top of page

DENTURES, BRIDGES +

IMPLANTS

Dentures

A denture is a removable option to replace missing teeth. There are several stages involved both in the clinic and at the lab leading up to the final product. The number of visits and amount of time from start to finish depends on many factors such as:

 

  • Complexity of the case

  • Type of denture required (e.g. plastic or metal base)

  • Cosmetic considerations

 

Following the insertion appointment where you are able to take home the denture/s, follow up/review appointments will be arranged as needed.

 

Each individual takes a different amount of time to adapt to new dentures. Patience and perseverance is the key. We will continue to see you for any required adjustments to ensure maximum comfort as you get used to your new denture/s.

 

A very small percentage of people, unfortunately will never comfortably tolerate dentures. If this is not the ideal tooth replacement solution, your dentist will be happy to go through other possible options suitable to you.

 

Bridges

Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of an artificial tooth anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap with crowns. Like crowns, bridges are usually made of porcelain and/or metal alloy.

 

Your dentist will go through the type of bridge/s suitable to you, materials, cost and any further considerations of this treatment option.

 

Extra care must be taken to clean around and under the bridge to prevent further decay and problems. Your dentist will advise you on the best hygiene tools and techniques.

 

Dental Implants (Tooth Replacement)

Dental Implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing natural teeth. Implants and their attached crowns mimic the look and function of real teeth. They can make an attractive and convenient alternative to dentures and bridges.

 

There are different types of dental implants available. Most are made from titanium, which is capable of integrating with the jaw bone.

 

Dental implants involve 3 separate treatment stages:

 

  • Preparation of the implant site

  • Insertion of the implant

  • Insertion of the replacement tooth

 

Your surgeon will review to ensure that correct and sufficient healing has taken place before the artificial tooth is inserted.

 

While dental implants are a great option for tooth replacement, it is important to note that not all clients are a candidate. There are many factors affecting the success of dental implants which must be first assessed by a qualified dental surgeon. We encourage all whom are interested to come on down for a consultation.

 

Mini Implants (Denture Stabilisation)

Mini implants are a permanent, painless solution to slipping dentures, which act to 'lock' dentures in place. Surgery to implant these devices is done under local anaesthetic, on average a 90 minute procedure. So non-invasive is the procedure that you can begin to 'load' your dentures onto the implants immediately – no recuperation period is required.

 

Mini Dental Implants

Dentures that slip or 'wander' in the mouth can cause soreness, chafing and speech difficulties. Mini dental implants (MDIs) are a painless and permanent solution to this problem, and significantly more effective than commercial denture adhesives. Both upper and lower jaw dentures can be stabilised using MDIs.

 

Modern MDIs are very small titanium alloy screws, which are implanted in a quick, 1 to 2 hour surgical procedure under local anaesthetic at our Clinic. The tiny screws are implanted into your gums, where they act just like the root of a tooth. The head of the implant is like a 'ball', which snaps perfectly into the 'sockets' that we fit into the bottom of your dentures. This holds the denture in place on the gum, at a pre-determined level of force that is comfortable for the wearer – not too tight so that there is a lack of natural flexibility.

 

Unlike larger, standard Dental Implants, MDIs very rarely require the gum to be surgically cut, which means irritation, discomfort and healing time is kept to a minimum. In fact, so straightforward and non-invasive is the procedure that you can begin to 'load' your dentures onto the implants immediately – no recuperation period is required.

 

Dr Justin Ho is a skilled dental surgeon, with years of experience and an established reputation for surgical precision and sensitivity.

 

bottom of page