Dentures are custom-made removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore your smile, chewing ability, and confidence. They are made from impressions of your mouth so they fit comfortably and look like natural teeth.
Complete (Full) Dentures
These replace all teeth in one or both jaws. They rest on the gums and are held in place by suction and the shape of your mouth. Complete dentures are generally the first option offered to restore chewing function when all teeth are missing.
Partial Dentures
These replace one or more missing teeth when you still have some healthy natural teeth remaining. They are a versatile and cost-effective option. Partial dentures are available in different materials, most commonly acrylic or cobalt chrome.
Immediate Dentures
These are placed on the same day your teeth are removed, so you are never without teeth. They may need adjusting as your gums heal and change shape over the following months.
Implant-Supported Overdentures
These are removable dentures that clip onto dental implants placed in the jawbone. Implants provide much better grip and stability compared to conventional dentures. The McGill and York consensus statements recognise a two-implant overdenture as a key standard of care for patients with no teeth in the lower jaw.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is a fixed (non-removable) option that uses your adjacent natural teeth as supports to hold replacement teeth in place. Bridges are cemented in and do not need to be taken out for cleaning. However, they require healthy neighbouring teeth to be shaped down to anchor the bridge.
Dental Implants (Fixed)
Implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. Once healed, they support individual crowns, bridges, or full-arch fixed teeth. They function most like natural teeth and help preserve the jawbone. They are a more permanent option, though they involve surgery, a longer treatment time, and higher cost.
Feature | Dentures | Bridges | Implants (Fixed) |
Removable? | Yes | No | No |
Surgery needed? | No (unless implant-supported) | No | Yes |
Preserves jawbone? | Limited | Limited | Yes |
Relies on other teeth? | Partial dentures, yes | Yes | No |
Durability | May need relining over time | Typically 10-15 years | Long-term with care |
Cost | Most affordable | Moderate | Highest |
Ask your dentist at MedCentral Dental which option is the most suitable for you.
If your dentures feel loose, cause soreness, or you notice changes in your gums or mouth, please contact us. Poorly fitting dentures can cause irritation and oral health problems such as oral thrush (candidiasis) or difficulty eating. Regular check-ups help ensure your dentures continue to fit well and your mouth stays healthy.
WESTFIELD KNOX
Westfield Knox Shopping Centre (Walk through from Priceline Pharmacy or MedCentral Knox) 1060/425 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South VIC 3152
OPENING HOURS
Weekdays: 9am to 5pm
Open Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Principal Dentist
Speaks English and Vietnamese
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.
With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.
Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.
Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.
She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.
Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.
She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.
In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.
Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.
Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.
In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.
Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.
Speaks English
Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.
Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.
Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.
