow and easier cleaning - **Higher cost** — Cobalt chrome dentures are more expensive than acrylic due to the materials and laboratory processes involved Cobalt chrome is generally the preferred material for partial dentures when a patient wants a better-fitting, more comfortable and longer-lasting result. ### Flexible Dentures Flexible dentures (such as those made from Valplast or similar materials) use a flexible nylon-based material instead of rigid acrylic or metal: - **Comfortable** — The flexible material adapts to the contours of the mouth - **Aesthetic clasps** — Retentive clasps are made from the same gum-coloured material, making them virtually invisible - **Lightweight and thin** — Generally more comfortable than acrylic for partial dentures - **Limited applications** — Flexible dentures are typically used for smaller partial dentures and may not be suitable for all cases - **Not easily adjusted** — Unlike acrylic, flexible dentures cannot be easily relined or modified --- ## Implant-Retained Dentures For patients who struggle with loose or uncomfortable conventional dentures — particularly lower full dentures, which are notoriously difficult to stabilise — implant-retained dentures offer a significant improvement. ### How They Work Two or more dental implants are placed in the jawbone, and the denture is designed with attachments (such as locator abutments or a bar system) that clip onto the implants. This anchors the denture firmly in place, preventing the rocking, slipping and lifting that conventional dentures are prone to. ### Benefits - **Dramatically improved stability** — The denture stays firmly in place during eating, speaking and laughing - **No adhesives needed** — Implant retention eliminates the need for denture adhesive pastes or powders - **Better chewing function** — Patients can eat a wider range of foods with confidence - **Reduced bone loss** — Implants stimulate the jawbone, slowing the bone resorption that occurs when teeth are missing - **Removable for cleaning** — Unlike fixed implant bridges, implant-retained dentures can be removed for thorough cleaning ### The Process 1. **Assessment** — Your dentist at Core Dental Southbank assesses your bone volume and overall suitability for implants 2. **Surgical referral** — Implant placement is performed by oral surgeons or specialist prosthodontists at the Collins Street Specialist Centre 3. **Healing** — Implants integrate with the jawbone over three to six months 4. **Denture fitting** — Your denture is fabricated or modified with attachments that connect to the implants 5. **Ongoing care** — Regular check-ups at Core Dental Southbank to monitor the implants, attachments and denture fit --- ## The Denture Fitting Process Getting dentures is not a single-appointment process. It involves several carefully planned stages to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance: ### Stage 1: Consultation and Examination Your dentist examines your mouth, discusses your needs and expectations, and determines the most appropriate type of denture for your situation. If teeth need to be extracted, this is planned as part of the process. X-rays may be taken to assess the jaw ridges and any remaining teeth. ### Stage 2: Impressions Precise impressions (moulds) of your jaws are taken using impression trays and dental materials. These impressions capture the exact contours of your gum ridges, palate and any remaining teeth, and are sent to a dental laboratory where your denture will be fabricated. For partial dentures, impressions of your remaining teeth are also taken to ensure the denture clasps fit precisely and the replacement teeth align properly with your natural teeth. ### Stage 3: Bite Registration and Try-In A wax try-in — a prototype of your denture with teeth set in wax — is created by the laboratory. You try this in so your dentist can assess: - The bite (how upper and lower teeth come together) - Tooth colour, shape and arrangement - The position of the teeth relative to your lips and facial features - Your comfort and any necessary adjustments This is your opportunity to see what the finished denture will look like and provide feedback before it's finalised. ### Stage 4: Final Fitting The completed denture is fitted and adjusted. Your dentist will check the fit, bite and comfort, and make any fine adjustments needed. You'll receive detailed instructions on inserting and removing the denture, cleaning and maintenance, and what to expect during the adjustment period. ### Stage 5: Follow-Up Adjustments It's normal to need one or more follow-up adjustment appointments in the weeks after receiving new dentures. As you wear them, small pressure points or areas of discomfort may become apparent, and your dentist will make precise adjustments to resolve these. --- ## Adjusting to New Dentures New dentures take time to get used to. Here's what to expect: - **Eating** — Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to distribute pressure evenly. As you gain confidence, gradually introduce firmer foods. - **Speaking** — You may notice changes to your speech initially, particularly with certain sounds. Practice