Complete

Dentures

What Are Dentures?

Complete Digital Denture

Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth. Dentures can be removed and put back in your mouth at any time. There are two types of dentures – complete and partial.

Conventional complete dentures are the dentures you might be familiar with. A conventional full denture is placed in the mouth after any remaining teeth have been removed and tissue has fully healed. In this case, there may be a period of time where you are without teeth while your tissue heals and would likely be given an immediate denture.

Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the teeth are removed. In this case, there is no period of time where you are without teeth since the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. In a sense, they work as a bandage, cushioning sensitive tissue. However, the dentures must be relined several months after being inserted because the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the dentures to become loose (more on that later).

Partial dentures are dentures that only replace a few teeth. The partial denture rests on a metal framework that is attached to your natural teeth. Crowns can serve as anchors on the natural teeth if need be.

How Do I Know If I Need Dentures?

Here are a few signs that you may need dentures.

Loose teeth

Often a symptom of advanced gum disease, loose teeth may require extraction in severe cases. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to prevent such issues.

Self-consciousness

While typically not the primary reason for dentures, achieving a confident smile through dentures is a valid consideration. Discussing your concerns with a dentist can help determine the best course of action.

Persistent toothaches

While toothaches can often be treated, severe pain might indicate extensive nerve damage, potentially requiring extraction. Remember, good oral care and regular checkups are key to avoiding this.

Gum problems

Swollen, red, tender, and bleeding gums: While not an automatic sign for dentures, gum disease can lead to bone loss, which might eventually necessitate them. Regular dental checkups are crucial to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Missing teeth

Losing even a few teeth can affect how your remaining teeth function and increase the risk of future loss. Consult a dentist to determine the best solution, which may include dentures or other options.

Difficulty eating

Difficulty chewing hard or chewy foods can be caused by gum disease, cracked teeth, or cavities. Early detection and treatment through regular dental visits can often prevent them from worsening and potentially requiring dentures.

How long does it take to get used to dentures?

New dentures might feel a bit awkward in your mouth for the first few days. Eating and speaking in particular may take a bit of practice.

The muscles of your cheeks and tongue will learn to hold your dentures in place, but expect a few days to get used to it. Excessive saliva, minor irritation, soreness and a feeling that the tongue doesn’t have enough room are all common after dentures are inserted.

If you experience prolonged irritation, give us a call. It is not uncommon to need a couple of minor adjustments following an insertion.

How long do dentures last?

Like your eyeglasses, dentures are durable but they don’t last forever. The way you care for your dentures will greatly impact their lifespan.

That being said, with good care your dentures should last 5-10 years. Most insurance companies cover new dentures every 5-8 years, with relines covered every 2-3 years.

Tissue in your mouth changes over time, and your dentures may require adjusting or rebasing periodically, so it’s important that you see your Denturist at least once a year to ensure your dentures are fitting properly.

How should I care for my dentures?

Ideally, you should clean your dentures after every meal. Using a good denture brush and a good denture cleaner over a basin of lukewarm water will do the trick.

Avoid grasping both ends of the lower denture as too much pressure could break the piece.

Partial Denture Graphic

Other Types of Dentures

PARTIAL DENTURES

Missing some teeth? Preserve your smile and prevent shifting with partial dentures.

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Denture Implant Graphic

IMPLANT DENTURES

Want a more permanent solution? Implant dentures offer stability, comfort, and a natural-looking smile.

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Temporary Denture Graphic

TEMPORARY DENTURES

Need temporary teeth after extraction? We offer comfortable, immediate solutions.

LEARN MORE

5 MOST COMMON

DENTURE MYTHS

  • Denture technology has significantly improved, and with a natural and proper fit, your dentures will look just like your natural teeth.

    Clicking and slipping are telltale signs that dentures aren’t fitting properly.

    If you experience any of these symptoms, stop by for a visit and we’ll check things out.

  • Even if you wear dentures, and have for a long time, it is very important that you see your dentist regularly for oral examinations.

    Your mouth is always changing and mouth tissue is the first place where many signs of disease pop up.

    While we can make recommendations on your denture care, we are not doctors, and cannot diagnose issues.

    Be sure to schedule appointments at least once a year with your dentist. If you don’t currently have a dentist, we’ll be happy to make a referral for you.

  • It doesn’t have to be this way! With advances in technology, denture wearers are getting back to eating their favorite foods just like they did with their natural teeth.

    Good nutrition is important, regardless of whether dentures or not! If your dentures are fitting properly you should have no trouble eating a well-balanced meal.

    If you suspect your dentures are not fitting their best, make an appointment to see your denturist.

  • Not anymore! Dentures are designed to fit your mouth and your mouth only, and with a proper fit adhesives should not be necessary.

    In a pinch, adhesives may be applied until you see your denturist to improve the fit, but prolonged use of adhesives can mask infections and may contribute to jaw bone loss.

    Moreover, compensating for a loose denture with adhesives is dangerous, and can result in sores in the mouth.

    Regular appointments with your denturist will ensure that your denture fits properly and comfortably.

  • Wrong again! Today’s technology, modern dentures, and dentures over implants mean that wearing dentures does not need to be a struggle.

    You’ll be surprised at how far dentures have come!

BPS Premium Dentures

BPS Premium Dentures

Bio-functional Prosthetic System (bps) is the name of an exciting new premium denture specifically designed to fit your active lifestyle.

Only a BPS denture gives you the ultimate fit and comfort you require, along with the superior beauty and life-like appearance you want. A BPS denture starts with the exceptional beauty of Ivoclar teeth.

Each tooth is uniquely manufactured in layers to mimic natural dentition. The denture is then fabricated using a pressure-injected process designed to ensure a precise, secure, comfortable fit.

The Denture That Fits Your Lifestyle

32 million North Americans wear full or partial dentures, yet many of them are dissatisfied because of poor fit, unpleasant odors and inferior aesthetics. A set of attractive, quality dentures, skillfully crafted to your mouth will make a positive impact on your lifestyle. A BPS denture will help eliminate unexpected problems that can effect your overall quality of life.

Emotional and Psychological Health: Ill-fitting dentures can make it difficult and embarrassing to speak and socialize.

Oral Hygiene: Improperly processed dentures can harbor bacteria, which can weaken the denture and lead to bad breath.

Joint and Jaw Disorders: Excessive denture tooth wear may cause improper fit which can upset the jaw mechanism.

Premature Aging: Inferior dentures wear excessively and can lead to wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks.

Poor Nutrition: A denture that doesn’t fit properly can make it’s wearer unable to chew food properly. Certain fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables can be harder to chew and denture wearers often eliminate them from their diets. Eating less or making alterations to the food texture can influence digestion and overall good health.

Did you know?

You should not wear loose dentures. Have them checked immediately. Loose dentures can cause excessive friction between the soft tissues and the dentures resulting in sore spots that can become infected.

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Dentures can warp if placed in hot water, so always use lukewarm water for cleaning and soaking. This will help them maintain their shape and fit for longer.

Dentures don’t last forever. Inspect your denture for worn teeth. Be sure to visit your dental professional regularly as part of your recommended check-up schedule. Medication can affect denture fit and wearability so be sure to discuss this with your doctor and dental professional.

Dentures can change shape if they dry out. When not in use, cover dentures with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.

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Dentures should be brushed inside and outside daily with a soft, large nylon denture toothbrush with round-ended bristles and rinsed with cold water.

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Only your dental professional is qualified to diagnose your oral health condition and to fit or adjust your dentures.

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Still have questions?