What are dentures?

Dentures are a replacement for your teeth. If your teeth become loose, chipped, lost, or are too damaged to save, you might need a denture. This is when all of your teeth are replaced with something artificial, also known as a prosthetic.

What type of dental professional would I see about getting dentures?

If you need dentures, you would see a dentist. The dentist can inform you about the current health and condition of your existing teeth, guide you through the process of deciding whether dentures are right for you, and explain other options before resorting to dentures.

When would a dentist recommend getting dentures?

A dentist might recommend getting a denture anytime your teeth are severely broken down, not salvageable, loose, or more compromised than before. In such cases, it might not be reasonable to rebuild your teeth and replacing all of your teeth with a denture might be considered.

What are some alternatives to dentures, and when would each be the most appropriate option?

Alternatives to dentures include saving your natural teeth or dental implants. Saving your natural teeth is always the preferred option, if possible. But if not, dental implants can replace as few as one or as many as all of your teeth. The most common type of dental implant completely replaces all of your teeth.

What types of dentures are available?

There are different types of dentures. The most traditional denture is a piece of plastic that can be removed and is often difficult for patients to keep in place. Another option is a fixed denture, which sits on top of implants and offers a stable and natural feeling that allows you to speak, chew, and smile confidently.

How are dentures made, and what materials are used?

Dentures can be made from various materials, ranging from plastic and acrylic to rigid and beautiful zirconia and porcelain materials. If the denture is attached to implants, we have more freedom in the types of materials we use, offering opportunities to make them look amazing and feel like natural teeth.

What happens during the denture placement procedure?

The procedure involves taking a record of the existing jaw and deciding where we'd like the teeth. The laboratory then works with us to create the teeth at the right level and make the base comfortable and broad so it sits on the gums. We ensure that the top and bottom arches work together so you can eat, speak, and smile.

Is getting dentures painful?

People often worry about pain with dental procedures or dentures. However, if you have teeth that are chipped, worn, infected, or broken, those conditions come with quite a bit of pain. When you have a denture and it sits on the ridge, it can put pressure on your gums. For loose dentures, that pressure can cause sore spots, similar to blisters from a new pair of shoes. Over time, you will get used to those. However, dentures that attach to implants provide support and cushion, reducing the likelihood of pressure spots or sores.

What anesthesia options are available for anesthesia?

In many situations where you already have the implants or are missing your teeth and we're just making something that goes on top, we don't need any anesthesia or numbing. This process involves scanning or taking impressions in the chair, and it's not invasive at all. It's a very straightforward process.

What should I expect my dentures to look like and feel like?

When we design dentures, we aim to make them look good, fit together, suit your personality, and support your lips. We can adjust a denture to either support the lip more or less. We also ensure that they fit within the frame of your mouth and lips and provide the right volume. This approach significantly improves aesthetics, your smile line, and your self-confidence.

If I get dentures, is it going to be difficult to speak?

Usually not, but there can be some cases where it is. If your denture is fixed to implants, your speech will be excellent. However, if you have a loose denture, it might constantly move or escape, which can impact your speech. That's why we recommend that any lower denture needs to be attached to something, like an implant, to avoid speech disturbances and difficulty keeping it in place.

Can denture adhesives improve that?

Denture adhesives can improve the stability of dentures to a small degree, but they are not a perfect solution. They create a mess, are an additional expense, and are difficult to clean out of the denture. The long-term solution to moving dentures is to add something they attach to, such as implants.

What is the best way to clean and care for my dentures?

There are two main ways to care for your dentures. First, avoid dropping or damaging them and avoid using harsh abrasives, like toothpaste, which can scratch and dull the denture. Second, bring your dentures to your regularly scheduled appointments for a deep cleaning. On a daily basis, use plain running water and a soft toothbrush to clean your dentures.

What special care should I take for my mouth and gums after getting dentures?

Your mouth might still need special care after getting a denture. Food particles can get trapped inside the denture and cause a buildup of bacteria and even yeast. To avoid this, remove your denture at night, clean the inside with plain running water, and clean your gums where the denture sits. This will allow the tissue to rest and breathe, preventing the buildup of bacteria or fungus.

How long will dentures last?

As you wear a denture, your gums and bone will continue to remodel. If you've worn dentures for many years, that remodeling might keep pace with the inside of the denture, and you may not notice too much disturbance of its fit. However, if you're new to getting a denture, you might notice that it becomes loose and rocks more than it used to. In this case, you'll need a reline or an adjustment of the fit of the denture. Typically, dentures should be checked once every 12 months, and a reline should be done about every three to four years.

What if my dentures need restoration, replacement, or repair?

Like anything else, dentures might need maintenance, repair, or replacement. If your dentures aren't fitting well, are moving more than they used to, or if a tooth has chipped or fallen off, they might need to be adjusted or looked at. However, please don't try to repair them yourself. Instead, bring them to the dentist for a professional repair or replacement.

What is the cost around dentures, and if I have dental insurance, will it pay for it?

The cost of dentures depends on the type you choose. The lowest cost is for a traditional denture that doesn't attach to anything. However, this option also has the lowest satisfaction. Dental implants have a higher cost, which varies depending on how many implants you want. It's essential to choose the right option for you, knowing how it will behave afterwards, what to expect, and being comfortable with the costs.

When should I schedule an appointment for dentures?

The best time to schedule an appointment for dentures is before you need them. It's crucial to understand the condition of your teeth or existing dentures and know your options. Making sure you're comfortable with your choice, knowing what to expect, and being sure that you've chosen the right thing for you is important. If you need help with that decision, please don't hesitate to give me a call.