Full dentures replace a complete arch of teeth - upper, lower, or both. People come to Paul for them for all sorts of reasons: teeth lost gradually over the years, a first set that never sat right, or a long-serving denture that's finally worn out. Whatever brought you here, the goal is the same - a denture that lets you eat, talk and smile without thinking about it.
What full dentures are, and who they suit
A full denture is a removable replacement for all the teeth in an arch, built on a gum-coloured base that's shaped to your mouth. Upper dentures cover the palate, which helps them stay in place by suction. Lower dentures sit on the gum ridge and rely more on a precise fit, which is exactly where careful measurement earns its keep.
Full dentures suit people who've lost all their teeth in one or both jaws, or who are having their remaining teeth removed. If you still have some healthy teeth, a partial denture may be the better option - Paul will tell you honestly which one fits your situation.
The process, step by step
Getting full dentures isn't a single appointment - it's a series of short, unhurried visits that build toward a denture made for you:
- Consultation - Paul examines your mouth, talks through your history and what you're hoping for, and explains your options and likely costs.
- Impressions - precise moulds of your gums are taken, which become the foundation of the fit.
- Bite and measurements - Paul records how your jaws meet and the shape and shade of teeth that will suit your face.
- Try-in - you see the denture in wax first and check the look and feel before it's finished, so nothing is a surprise.
- Fitting - your finished denture is placed, checked and adjusted.
- Follow-up - a new denture almost always needs a little settling in, and Paul is here to fine-tune it.
Paul's dual qualification advantage
Paul is both a dental technician and a dental prosthetist. The technician trade is the craft of constructing the denture; the prosthetist qualification is the clinical side - assessing you and fitting it. Because he holds both, the person who takes your measurements is closely involved in how the denture is built, so the detail from your appointment carries through into the finished result.
How long it takes
Most full dentures come together over several appointments across a few weeks. The pace is deliberate - each stage needs to be right before the next, and rushing is how you end up with a denture that doesn't fit. Paul will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation based on your circumstances.
Getting used to new full dentures
New dentures take some adjusting to, and that's normal. For the first little while, eating softer foods cut into smaller pieces helps, and reading aloud at home settles your speech quickly. Any pressure spots can be eased with a quick adjustment - that's an expected part of settling in, not a sign anything's gone wrong.
Health funds, DVA and rebates
SA Precision Dentures is a Medibank Private and BUPA preferred provider, and most major funds (including HCF) pay a rebate on full dentures under major dental or prosthetics cover. DVA Gold and White Cards are accepted. Bring your fund or DVA details to your appointment and Paul's team can help you claim.
THE PROCESS
From first visit to final fit
Consultation
Paul assesses your mouth, talks through options and gives you a clear quote.
Impressions & bite
Precise moulds and bite measurements form the foundation of the fit.
Try-in
You approve the look and feel in wax before the denture is finished.
Fit & follow-up
Your denture is fitted and adjusted, with Paul available for fine-tuning.
FAQS
Full denture questions
How long does it take to get full dentures made in Adelaide?+
Most full dentures take several appointments over a few weeks. Each stage - impressions, bite, try-in, fitting - needs to be right before the next, so Paul works at a pace that produces a denture that actually fits rather than rushing to a deadline. He'll give you a realistic timeline at your consultation.
What does the process involve step by step?+
It runs consultation, impressions, bite and measurements, a wax try-in you approve, fitting of the finished denture, then follow-up adjustments. You see and approve the look before anything is finalised, so there are no surprises at the end.
How much do full dentures cost?+
Cost depends on the materials and your situation, so Paul gives you a clear quote at your consultation. Health fund rebates and DVA cover can reduce what you pay - the denture cost page explains how.
Will my full dentures look natural?+
That's the aim. Paul matches the shape and shade of the teeth to suit your face and age, and you approve the look at the wax try-in stage before the denture is completed.
Ready to talk about full dentures?
Call Paul's clinic in Surrey Downs or send an enquiry. No pressure - just a straight conversation about what will work for you.