How often should I replace my dentures?

Generally the fit, function and appearance of your dentures are at their best during the first 2 to 3 years. Just like other parts of your body, your mouth changes over time. After 2 to 3 years, your dentures can start to feel loose. This is due to resorption (shrinking of your jaw bone and gums associated with tooth loss over time). Denture teeth wear with use, and worn denture teeth can adversely affect the ability to chew effectively, impacting on digestion. Poor digestion can result in flatulence, irritable bowels, constipation, acid reflux, and changes in diet to less nutritious, softer foods. Your jaw function can also be adversely affected due to a poor ‘bite’, which can contribute to headaches, sore mouth, sore jaw, and altered physical appearance, Worn teeth can also place uneven stress on your denture, possibly resulting in denture breakage. Consideration for replacement dentures should be between 5 years and 7 years.

How often should I have my denture relined?

Denture relines every 2 to 3 years can help to restore the fit of your dentures, thus extending their longevity. Most insurance plans that cover dentures, cover relines every 2 years, as it is expected there will be changes to your mouth. While relines improve the fit for dentures they will not change the affect of wear on denture teeth or improve denture appearance as a result of wear. To determine what your needs are and treatment options for you and your dentures, we recommend you have your dentures assessed at Battell Denture Clinic, and take part in our Annual Recall Program.

What is the difference between complete and partial dentures?

Complete dentures are dentures that will be replacing teeth for people who have lost all of their natural teeth in both upper and lower jaws, or have lost all of their natural teeth in either their upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures are dentures that will be replacing teeth for people who are missing one or more teeth in upper or lower jaws, and will be only replacing the teeth that have been lost.

What types of dentures do you offer?

Denture materials and denture teeth can vary in quality, hardness, shade, and shape. Cost varies between the quality of dentures you choose and that would be best suited for your needs.

Standard Dentures

These dentures are basic, conventional dentures made using standard materials. They are designed for the average patient using basic tooth shapes and shades. Standard denture teeth have a tendency to be slightly softer and wear down at a faster rate than precision denture teeth.

Precision Dentures

Precision dentures are made using premium materials that are stronger and more wear resistant than standard materials. Precision dentures are made using additional techniques and procedures that are not included with standard dentures. Precision teeth have a greater range of tooth shapes and shades designed and created to allow for improved esthetics, comfort, fit and function.

BPS® (Bio functional Prosthetic System) Premium Dentures

BPS® dentures are made using specialized clinical and laboratory procedures, and high-quality materials to create a more natural looking, lifelike appearance. Premium quality BPS® dentures provide our patients with optimal fit, function and appearance. Through the use of sophisticated instrumentation, from the impressions of your jaws to the specific jaw movements you make, all of your facial information is recorded. Your smile can be recreated and the natural contour of your lips and facial muscles restored.

Benefits of BPS® Premium Dentures include:
  • Improved fit reduces gum irritation and improves chewing
  • Stronger materials reduce breakage
  •  Less porous surface reduces staining, and bacterial and plaque adhesion
  • Improved, customized appearance using premium quality teeth

To learn more about the difference between the types of dentures we offer call (905) 389-2217 to book your complimentary consultation with us today!

What is the Cost of New Dentures?

The cost of new dentures depends on the type you choose. Standard, Precision, and BPS® dentures have different costs. Other features you choose to have incorporated in your dentures can increase the cost (soft liners, metal strengtheners, implant components). At Battell Denture Clinic we offer FREE consultations to assess your needs and provide you with an accurate estimate of expected costs.

Why does my lower denture not fit like my upper denture?

The lower denture is typically more challenging to adapt to and is rarely as well fitting as the upper denture.

An upper denture, in most cases, gets suction in your mouth due to the surface area of the palate, saliva, and denture extensions. A lower denture is a much smaller surface area and must contend with an interfering tongue muscle, muscle attachments, and floor of the mouth that lift dentures, resulting in an inadequate seal. Food can get trapped underneath the denture and movement can cause rubbing that irritates tissues contributing to sore spots.

A lower denture stays in place with the aid of facial muscles, lips and tongue but it takes time for these muscles to adapt with dentures in the mouth. Implants are the best solution for stabilizing a lower denture.

Whether new to dentures or just having new dentures placed, adjusting to dentures in your mouth will take time and patience. The mouth changes over time, both soft tissue and hard tissue (bone). To get the best results from your dentures, they should be assessed to ensure they are fitting properly. There are treatment options available to you that can help with denture fit.

Call (905) 389-2217 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.

How long will it take to get used to my dentures?

Adjusting to dentures can take patience and perseverance. Facial and mouth muscles may have adapted to old dentures in your mouth, natural teeth that may have been compromised, or missing. It takes time to adapt to dentures, particularly if you are wearing them for the first time. How long it takes to adapt is different from one individual to the next. Your mouth is not the same as your friend’s or a family member’s. Some people adapt to dentures in their mouth in days, others can take weeks or even months to feel comfortable.

