Dental implants are medically pure titanium devices that are placed into the jawbone. They act as an anchor for the denture. See Dentures on Implants.
A partial denture helps to prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting in the mouth. It will help to stabilize your upper denture and improve your chewing functions. See Partial Dentures.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends replacing your dentures every 5 years. This is because your mouth and gums are in a constant state of change. Poor fitting dentures can cause wrinkles around the mouth and other health problems, making you look and feel much older than you are. They can prevent you from laughing or smiling like you used to.
An annual check-up of your denture is recommended. Our practice will automatically remind you on an annual basis. See Annual Check-up.
The lower denture is the more difficult of the two dentures to wear. The tongue and cheek muscles, when you are speaking or eating, tend to extend and lift or move your denture. Your upper denture has suction to keep it in place. Your lower denture just sits on top of the ridge. Most people will learn how to manage the lower denture. But remember, tissues change and dentures need to be refitted. But for those who continue to have problems there are other options. See Dentures on Implants or Soft Liners.
You may notice subtle differences in you speech, such as a heavy “S” or lisp. By reading out loud and regular speaking you will overcome this.
Sore spots may develop initially as the denture settles into place. The tissues of your mouth were not meant to have hard plastics resting on them. These sore spots can normally be relieved by the Denturist with a simple adjustment. It is important that you do not attempt to adjust the dentures by yourself.
Your first dentures will feel foreign at first. However, the more you wear the dentures, the quicker you will become accustomed to them. Regular visits to the Denturist will be required over the first year as the tissue and bone heals.
Before having your teeth extracted, our Denturist can explain your custom denture options. These may include immediate dentures, initial placement dentures, partial dentures, or dentures on implants.