Dentures

What are dentures?

Dentures are a removable solution for replacing missing teeth. They are custom-made to fit your mouth, and they appear as natural teeth.

Removable dentures are a more traditional option that requires the patient to remove them at night when they sleep. To determine the best type of dentures for you, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and oral health.

What is the difference between partial and full dentures?

The difference between partial and full dentures is the number of teeth they replace.

Partial dentures

A partial denture is a cost-effective option when you are missing as few as a single tooth. Partial dentures are clipped to your remaining teeth for support.

Full dentures

Where all teeth are missing, full dentures use suction or various types of adhesive to remain in position. Alternatively, implants can be placed and connected to the denture with clips or magnets as a more secure retention method.

What are the benefits of implant-retained dentures?

Unlike traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures are secured using implants. The implants allow the dentures to be held in place with a clip and offer a more secure fit. There are many benefits to implant-retained dentures, including:

Improved retention and stability
Improved biting forces
Improved speech
No loss of taste (upper overdentures do not cover the palate)
Improved ability to chew and digest food
Improved nutrition through consuming a broader diet
Allows for more streamlined dentures
Easy to clean
Cost-effective to repair or replace
Less irritation or rubbing from loose dentures
No need for messy denture adhesives
Help prevent jaw bone shrinkage and retain jaw structure and shape
Help prevent a hollowed cheek appearance
They may help prevent gum recession

How long do implant-retained dentures last?

Implant-supported dentures help to preserve your jaw bone and can last much longer than suction dentures. How long they last depend on how well they are cared for. While the dental implants themselves can last a lifetime, the actual denture may last between 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced.

What is the process when getting dentures?

The first step is for our team to examine your teeth and determine the state of your oral health. During this examination, the dentist will search for any signs of infection, tooth decay, or previous dental work that could impact the denture process and search for any other teeth that may need removal prior to placing the dentures.

Making your new dentures

Your dentist will take a mould of your teeth and measurements to ensure that the dentures fit the remaining teeth. We will send these results to our in-house dental lab to create your dentures.

Fitting your new dentures

Once we complete the dentures, we will ask you to come in for a fitting to ensure the dentures fit perfectly. We will ensure that you can comfortably use your new dentures without pain or issue. If necessary, we will make adjustments to the dentures during this appointment.

Adapting to your dentures

While there will not be any pain, it may take some time to adapt to wearing the dentures. It may take some time to get used to eating and speaking with the dentures, but you will eventually have the same function and control as with natural teeth.

How do you care for your new dentures?

The proper care of dentures will require using a specific type of brush and a liquid solution that protects the material of your dentures. You will also need to soak your removable dentures in a solution every night while you sleep. Your dentures should always be immersed in a soaking solution or water when not in use. If they are not kept moist, they will lose their shape and cause discomfort when you wear them. You must also brush your gums at least twice a day.

While dentures are sturdy, they are not unbreakable and may require repairs. If you need repairs on your dentures of any kind, speak to our team.