Frequently Asked Questions

COMMON QUESTIONS

What is a partial denture?

A partial denture fills in gaps if you are missing some, but not all of your teeth. This type of denture can be removed easily by patients themselves. It stays in the mouth by clasping onto the remaining teeth and partial denture wearers take the denture out after meals and at night, by sliding the clasps over the teeth. Partial dentures are cheaper, simpler alternatives to dental bridges which are more permanent and can only be removed by a dentist.

One advantage that a partial has over a bridge, beyond being much more affordable, is that a single denture can replace multiple missing teeth, whereas each area of missing teeth would likely require a separate bridge. Find out more about partial dentures.

What is a complete denture?

A complete denture replaces all of the teeth on your top or bottom jaw. It's also referred to as a full denture, or full plate. These dentures fit by a combination of muscle control on the part of your own oral anatomy, and a suction cup phenomenon that uses your saliva to seal the denture in place. The fit of complete upper dentures is usually satisfactory because of this suction action working with the shape of the palate.

Suction on complete lower dentures is rare, which is why complete lower dentures are generally much tougher to keep in place. Many lower denture wearers complain that their dentures don't fit as well as they'd like, opting to try denture adhesives (Fixodent or Polygrip) to help them stay in place. However, the only medically approved way to keep complete lower dentures in place is to have dental implants surgically inserted into the jaws.Find out more about complete dentures.

What is an immediate denture?

An immediate denture is a denture that's created by our denturists prior to you having your teeth pulled. The denture is inserted by the dentist at the extraction appointment.

Because the teeth aren't pulled until the denture is completed, this type of denture can be a tricky process. Our denturists must expertly make the denture without being able to try it in. Once finished, the denture is placed in your mouth while you are still frozen from the extractions. Because this denture is inserted at the same time that your teeth are pulled, it's also frequently called "denture-in-a-day." Find out more about immediate dentures and dentures after extractions.

How long does it take to get dentures?

In general, there are four main appointments to get dentures made. These are (1) impressions, (2) bite, (3) try-in, and (4) delivery of dentures. There is usually a week or two of necessary lab work between each appointment resulting in the whole process taking between 6 to 8 weeks. This timeline can vary depending on individual needs and oral health. To learn more about your own possible treatment options, Call today for your free consultation.

+How long after getting teeth pulled do you have to wait before getting dentures?

After teeth are pulled, the bone and gum tissue of the mouth takes between 3 to 12 months to fully heal. Dentures can be made at any point after the teeth have been extracted, however if the bone hasn’t fully shrunk to stable levels, the denture will have to be relined to adapt the denture to the changed shape of the bone and mouth. To learn more about extractions, dentures and relines, Call today for your free consultation.

What is a reline and why do I need one?

A reline is an adjustment of your denture. Your dentures generally need to be relined frequently as the shape of your bone and gums changes over time. Relines are also required if you've had extractions within the past 3-12 months. The reline process is simply having the existing denture refit to the new shape of your mouth.

Relines are a normal part of the immediate denture process and are usually recommended every 5 years depending on how much your mouth has changed shape. Many people want their dentures relined after 10 or more years because they've noticed that the dentures are loose. However, after 10 years most denture teeth are worn down and it's advisable to invest in a new denture at this point. If you have concerns about your existing denture, please contact us to discuss these options with one of our denturists. Find out more about denture relines and repairs.

GLOSSARY OF DENTURE TERMS

Complete denture:

Also called a full denture, a complete denture replaces all of the teeth in the top or bottom of the mouth. Artificial teeth are attached to gum-coloured plastic. A complete denture does not mean a denture for both the top and bottom of the mouth (that is a denture set), a complete denture is suitable for a person who does not have any teeth in their mouth. It can be a top or a bottom denture, or both top and bottom - or it can be combined with a partial denture, e.g, full denture on the top, partial denture on the bottom. Patient removable prosthetic, meaning that a dentist isn't needed to take out, which is the case with a bridge or crown.

Denture

Removeable prosthetic that involves replacement teeth - also called false teeth or plates. This includes artificial teeth and gum-coloured plastic and/or metal

Dentures in a day

Immediate dentures are often referred to as dentures in a day because the denture is placed into the mouth immediately following extractions. Denture is made prior to extractions and then taken to the dentist office when the extractions are done. Fitting is not done in advance (no "try in" appointment)

• Takes 4-10 weeks to make denture before the extraction appointment
• Requires a reline 3-12 months after extractions at an added cost of $200
• Removable

False teeth

Another name for a denture

Flexible denture

Ideal for patients who prefer an alternative to the traditional metal-clasped partial dentures

• Completely metal-free
• No metallic clasps visible when you smile

Flipper

Another name for a partial denture

• Usually refers to a partial denture that replaces 2 or 3 teeth in the front of the upper jaw
• Because it only replaces the front teeth, no clasps are put on a flipper

Immediate dentures

• Immediate dentures are often referred to as dentures in a day because the denture is placed into the mouth immediately following extractions
• Denture is made prior to extractions and then taken to the dentist office when the extractions are done
• Fitting is not done in advance (no "try in" appointment)
• Takes 4-10 weeks to make denture before the extraction appointment
• Requires a reline 3-12 months after extractions at an added cost of $200
• Removable

Implant denture

Also called implant-retained dentures - how it works:

• Metal screws are implanted into the jaw by a dentist and the denture attaches to the screws
• Removes the need for adhesives to hold dentures in place
• Most commonly performed for lower dentures
• More information about implant dentures

Impressions

Done by placing a tray filled with liquid or semi-solid material over the teeth

• Allows the denturist to create a mold of teeth, gums and palate which is then used to construct the dentures
• While the impression experience has been described by many denture wearers as uncomfortable, it's not as bad as many report it to be
• The procedure feels a bit like having putty-like goop held in your mouth on a giant spoon
• The entire process lasts only about 20 seconds and is completely painless
• The impression material sits on the outside surface of your gums and teeth

Lower denture

Are design to fit the lower jaw

• May require adhesives to hold in place
• May be a partial lower denture or complete lower denture (full lower denture)
• Removable

Partial denture

• A partial denture is suitable for a person who has some of their own teeth remaining
• A partial denture hooks onto teeth that are still in the mouth
• Artificial teeth "fill in the gaps" between real teeth
• Artificial teeth are attached to gum-coloured plastic and/or metal brackets
• Removable prosthetic, meaning that a dentist isn't needed to take out, which is the case with a bridge or crown

Plate

Another name for a denture

Reline

Adjustments made to dentures that become loose or ill-fitting

• Performed by denturist to make dentures fit more securely and comfortably

Upper denture

Fits the upper jaw

• May stay in place without the need for adhesives, depending on the shape of your palate
• May be a partial upper denture or complete upper denture (full upper denture)
• Removable

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