Dentures
Full dentures
A full denture replaces all the teeth in an upper or lower arch. It restores appearance and helps with chewing and speech, though it does not function like natural teeth and takes time to adapt to.
- Provided by Dr Shruti Biyani, Principal Dentist
- 3/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT 2913
- HICAPS on-the-spot claiming
How we assess whether it's right for you
- Assessment of the ridges, soft tissues and any remaining teeth
- Discussion of your priorities — appearance, chewing, comfort
- Honest discussion of lower denture stability, which is often limited
Suitability is decided after an examination, not from a photograph or a phone description. If a treatment is not right for you, your dentist will say so and set out what else is available.
What the process involves
1. Impressions
Preliminary and then accurate working impressions.
2. Bite records
Jaw relationship and tooth position recorded.
3. Try-in
A wax try-in so you can approve appearance before it is finished.
4. Fit and adjust
The denture is fitted, and several adjustment visits are normal.
Risks and limitations
- Sore spots, altered speech and reduced chewing efficiency are common at first.
- Lower full dentures are often less stable than upper ones; implant retention may be needed and requires referral.
- The jaw ridge continues to shrink over time, so dentures need relining or remaking.
Alternatives to consider
- Implant-retained overdentures via referral
- Retaining and restoring some natural teeth as denture supports where possible
Any dental procedure carries risks. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal advice. Outcomes vary between people, and suitability can only be determined after an examination by a registered dental practitioner.
What affects the cost
- Fees depend on the treatment actually required, and are confirmed in a written plan before treatment begins.
- Dentures are quoted after assessment, with laboratory stages included. Relines and repairs are costed separately.
- Health fund rebates vary by fund, level of cover and remaining annual limits. We can process claims on the spot with HICAPS where your fund supports it.
See fees and payment options for health funds, CDBS, DVA and payment plans.
Ready when you are
Book online in about a minute, or speak to reception if you would like to ask something first. No obligation to proceed with treatment at the first visit.
- Clinic
- 3/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT 2913
- Phone
- (02) 6274 0404
Before your appointment
What to bring
Your Medicare card, private health fund card, any concession or DVA card, and a list of medicines you take. If you have had recent X-rays elsewhere, bring them or tell us where they were taken.
How long it takes
Appointment length depends on what is found at the examination. Reception gives you an estimated time when you book, and your dentist confirms it once the plan is agreed.
Nervous patients
Tell reception when you book. Your dentist can explain each step before it happens, agree a stop signal with you, and break treatment into shorter visits.
Children and families
Family appointments can often be arranged back to back. Eligible children can be treated under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Full dentures — questions we're often asked
How long until I get used to it?
Several weeks is typical, with adjustment appointments along the way. Speech and chewing improve with practice.
Do I sleep in them?
Generally no. Leaving them out overnight lets the tissues recover.
How often do dentures need replacing?
They need periodic relining as the ridge changes, and eventual remaking. Your dentist will review the fit at recalls.
Related treatments
From the blog
Related reading
- Payment and schemesChild Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) at Franklin Bright SmilesWhat the CDBS covers, how eligibility is checked and what happens if the benefit runs out mid-treatment.
- Payment and schemesDepartment of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) dental careHow DVA Gold and White Card arrangements work for dental treatment at the practice.
- Payment and schemesUsing your private health fund at Franklin Bright SmilesHow rebates, annual limits and on-the-spot claiming work, and how to check your cover before treatment.
Book an appointment
Book online at a time that suits you, or call reception on (02) 6274 0404 to talk it through first.