Dentures have long been one of the most accessible ways to replace missing teeth — and for many people, they’re still a practical option. At Switch Dental, we approach dentures with clarity and honesty. A well-made denture can restore appearance and function, but it does come with trade-offs. They’re not the same as natural teeth or implants — and we won’t sugar-coat that. But when planned carefully, and maintained well, dentures can offer an effective and cost-conscious solution.
Our team uses modern techniques, including digital scans where appropriate, to design dentures that fit your mouth and your lifestyle. Whether you need a full denture, a partial denture, or you’re revisiting an older one that’s no longer fitting well, we’ll guide you through the process clearly — without upselling or jargon.
Dentures aren’t “bolted in” like implants. Instead, they rest on the gums — relying on suction, surface area, and in the case of partial dentures, clasps around natural teeth for support. This means:
- Full dentures can feel loose over time, especially the lower ones, because they float on the gums.
- Partial dentures clip onto existing teeth. These teeth (called abutments) take on extra load — so they need to be healthy and regularly checked.
- Speech and eating can take a while to get used to. The plate may cover your palate or sit under your tongue, which can initially feel bulky.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of dentures is that they don’t stop bone shrinkage. Once teeth are gone, the jawbone starts to resorb over time. This happens regardless of how often you wear your denture. As the bone shrinks, the denture fit becomes looser — meaning:
- More movement and clicking during eating
- More food getting trapped underneath
- Less facial support and changes to face shape
If bone loss progresses enough, the only way to stabilise the denture may be through implants — often a significant investment later on. For those who want to avoid this, looking at implants or preserving their natural teeth may be options they look at.
Dentures aren’t a one-and-done treatment. Just like tyres wear out and shoes stretch, your mouth changes — and your denture needs to adapt with it.
- Relining helps reshape the internal surface of your denture to better match your gums
- Rebasing replaces the entire base while keeping the teeth
- New dentures may be required every 5–10 years depending on wear, changes in jaw shape, and function
If you have a partial denture, it’s essential to maintain the surrounding teeth. Those teeth are doing double duty — helping support your bite and your denture.
Making dentures is part art, part science — and we don’t rush it. The process generally includes:
- Initial consultation and impressions (we can often use digital scans instead of moulds)
- Jaw relation records – determining the right height and position for your bite
- Trial wax denture – where we preview the look and fit before finalising
- Final fitting – your custom denture is inserted, adjusted, and fine-tuned
It’s a multi-step process that can take 2–12 weeks, depending on your needs and the type of denture.
- Don’t wear them overnight. Your gums need time to “breathe” — plus, sleeping in dentures increases the risk of fungal infections like oral thrush.
- Store them in water. If left dry, the acrylic can warp or shrink, making them brittle and harder to fit. A glass of clean water works fine.
- Clean them daily. Use a soft denture brush (not regular toothpaste) and rinse well after meals.
How long do dentures last?
With proper care, 5–10 years is typical. Fit and comfort may change as your mouth changes.
Can dentures really look natural?
Absolutely. We take time to choose the right shape, shade, and smile line — it’s not one-size-fits-all.
What are implant-retained dentures?
They’re dentures clipped onto implants in the jaw, offering better stability. A great option if full dentures are not staying in well — though they do cost significantly more.
Are dentures covered by insurance or WINZ?
Sometimes! We’re happy to provide quotes and help you with the paperwork if needed.
Why Choose Switch Dental?
We take a realistic, respectful approach to denture care. You’ll get the full picture — what they can do, what they can’t, and what’s needed to keep them working well for you.
Modern tools like digital scanning
Clear timelines
Options for replacement teeth
Supportive team
