FAQ

What types of dentures are available?

• Full denture: when all teeth are missing in either the upper or lower jaw, a full denture is made to replace them. If there are no natural teeth remaining anywhere in the jaw, than dentures will be made to replace both upper and lower teeth.
• Partial denture: partial dentures are made to fill the space created by just a few missing teeth. Clasps are used to hold a partial denture in position. They secure the denture by clipping on to nearby natural teeth.
• Immediate denture: an immediate denture is inserted straight after your teeth have been extracted, at the same appointment. The immediate denture is used so that the patient can avoid a waiting period without the embarrasment of missing teeth.
• Overdenture: an overdenture is a denture that is used in any of the following scenarios: attached to dental implants, over the top of natural teeth, over tooth roots after root canal treatment. To secure the overdenture in place, either remaining teeth or dental implants are used as anchors.
• Implant denture: an implant supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. A standard denture rests on the gums, and is not supported by implants. An implant supported denture is used when a person has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. A dental implant is a specifically designed piece of titanium which is implanted into the bone of your jaw to support a custom made artificial tooth or denture.

What can I expect with my new dentures?

• Over the first few days:
  • you may feel that your denture is bulky as if taking up too much space in your mouth
  • your denture may feel uncomfortable and tight
  • some individuals report a gagging sensation at the back of the throat
  • your gums may feel irritated or sore
  • you may become aware of an increase in the amount of saliva in your mouth
  • your speech may be affected; however, this will improve in time. Those with partial dentures may find that their speech almost instantly improves because missing teeth have been replaced, correcting any pronunciation problems.
• Give yourself time to adapt to your new teeth and eat only soft foods during the first few days.

What can I eat with my new dentures?

• It takes a little practice and time to learn to eat with your new dentures. First, you will be experimenting with soft food only, and than after a few days it will be time to experiment with a wider range of foods. Approach the task gently. Cut food into small pieces; take small mouthfuls only, remembering to chew slowly. Once you have become more confident with your new dentures and have had any sore spots adjusted by the denturist, we recommend you broaden your diet than so that you may benefit from improved nutrition.

Do I need to have regular check-ups?

• Your dentures are important to the way you look and feel. That's why it's important to maintain dentures and ensure they perform at their optimum so you can perform at your best. A regular check-up with your denturist is the most effective way for you and your dentures to get the care and attention you both deserve.

• Why is a recall appointment necessary?

• Tissue and Bone: Over time, your mouth goes through considerable changes. Tissue shrinkage and loss of underlying bone (resorption) on which your dentures rest will occur. Since your dentures do not change, they may no longer fit like they once did.
• Oral Cavity: Having an annual oral exam may prevent or help detect the existance of oral cancer or other abnormal conditions.
• Fit and bite of your existing denture: Worn out dentures can cause improper fit and bite which can lead to other problems. They can also cause changes in your ability to bite, your speech and appearance.
• The integrity of your dentures: The denturist will check for cracks, chips, scratches and worn or loose teeth.

• What to expect during your recall visit:

  • update your dental and medical history
  • intra oral examination
  • check the integrity of your denture
  • check the esthetics, stability and bite
  • tighten clasps on partial dentures
  • change nylons (snaps) on implant dentures and calibrate for proper retention
  • discuss options available to you based on your needs
  • review of oral hygiene procedures and denture care
  • cleaning and polishing of your dentures if required

Will my insurance cover the cost of my dentures?

• We are happy to assist you with the filing of dental benefit claims and predetermination of eligibilty for procedures. We will work with you to help you get the maximum coverage you are entitled to for your treatment plan.

What is a reline?

• Over time your mouth and dentures undergo inevitable changes. Dentures should be replaced every five to seven years to restore optimum fit, function and appearance. In the meantime, if your dentures require a reline the denturist can best advise you of the most suitable treatment plan. The denturist can offer same day service for relines to minimize the amount of time you are without your dentures.
• Relining consists of adding new base (pink) material to the tissue side of the denture to ensure a snug fit. The denturist will need to take an intra oral impression inside your existing denture to complete the reline.
• Relining affects only the fit of your denture and will not change the appearance or address any wear of the denture teeth.
• Relines are required when tissue changes occur due to resorption (shrinkage) which can be due to weight loss, loss of teeth, loss of bone/tissue, disease, or illness.

My dentures broke. Now what?

• Never attempt to repair or alter your dentures yourself. Improperly repaired dentures (with Krazy Glue) will not last long and may cause irritation due to the poor fit and have an adverse effect on your overall health. Repairs may be required when breakage or damage occurs, when one or more teeth need to be added to an existing denture (due to tooth extraction), or because of wear and tear. Often denture teeth and clasps can be added to existing partial dentures when natural teeth are lost.
• A proper repair requires addition of new denture base (pink) material to the repair area and may require an itra-oral impression by the denturist prior to repair. Most repairs can easily be done in one day. If your denture requires a repair, it may indicate underlying problems associated with the age of the denture, worn teeth or poor fit.

What is a soft liner?

• Soft liners are used to increase chewing comfort in new or existing dentures. Soft liners are bonded to the surface of dentures and rest on the oral tissues. The soft liner acts as a shock absorber between the hard plastic denture base and the sensitive oral tissues covering the jaw ridges. If you are suffering with denture sore spots, speak to the denturist about how a soft liner may help you.

• Is a soft liner right for you?

• Permanent soft liners provide comfort and relief for individuals with chronic soreness, severely flattened ridges that do not tolerate the chewing pressure comfortably, or ridges with prominent or sharp bony areas.

• Advantages of soft liners:

  • greater comfort; many denture wearers report that they can chew food more comfortably

  • patients experience a reduced number of sore spots

  • a proven technology, soft liners have been available for over 40 years, and during that time the materials and technology have steadily improved

• Ask the denturist how you could benefit from a soft liner.