Denture Guide
Quick reference for new and existing denture patients.
- What should I expect from my denturist?
- What is the difference between a dentist and a denturist?
- How long do dentures last?
- How long will it take to make my dentures?
- Will eating be a struggle with dentures?
- What is denture relining?
- My new dentures feel different from the old set. Why is that?
- Can I repair a broken denture on my own?
- Will dentures make me look different?
- Will dentures change the way I speak?
- How often do I check-up with my dentures?
- How to maintain dentures?
What should I expect from my denturist?
Your denturist’s specialty is the design, fabrication, insertion and adjustment of individual removable dentures, as well as overdentures on implants, allowing you to benefit fully from the latest technology.
Your denturist will work with you at every stage of a denture fabrication process. Starting with initial consultation, leading to laboratory and clinical creation of a denture, creating comfortable smiles and building trust along the way.
Your denturist will sit down with you to listen to your needs and will help you choose the best option. Your denturist can provide personalized touches to improve aesthetics.
Most denturists’ laboratory work is performed on the premises to ensure that quality of care is consistent and personal. Wait time is reduced for common alterations due to access to an on-site lab. Quite often your denturist can make changes to the denture while you are in the chair.
Your denturist will work with you to help maintain denture comfort and oral health.
Make sure to also check out our blog article where we pay a visit to a denture office — "At Denture Clinic"
What is the difference between a dentist and a denturist?
While dentists treat a range of dental issues including cavities or gum diseases, denturists are specialized dental-care professionals who work exclusively with patients that require dentures.
We're specialists in designing and fitting natural-looking dentures using the latest technology, for a great fit and a worry-free smile.
How long do dentures last?
Conventional dentures typically replaced every 5 - 7 years. However, this depends on several factors, such as maintenance of the denture, gum resorption and loss of additional teeth. Your annual check up helps to prolong the function and longevity of your denture.
How long will it take to make my dentures?
Creating dentures that fit well is a multi-step process that involves several chairside appointments as well as the laboratory procedures in between appointments to fabricate the dentures. In short, a typical appointment agenda looks like this:
- On your first appointment, we take impressions of your mouth.
- During a second appointment we take additional mouth measurements, including a secondary set of impressions.
- The third appointment usually requires a special jaw relationship measurement to establish a proper bite. At this step we also determine the size, shape and shade of teeth to use for your new dentures.
- The fourth appointment is the “try-in” appointment. Here our denturist will determine if the selected teeth are suitable esthetically. We will also make sure that you are comfortable speaking.
- When you are comfortable with the outcome of the “try-in” appointment then the fifth appointment will be the day you receive your new dentures.
Will eating be a struggle with dentures?
Patience is a key when getting used to your new teeth. Biting and chewing will be slightly different with new dentures even if you have been a denture wearer for some time. To make the transition easier, we recommend starting off with soft foods. Maintain a soft food diet for the first few days. Chewing slowly and in small bites also helps. Once comfortable with these foods, gradually introduce harder foods to your diet.
What is denture relining?
Denture relining is a simple and affordable procedure that reshapes the underside of a denture to make it more comfortable as it rests against your gums. We recommend a denture reline every 2 to 3 years to help restore the fit of your dentures and extend longevity. Most insurance plans that cover dentures cover relines every 3 years, as changes to your mouth are expected. While relines improve the fit for dentures, they will not change the effect of wear on denture teeth, neither will improve denture appearance as a result of wear. Over time, replacement will be necessary.
My new dentures feel different from the old set. Why is that?
It takes time for your mouth to get used to something new. Even if you wore dentures for years, new dentures will require some adjustment time as they settle. Be patient. Keep in mind that dentures sit on soft tissue.
Bone and compression of these tissues can sometimes cause sore spots that require relief. When this happens, schedule adjustment appointments with your denturist as soon and often as needed. If you’re not sure, call us to check whether it’s time for an adjustment.
New dentures might feel bigger. This is because of the restored tooth surfaces that no longer wear as much. Restored surfaces will allow you to chew more effectively and will have improved and more natural appearance.
Can I repair a broken denture on my own?
No, we recommend bringing in your broken denture for repair in our lab. We use professional materials to repair your denture and ensure the function is restored. The use of “super glue” or other adhesives is not recommended, even in the interim, as they contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to the human body. In the meantime, we advise you to wear the old dentures if available
Will dentures make me look different?
That is up to you. We can make dentures to closely resemble your natural teeth to minimize change in appearance. However, new dentures can be made to improve the look of your smile and the overall face appearance.
Will dentures change the way I speak?
It takes a few weeks to get used to new dentures. Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words will help you adapt.
How often do I check-up with my dentures?
We recommend check-ups annually. It is important to check for any change in the condition of your gums. During check-up visits, our team will assess oral tissues and the status of your dentures. We'll check the fit of your dentures and adjust them accordingly. We will also discuss and address any concerns regarding your dentures.
How to maintain dentures?
Check out our blog article, "A Quick Guide to Denture Maintenance", for quick reference on denture cleaning and maintenance.