Denture Care & FAQ

No, a Denturist is not a Dentist. In Canada, an individual gets a license to practise Denturism after completing three years of study at one of the six colleges of Denturism in Canada.

Making dentures usually involves both art and science. Denturists have knowledge about the theoretical and practical aspects of both intra-oral and laboratory procedures or the science that is involved in designing removable oral prostheses. Apart from diagnostic and treatment expertise, it is a bonus for a denturist to have the required skill and knowledge to perform a complete visual/digital oral examination and evaluation of the patient. The art of designing a denture involves the ability of the practitioner to make it both functionally effective as well as aesthetically pleasing. It requires artistic ability and advanced training to make dentures look as natural as possible.

An experienced denturist is often familiar with the many challenges being faced by his/her patients. As every individual’s oral anatomy and structure is unique, fabricating dentures is a complex skill that takes into account the many aspects that can affect the functioning and fit of the dentures. This skill improves with experience when a denturist is exposed to a variety of denture challenges and handles them successfully. Continuing education in the field also helps him/her stay updated and in turn assist patients expertly.

No, unfortunately. It takes a number of important procedures and complete rechecking in order to build a denture that is aesthetically pleasing and has effective chewing function with a proper fit. This usually needs over 3-4 appointments. Patients are usually provided with models and try-ins to ensure proper fit, function and appearance throughout the various stages of the process.

A denture is nothing but a prosthetic device. It will definitely take some time for you to get used to your new dentures. Initially, there are chances that you may experience some discomfort, sore spots, extra saliva and awkwardness. But, once you start using your dentures regularly, it begins to feel like they are your new real teeth.

Yes, it is very common to develop a sore spot with new dentures. These sore spots are normal and can be treated with small adjustments. These sore spots gradually lessen once your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures and once it’s fitted properly. You should never try to adjust your denture by yourself as it may lead to further complications.

Eating normally with your new dentures on will definitely take some time. When you initially start wearing new dentures, it is advised to avoid food items that are hard to chew in favour of softer and non-fibrous foods. You need to try taking smaller bites and chew the food from both the sides of your mouth. This will help you balance the dentures until you develop a preference. With practice and patience, you will soon be able to chew, bite and enjoy the foods that you did before.

Yes. You may notice a subtle difference in your speech at first. But, with regular practice of reading aloud and proper pronunciation, you will be able to learn to speak clearly with your new dentures.

Lower dentures usually take some extra time to get adjusted to your mouth because your tongue, cheeks and lower jaw muscles should get adjusted to the new appliance. As there is much less bone structure to support your lower denture, it feels looser than the upper denture.

Typically, it is recommended to get your denture checked once in a year. This is important to maintain your oral health and to keep an eye on any changes with the fit or health of your gums and dentures. Just like the rest of your body, changes that occur in your mouth are very common and constant. Due to the use of certain medications, weight loss, general health and poorly fitting dentures, your supporting bone structure can be affected.

Few changes happen in your mouth after your teeth are extracted. These changes are commonly known as gum/bone resorption or shrinkage. So, when the shape of the jawbone changes and the ridges that rest on the dentures begin to shrink, there are high chances of less stability in the mouth. This is caused due to the space between your teeth which also results in loss of lip and cheek support and a looser fit.

It is recommended to replace your dentures every five to seven years as there are constant changes that take place in your mouth and gums. Dentures cannot adjust to the changes in your mouth, as those are hard appliances. When your dentures begin to loosen up making you feel uncomfortable or if you tend to notice a visible change in your appearance, its time you get them changed.

If dentures are not replaced regularly, it may cause permanent damage to the oral health of the denture wearer. If an individual continues to wear his/her dentures beyond the recommended timeframe, it can result in various health issues like bone trauma or loss, a ‘sunken’ or prematurely aged facial structure. Few common symptoms may include headaches, difficulty chewing, and poor digestion.

Yes. The partial lower denture plays a major role in providing stability and balance for your upper denture which improves the upper denture’s fit. Chewing food can be significantly compromised, without proper balance which may lead to digestive problems. When there is no sufficient stability and function between the upper and lower teeth, the teeth which were not designed to take the force of chewing can become traumatized. This can lead to significant bone and teeth loss.

With proper care and regular check-ups, implants can last up to 20 years or more. The life expectancy of your implants is directly related to your general health, oral hygiene, smoking habits, teeth grinding problems and poor-fitting dentures. When all these are not maintained properly, it can reduce the life of your implants. Some parts of the implant retentive components need timely replacement because of wear.

Listed below are a few cleaning tips you can use to maintain long-lasting dentures:

• It is the best practise to remove and rinse your dentures after eating. It is better to brush the dentures after each usage.

• It is important to use a professionally formulated denture foam or cream to brush your dentures daily using a denture brush. In order to avoid the breakage of your denture, it is advisable to put a towel in the sink to catch the denture if you drop it.

• You can soak the dentures in a sturdy container or denture bath with a fitted cover. This will keep the denture safe from dropping during the soaking process.

• Using conventional toothpaste that is abrasive in nature will cause micro-scratching on the denture’s surface.

• Leaving out your dentures at night will give your gums the oxygen needed to heal and restore themselves.