The main aim in designing Partial dentures is to ascertain the health and viability of the remaining natural teeth and surrounding bony and soft tissue structures, as well as lifestyle factors are incorporated in the initial assessment, will ultimately shape a Partial denture that will function stably, offer support when eating and talking, restore a complete natural smile and provide minimal cost effective maintenance into the future.
Self embracing comfort and support relies on accurate planning in the initial clinical stage, coupled with precision engineering during the laboratory construction procedure.
During the first appointment, we listen to the individuals concerns, discomforts or enquiry about the current denture or not having a denture and perform an analysis of the mouth externally and internally, with the denture in and out of the mouth or with no denture at all. Detailed observations are made of the shape and size of the top and bottom jaw bones, amount of covering soft tissue and the visual and digital measurements of the empty space to be restored. The remaining natural teeth that will anchor and support the partial denture, are visually examined for soft tissue connection, colour, wear, chipping, decay and plaque calculus build up. Any adverse affects found on or in the natural teeth, we generally refer the person to the dentist for clinical treatment before proceeding, as a successfully fitted Partial denture requires a stable foundation for function and longevity. Upon clinical findings the patient is then given a choice of a metal based Partial denture or an acrylic based Partial denture, depending on clinical, personal and financial reasons. First impressions are taken of the top and bottom jaw bones, to construct special trays and to design the form of the new Partial denture framework.
During the second appointment, we choose the colour of the teeth using a German 3D colour guide, analysing the original colour of the patient’s teeth and considering the client’s personal preference in deciding the final choice. Replicas of any current denture are made so as to choose personally suited tooth size and shape, as well as alternative tooth positioning. A second impression is made of the existing teeth and jaw bone, to provide a cast stone master model for the Partial denture to be constructed onto.
When the Cobalt chrome alloy skeletal frame is selected, the master model is dispatched to a Melbourne owned and operated Dental laboratory, which has set the benchmark in industry standards for the last 60 years.
In the third appointment, we determine the suitable optimal vertical size of the Partial denture and at times together with an opposing denture, to establish stability, comfort and personal manageability of the Partial denture. Finally, the relationship of the top and bottom jaw bones in normal closure is made a record of.
During the fourth and fifth appointments respectively, we check the constructed Partial denture for fit and stability, the vertical size for facial support and functional integrity, the colour of the new denture teeth, that will match the surrounding natural tooth colour, speech phonetics and the complete natural smile.
The construction work is locally constructed in Melbourne Victoria and all denture making materials are also sourced through Dental supply companies based in Sydney New South Wales and Melbourne Victoria. All denture materials used are certified, biocompatible, safe to wear in the mouth and registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Canberra Australia.