Resources

Generally less than tooth extractions. The procedure can be virtually painless.  Everyone’s healing is unique to their situation.  You will likely experience some discomfort for a few days following the procedure.  

Unfortunately, dentures cannot be whitened.  If you are looking for a brighter smile, you will need a new denture to change the shade of the teeth.  Dentures can sometimes harbour stains that make them appear darker.  We carry a product that you can utilize to remove surface staining.  To determine what can be done to brighten your smile, schedule a free consultation!

The denture making process involves various essential steps in order to attain the proper fit, esthetics and function. 

The first appointment is devoted to taking impressions of your mouth – top and bottom.  The second appointment is to take measurements of how your jaws uniquely bite together.  This is where we start discussing customization options.  On the third visit, you will have a chance to see what the denture templates look like in a wax form of what your permanent dentures will be made from.  This step allows for verification of the bite, alignment and esthetics prior to the final product being produced.  At this stage, changed can be made if something needs to be perfected.
The final appointment is the day you get to take your teeth home.  Everything is double-checked to ensure comfort and instructions are reviewed for expectations and care.  If follow-up appointments are required, you simply call the office and we will bring you in on an as-need basis to resolve issues or help you adjust to your new dentures.

The entire process generally takes between 3-5 weeks, depending on complexity of the case.

Dentures can be challenging to get used to.  Their function is very different from having your own teeth. How well you learn to eat and speak will be unique from person to person. 
Don’t forget that dentures are a prosthetic – making a prosthetic work as well as the real thing is challenging.  Wearing your denture(s) all day will give you the best opportunity to get used to them.  Be patient and practise!

It’s a good idea to have your dentures assessed every 2 years.  You may wear through your dentures quicker than others you know who also wear dentures, depending on your habits and how often you are wearing them.  Letting your dentures get to the point that they are severely worn, can result in irreversible issues with your jaw muscles, joints and tissue lesions from ill-fitting or improperly aligned dentures.  Don’t hesitate to have your dentures assessed for free today!  

You can have as little as 2 or as many as 6 to stabilize your denture.  You do not need one implant per tooth that you are missing if you are missing most or all of your teeth.  A few implants can change your life wearing dentures! Come in for a consultation and we can discuss what your needs and expectations are.  From there, we can help orchestrate the treatment plan with you to move you toward the secure confident smile that you are longing for.  

Each client has a unique insurance policy.  In order to determine if your treatment is covered through your plan, a consultation is necessary.  We will happily do any insurance pre-authorizations for you should you decide to seek treatment within our clinic.  Once a consultation is completed, we will know exactly what treatment is necessary for you and submit the plan to your insurance company. 

Partial dentures function very differently from complete dentures. The design and function are not comparable. Most partial dentures ideally should be replaced by a properly fitted complete denture. Most partial denture designs do not allow for additions of teeth to function for a long period of time.
Additions or conversions of dentures, where applicable, are short-term solutions during a healing period after extractions, and a more permanent option should be planned soon after. To find out if your partial denture can be added to when you lose a tooth, call the office to have it assessed prior to the tooth/teeth being removed.

Our number-one suggested route would be to have the remainder of the teeth extracted, allow for adequate healing, and then have the dentures fabricated on a good foundation. More detailed information on immediate dentures vs. standard dentures is listed in the “Treatments” tab of the website.
In short, it is always best to have dentures built to fit the gums in a state where they are not consistently changing. When a tooth is removed, the bone and gums surrounding that area go through a reforming process called resorption. If the dentures are made to fit the mouth prior to the majority of resorption, the dentures will no longer fit after it occurs.  This can be as soon as 1 week after getting the dentures and up to 3 months later.
Not having any teeth in your mouth may not be an option either, in which case immediate dentures can be fabricated so you are never without teeth in your mouth. See the immediate denture information to help you decide which treatment option is best suited for you.  If you are still unsure, please see one of our Denturists to help guide you as this can be a daunting transition that we can help you through.  

This is a very common question. There is good news and bad news. The bad news is, if one denture is worn or doesn’t fit properly, the same would be the case for the opposing denture. When only one denture is replaced, the chewing abilities are not restored to how they should be since the other half of the mouth is still in a worn condition.

The good news is, you could have better aesthetics and chewing capabilities by having both replaced. You may be missing out on a good fit and better chewing abilities which can be restored with a complete set of dentures. The best comparison is, you wouldn’t fix worn brakes on just the left side of the car when you are in need of a new brake job. Do what is best for your oral health and treat your mouth as one functioning unit.

Dentures are built with plastic and can be fixed using the same materials to re-bond the broken pieces. Crazy glue contains chemicals that are not meant to be ingested. A common misconception is that crazy glue will fix it, even temporarily. Do not ever attempt to fix your own denture!
When a denture breaks, it needs to be fixed exactly how it was prior to the break. Adding crazy glue can dramatically compromise the fit and alignment of a denture and result in the potential need to have a new one built. Save yourself the time, money, and frustration and bring it to the professionals.

Dentures are built with plastic and can be fixed using the same materials to re-bond the broken pieces. Crazy glue contains chemicals that are not meant to be ingested. A common misconception is that crazy glue will fix it, even temporarily. Do not ever attempt to fix your own denture!
When a denture breaks, it needs to be fixed exactly how it was prior to the break. Adding crazy glue can dramatically compromise the fit and alignment of a denture and result in the potential need to have a new one built. Save yourself the time, money, and frustration and bring it to the professionals.

Dentures do not replicate the exact function and forces of your natural teeth.  Your gums recede over time, making the denture(s) loose or ill-fitting. This could be due to weight loss, illness, further tooth loss or problems with the denture.  A treatment as simple as a reline may be all you require to improve the situation.  Depending on the condition of the denture, your outcome may be limited with a reline and could potentially result in needing a new denture. 

If you are wearing a new denture and you are finding that it is loose, you may benefit from implants. Talk to your Denturist today if implants would be a solution for you.

Yes! You need to keep gums and oral tissues healthy. Your gums will thank you and your dentures will last longer!

Please explore the Implant section on the website.  If you would like a customized consultation about implants for yourself, schedule a consultation with one of our Denturists.  

They don’t have to! The choice is yours as far as what you want your dentures to look like in most situations.  Talk to your denturist about your wishes for your overall esthetic expectations.  If for some reason they cannot be met, this will be discussed with you.  Remember, the third appointment is designated to ensuring you are satisfied with the overall esthetics.  

With practise, yes! Start with small pieces. Chew slowly with both sides of your mouth to prevent tipping.  Be cautious with sharp/hard foods.  Some foods may be challenging to eat with dentures – you will know what you can and can eat with time.  The more secure your dentures are, the more varieties of food that you will be able to eat. 

Regular professional care, positive attitude and persistence are the qualities that are helpful in getting accustomed to wearing dentures.