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Dentures · Full Dentures

Full Dentures — Replacing a Full Arch of Teeth

Full dentures replace all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They restore the ability to chew, support the lips and cheeks, and give patients a complete smile after extensive tooth loss. At Sandgate Family Dental we make full dentures for patients who have lost all of their teeth, or who are preparing for the remaining teeth to be removed.

If you are weighing up your options, or have an older set of dentures that no longer fits well, book an appointment online for an unhurried discussion. We see patients from Sandgate, Brighton, Bracken Ridge, Shorncliffe, and the surrounding northern Brisbane suburbs.

Local Sandgate practiceFamily-owned dental clinic in Sandgate.

HICAPS on the dayHealth-fund rebates processed at the chair.

Comfortable, well-fittingLab-made full or partial dentures.
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Talk to our team about dentures.

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Or call (07) 3269 6252.

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What full dentures are

A full denture (also called a complete denture) is a removable appliance that replaces an entire arch of teeth — upper, lower, or both. The teeth sit on a custom-fitted acrylic base, which is shaped to rest gently on the gums and the underlying bone.

The upper denture is supported by suction and the shape of the palate. The lower denture sits on the lower ridge and relies on the muscles of the cheeks and tongue to stay in place. Lower dentures are usually less stable than upper dentures because the lower jaw has less surface area and a moving tongue underneath. For some patients, a small number of implants can be added to support a lower denture if stability becomes an ongoing concern.

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When full dentures are usually considered

Full dentures are typically considered when:

  • All of the natural teeth in one or both arches have already been lost.
  • The remaining teeth are no longer restorable due to advanced decay, periodontal disease, or fracture.
  • Other replacement options such as dental implants are not suitable, available, or affordable.
  • An existing denture is worn, loose, or no longer fits the gums comfortably.

If only some teeth are missing, a partial denture is usually more appropriate. Our comparison of dentures, implants, and bridges may help if you are still weighing up the choice.

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Benefits of a well-made full denture

  • Restores the ability to chew a wider variety of foods.
  • Supports the lips and cheeks so the face does not look sunken.
  • Helps speech sounds form more clearly.
  • Allows a complete smile after long-term tooth loss.
  • Is removable for easy daily cleaning.

Dentures are not identical to natural teeth — they are a removable replacement, and chewing efficiency is lower than it is with natural teeth or implants. Most patients adjust well with time and find their denture genuinely improves day-to-day function.

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The fitting process

A new full denture is usually made over several visits. We do not rush this process — the time spent getting the fit and bite right at each stage is what makes a comfortable, well-functioning denture.

1. Consultation and planning

We discuss what you have noticed with your current teeth or denture, examine the gums and any remaining teeth, and talk through the options. If extractions are needed first, we will plan those in coordination with the denture timing.

2. Impressions and bite records

We take detailed impressions or digital scans of the gums and ridges, then record how your upper and lower jaws meet. This is the foundation of how the new denture will fit and how it will feel when chewing.

3. Try-in

A wax version of the denture is placed in your mouth so you can preview the look and feel before the final denture is made. We check tooth position, lip support, smile line, and bite. Adjustments are easy at this stage — small changes here make a big difference to the finished result.

4. Fitting the finished denture

The completed denture is placed and checked for comfort, retention, and bite. We give clear instructions on wearing, cleaning, and what is normal in the first few weeks.

5. Review appointments

New dentures almost always need small adjustments in the first weeks. Sore spots, minor pressure points, and bite refinements are normal. Our page on adjusting to new dentures covers what to expect in detail.

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The adjustment period

Even a well-made denture takes time to get used to. In the first few weeks it is common to notice:

  • Increased saliva for a few days as the mouth registers the new appliance.
  • Mild soreness in one or two areas — these spots can be relieved at a quick review visit.
  • Some difficulty with certain words; speech usually settles within a couple of weeks of regular use.
  • A learning curve with chewing — starting with soft foods cut into smaller pieces helps.
  • The denture feeling bulky at first; this sensation eases as the cheeks, lips, and tongue adapt.

Most patients are comfortable and confident with a new denture within a few weeks. Persistent discomfort is not something you need to live with — please come back for a review.

Care

Caring for your full denture

  • Remove and rinse the denture after meals.
  • Brush the denture daily with a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner (regular toothpaste can be too abrasive).
  • Soak overnight in water or a denture-cleaning solution — gums benefit from a break from the denture.
  • Clean the gums, tongue, and palate with a soft brush every day.
  • Continue regular check-ups so the fit can be monitored as the gums and bone change over time.

Over time, gums and bone slowly reshape and a denture that fit perfectly years ago may become loose. A reline or rebase often restores comfort — see our page on relining and repairs.

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Who full dentures may suit

  • Adults who have already lost all of their teeth in one or both jaws.
  • Patients preparing for the remaining teeth to be removed who want a planned replacement.
  • Those for whom implants are not currently suitable or affordable.
  • Patients with an older, worn denture who would like a fresh start.

If you only have one or two teeth missing, a partial denture, bridge, or implant is usually more appropriate. We will explain the reasoning openly at the consultation.

Payment

Health funds and payment

Sandgate Family Dental is a HICAPS provider, so where you have eligible dental cover we can process your health fund claim at the practice and you only need to pay any gap. The rebate you receive depends on your individual policy, your level of cover, and your annual limits — your fund can confirm what is covered before treatment.

We can provide an itemised treatment plan with item numbers so you can check your entitlements in advance. Payment plan options are available for larger treatment. The information on our major dental cover page may also help.

FAQs

Full denture FAQs

How long does it take to make a full denture?

Most patients need four to five visits over a few weeks. We do not rush this — careful try-ins lead to a comfortable, well-fitting denture.

Will I be without teeth at any point?

If you already have no teeth, no. If teeth need to be extracted first, an immediate denture can be placed on the day of extraction so you do not go without teeth in public.

How do I know when my denture needs replacing?

Dentures usually need replacement or relining every several years. Signs include increased looseness, frequent sore spots, food trapping, cracks, or noticeable wear on the chewing surfaces.

Can I eat normally with full dentures?

Many foods are manageable, particularly once you have settled in. Tough or sticky foods can be more difficult. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing on both sides helps.

Are full dentures different from immediate dentures?

An immediate denture is placed at the time of extractions and is intended as a transitional appliance while the gums heal. A conventional full denture is made after healing, when the ridges are stable.

Can implants help if my lower denture is loose?

For some patients, a small number of implants can help anchor a lower denture and reduce movement. We can talk through whether implant-supported dentures are an option for you.

How much do full dentures cost?

Cost depends on whether one or both arches are involved, the materials chosen, and whether extractions or relines are needed. We provide an itemised quote with item numbers so you can check your health fund entitlements before starting.

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Speak to our team

If you would like to discuss a new full denture, replacement of an older set, or simply explore what is involved, our team is happy to talk you through it without pressure. Book an appointment online or phone the practice during opening hours.

Related pages

Related pages

Ready when you are
Plan your dentures.

We’ll walk you through the options at a consult.

Book a consult

Or phone Sandgate Family Dental on (07) 3269 6252.