Dentures are a good replacement for natural teeth but can never truly duplicate the way natural teeth are secured within the bone, have sensation, or feel like ‘your own’. The good news is the mouth is extremely adaptable and with perseverance your dentures can feel better in your mouth.

How can dentures affect the way I look?

Dentures can help you look your best! They will support your facial muscles, reduce fine lines, and fill empty spaces left by missing teeth, giving you a more youthful appearance. The distance between your upper and lower jaws can be over closed when teeth are missing, giving your face a collapsed and prematurely aged appearance. Dentures can reestablish the positioning of your jaws so that your facial structure will be restored.

At Battell Denture Clinic we customize your smile to suit you and appear natural in your mouth. You will smile more when you have dentures that you are confident with. Call (905) 389-2217 to book an appointment to start your new dentures today!

How will dentures affect how I eat?

At first dentures can feel like you have a lot in your mouth. This will change as you become accustomed to your new dentures. Patience is 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 a long time. We recommend soft foods chewed slowly in small bites for the first few days of having your dentures. Gradually introduce harder textured foods as you become more accustomed to your denture teeth.

If you are having difficulty chewing or develop sore spots, contact Battell Denture Clinic so we can assist you.

How will dentures affect my speech?

With new dentures speech may be initially affected. This is typical as your mouth gets used to the new ‘feeling’ in your mouth. Tongue, lips and cheeks will adapt to this new situation, but it may take some time. We recommend talking a lot, reading aloud, and practicing mouth movements to assist you with the adaption phase. With practice the tongue, lips and cheeks will learn to relax and speech challenges will correct themselves. 

Why do my new dentures feel different than my old ones?

It takes time to get used to something new, particularly in your extremely sensitive mouth. Even if you have worn dentures for years, new dentures will require some adjustment time as they settle in your mouth. Dentures sit on soft tissue, and bone and compression of these tissues can sometimes cause sore spots that require relief. Adjustment appointments following denture placement are common. New dentures often feel ‘bigger’ because the tooth surfaces have been restored and are no longer worn like your old ones. These restored surfaces will allow you to chew more effectively and will have an approved and more natural appearance.

At Battell Denture Clinic we will help you through the transition from your old dentures to your new ones. If you’d like to learn more about the different options available to replacing your dentures, please call (905) 389-2217 to book your complimentary consultation.

How do medications affect my dentures?

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect to many medications. Dry mouth can complicate the fit of a denture because saliva helps with adhesion of a denture and provides lubrication. Without adequate saliva denture fit may be affected and sore spots, related to friction and movement, may develop. Artificial saliva substitutes (Biotene, Salivart, Oral Balance, Xerolube), sipping water frequently, and reduction of dietary sugar and salt can improve dry mouth conditions.

Some medications used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure can affect denture wearers because they increase the risk of bleeding and tissue overgrowth that may irritate gums or affect denture fit. Always let us know about the medications you are taking so that how these medications impact on your dentures and your overall health can be assessed.

Are dentures covered under my insurance?

All dental insurance policies offer different coverage. To determine whether your insurance policy covers dentures we can send a predetermination to your insurance provider.

As a courtesy, we can also submit claims on your behalf and can collect your eligible amount from most standard insurance companies and Veterans Affairs.

For patients with dental insurance or coverage through OW/ODSP/NIHB program, we are required to send an estimate first before any denture work is started and we collect your eligible amount covered by your plan directly once the dentures are completed.

Our office manager, Trish, is knowledgeable, friendly and is happy to assist you with determining your insurance coverage.

How should I care for my dentures?

  • Rinse and brush your denture(s) after meals.
  • Brush the denture using a denture brush, warm water and a denture cleaning paste or mild detergent. Pay extra attention to spaces between the 'teeth' and the areas that come in contact with the gums.
  • When brushing your lower denture be sure to hold it in the middle. Accidentally squeezing both sides together can cause breakage.
  • Do not use toothpaste on your new denture. Toothpaste is an abrasive and will scratch and dull the shine of your denture.
  • When cleaning your denture, place a towel in the sink, or fill the sink with water, so it will be cushioned if dropped.
  • Gently brush your gums, use a tongue scraper to remove debris and clean the roof of your mouth with a moistened super soft toothbrush as this will help stimulate blood circulation, tone gum tissue and promote healing.
  • Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash periodically will helps minimize bacteria and help to keep your breath fresher.
  • A denture should be removed each day and placed in a covered container with a denture soaking cleanser that kills bacteria. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the denture cleanser to determine how long your denture should be soaked. Soaking a denture overnight is optional with some denture cleansers. This keeps a denture clean, and also gives the supporting tissues in your mouth a chance to rest.
  • Thoroughly rinse your denture in warm running water before inserting it into your mouth after it has been soaking in a cleanser.
  • When a denture is not being worn, it should be placed in a covered container filled with water to prevent drying out and possible dimension changes of the denture base material.
  • Daily cleaning of your dentures is necessary to prevent plaque and calculi (tartar) buildup, food stains, bad breath odours, mouth infections and redness or irritation to your gums.
  • Thick, ropey saliva (due to medications, dry mouth) and certain foods (red wine, berries, coffee, tea, tomato sauces, curries) can contribute to denture stains. Rinsing your mouth and dentures following meals will help reduce staining and debris build-up on your dentures. Stay with a routine of soaking your dentures in an approved cleanser, followed by brushing to help keep denture stains and debris to a minimum.