reading aloud or repeating difficult words — your tongue and muscles will adapt within a few weeks. - **Saliva** — Increased saliva flow is common in the first few days as your mouth adjusts to the presence of the denture. This settles down quickly. - **Soreness** — Some gum soreness is normal as the soft tissues adapt to the denture. If soreness persists or specific spots are painful, return for an adjustment — don't try to tough it out. Most patients feel comfortable with their new dentures within two to four weeks. Be patient with yourself during this period — your mouth is learning to work with a new appliance, and it does adapt. If soreness persists beyond the first few weeks, or if you develop painful pressure spots, return to Core Dental Southbank for an adjustment. Never try to adjust dentures yourself, as this can damage the appliance and create further problems. --- ## Caring for Your Dentures Proper care extends the life of your dentures and protects your oral health: - **Remove and rinse after eating** — Rinse dentures under running water to remove food debris - **Brush dentures daily** — Use a soft denture brush (not a regular toothbrush) and denture cleaner or mild soap. Avoid regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive for denture materials - **Soak overnight** — Most dentures need to stay moist to maintain their shape. Soak them in water or a denture cleaning solution overnight - **Clean your mouth** — Even with full dentures, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft toothbrush each morning before inserting your dentures. For partial denture wearers, maintain thorough brushing and flossing of your natural teeth - **Handle with care** — Dentures are fragile. Clean them over a folded towel or a basin of water to reduce the risk of breakage if dropped - **Regular dental check-ups** — Continue visiting Core Dental Southbank for regular check-ups. Your dentist will check the fit of your dentures, examine your gums and any remaining teeth, and perform oral cancer screening --- ## When Dentures Need Replacement or Relining Dentures don't last forever. Over time: - **The jawbone changes shape** — Without tooth roots stimulating the bone, the jaw ridges gradually resorb (shrink). This changes the fit of the denture, leading to looseness, discomfort and difficulty eating. - **Denture materials wear** — Teeth on the denture wear down, and the acrylic base can become brittle or stained. - **Clasps weaken** — On partial dentures, metal clasps can lose their retention over time. **Relining** involves adding new material to the tissue-fitting surface of the denture to improve the fit as the jaw shape changes. This can extend the life of a denture for a period but is not a permanent solution. **Replacement** is typically recommended every five to ten years, depending on wear and changes to the jaw. If your current dentures are loose, uncomfortable, or you've been relying on adhesive to keep them in place, it may be time for new dentures or an implant-retained option. Book a consultation and we'll assess your situation. --- ## Cost of Dentures The cost of dentures depends on the type (full or partial), the material (acrylic, cobalt chrome or flexible), and the complexity of the case. Your dentist at Core Dental Southbank will provide a clear, itemised treatment plan with costs outlined before any work begins. ### Making Dentures Affordable - **HICAPS on-site** — We process health fund claims at the time of treatment, so your rebate is applied immediately and you only pay the gap - **Preferred provider for HCF, CBHS and NIB** — Members of these funds may receive higher rebates and lower out-of-pocket costs - **Interest-free payment plans** — Payright plans from 3 to 30 months for treatments between $1,000 and $20,000, with no interest charges - **CDBS for children** — In rare cases where children require partial dentures, eligible patients may access benefits through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule --- ## Specialist Support When You Need It As part of the Smile Solutions group, Core Dental Southbank has direct access to specialists at the Collins Street Specialist Centre: - **Prosthodontists** — For complex denture cases, full-mouth rehabilitation, and implant-retained denture planning - **Oral surgeons** — For extractions, bone grafting and implant placement - **Periodontists** — For treatment of gum disease that may affect denture fit or remaining teeth This means even complex denture cases can be managed within the Smile Solutions network, with seamless coordination between your general dentist and the specialist team. --- ## Book Your Denture Consultation Whether you're considering dentures for the first time, need to replace an ageing set, or want to explore implant-retained options, Core Dental Southbank is here to help. **Core Dental Southbank** 55 City Road, Southbank VIC 3006 **Phone:** (03) 8547 0780 **National Bookings:** 13 13 16 **Email:** southbank@coredental.com.au **Hours:** Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:30 pm Sunday: Closed Call us today to book a consultation with one of our experienced dentists.