Your dentures can be professionally cleaned and polished at Battell Denture Clinic while you wait if stubborn stains persist. Call (905) 389-2217 to book an appointment.

How long does it take to make new dentures?

Typically, new dentures take 4 to 5 weeks to make. One appointment is usually scheduled per week but this may be adjusted to allow for patients who are looking to have their dentures quicker than within the typical 4 to 5 week period.

Every individual is unique and so is your mouth. Battell Denture Clinic creates custom smiles and denture solutions for each unique individual.

What are the appointments I need to attend to have my new dentures made?

Appointment #1 Preliminary Impressions

Moulds are taken of your mouth. These moulds allow Battell Denture Clinic to analyze and assess the anatomy of your mouth to create your custom solution.

Appointment #2 Bite Registration/Facebow Transfer

Your bite registration will be taken to determine how your upper and lower jaws relate to one another. This ‘bite’ will help define the parameters for where your denture teeth will be placed. The 'facebow' relates your upper jaw to your jaw joint and also assists with tooth set-up. Tooth shade, and shape are also decided with you and your denturist at this appointment. We will discuss what you want to change and how you want to improve your smile to achieve your desired appearance.

Appointment #3 Try-In/Preview

Your denture teeth will be ‘previewed’. You will try-in your new denture teeth while they are still set up in wax. The try-in approximates how your new dentures will appear and fit when they are completed. At this point, if modifications are required, they can be completed prior to the transformation of your dentures into their finished form. If changes are required, an additional ‘retry’ appointment will be arranged.

Appointment #4 Finish/Denture Insert

Your dentures will be placed in your mouth and instructions will be provided on how to care for your new dentures and your mouth.

Follow Up Appointments

As your new dentures settle in, sore spots and tenderness may develop. Adjustment appointments can be arranged on an ‘as needed’ basis. Depending on the treatment plan provided to you, other pre-scheduled follow-up appointments might be required.

Generally, the time it takes to complete an appointment depends on its complexity and can range between 5 minutes to an hour. Battell Denture Clinic will let you know approximately how long your appointment will take and notify you about upcoming appointments.

What do I do if my denture breaks?

While dentures are fabricated with materials intended to endure the forces of chewing, they wear over time. Breakage is inevitable with a worn denture and breakage can occur by accident. Most denture repairs can be completed the same day at Battell Denture Clinic.

Use of ‘super glue’ is not recommended to repair dentures, even in the interim, as they contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to the human body.

Always keep your old dentures when you have new ones made. These ‘spare dentures’ come in handy when your other dentures are in for repair. Your ‘spare’ dentures may not fit the same, but you will not be without teeth while your repair is completed.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made of a small titanium post that is surgically anchored into the jaw. They are used to replace missing roots and support or retain artificial replacement teeth and dentures. They are the closest replacement for your natural tooth root structure and they help maintain jawbone.

Who can have dental implants placed?

Whether you are a candidate for dental implants depends on your oral health, overall health, and the quality and quantity of your jawbone.

The Dental Professional who will be placing your implants is the best person to advise you if you are a candidate. The denturists at Battell Denture Clinic collaborate with the professional who places your implants to restore your smile and provide you with an alternative for the replacement of natural teeth with conventional denture teeth.

Dental implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

Dental implants are not generally covered by medical insurance. However, coverage may be possible, depending on your insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss.

Some private dental plans are starting to include limited coverage as they grow in popularity, and coverage under your medical plan may be possible.

Check your insurance policy and with your insurance provider to find out about your coverage. Questions about your coverage can be discussed with your denturist and insurance provider.

Why should a Denturist make my dentures?

A Denturist is a denture professional dedicated to providing denture care and specially trained in design, construction, fitting and adjustment of complete and partial dentures, and dentures on implants.

A Denturist can assess and advise a variety of features and benefits for your dentures, specific to your needs so that you will have confidence in your smile.

Most dentists do not make the dentures but they send them out to commercial dental laboratories to have them made. The cost to have dentures made at a commercial lab is usually added to your bill.

At Battell Denture Clinic, we have an onsite lab where all the laboratory work required to fabricate your dentures is completed. This onsite work allows us to pay close attention to every detail while making and fitting your dentures and enables a more efficient process at more reasonable fees for our patients.

Call (905) 389-2217 to book your FREE consultation today!

*Educational material reprinted with permission from The Denturist Association of Ontario (DAO). Copyright © 2014 The Denturist Association of Ontario. All rights reserved.*