FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Will my immediate dentures feel just like “real” teeth?
Your dentures may feel odd at first. You may even gag slightly once they are in. They may feel slightly uncomfortable or even loose until your cheek muscles and tongue learn to keep them in place. You may notice excess saliva in your mouth. Within a few days they will begin to feel normal.

Is it usual to develop a sore spot under my dentures?
It is very common to return to your Denturist because of a "sore spot." Your natural gums were not meant to have hard plastic resting on them as dentures do. These sore spots are normal and can be relieved by a few small adjustments. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, the sore spots should gradually lessen.
It is important that you do not try to adjust your denture by yourself. You may jeopardize the fit, function and guarantee of your Dentures.

I’m finding it hard to chew with my new dentures. What can I do?
Becoming comfortable with eating may take some practice, as a denture is essentially a hard-plastic appliance used to replace as many as 32 living teeth. When first wearing new dentures, avoid hard foods in favour of a diet of soft and non-fibrous foods. Try taking smaller bites and chewing gently to prevent dentures from becoming loose. You will need to gradually introduce more solid foods to your diet, in order to avoid discomfort and sore spots. With practice and patience you will soon be able to enjoy most foods!

Will dentures affect my speech?
At first you may notice subtle differences in your speech, such as a lisp. By practicing reading out loud and enunciating clearly, you will quickly become used of your new dentures and how to speak with them.

I’ve been having difficulty wearing my lower denture. Why is that?
Lower dentures generally require more time to get used to. This is because your tongue, cheeks and lower jaw muscles must all learn to work with your new appliance. As well, there is much less ridge for your denture to adhere to, which makes them feel looser than the upper denture.

How often should I have my dentures assessed?
A yearly check-up of your Denture is recommended. This is important for your general oral health, and to monitor any changes with the fit or health of your gums and dentures. Physical challenges with the supporting bone in your mouth, use of certain medications, or weight loss, can all affect the fit of your dentures.

Why are my dentures feeling loose?
The change that occurs in your mouth after your teeth are extracted is referred to as gum resorption. As the jaw bone changes and the ridges upon which dentures rest, shrink, there is less stability in the mouth. This means greater space between your teeth, a loss of lip and cheek support, and a looser fit.
To counter the problem of gum resorption, Relines or Rebases are recommended every two years. Relines can be done in as little as one day. In the morning you come in, have a new impression taken of your gums, then the Denturist reconstructs your denture using the new fit with high strength acrylic. You come back later that afternoon to pick up your proper fitting denture.

How often should I replace my dentures:
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that you replace your denture every five years. This is because a person’s mouth and gums are in a constant state of change. Because your denture is a hard appliance, it cannot adjust to the changes in your mouth by itself! The artificial teeth wear down, and the denture does not support the face as it did when it was new. This leads to an older, “sunken” look in the face, discomfort, and lack of proper function. When you reach the point where your dentures are feeling too loose, where they are uncomfortable, or where you notice a visible change in your appearance, it is time to call your Denturist and have your dentures replaced!

What happens if I don’t regularly replace my dentures?
Worn out dentures can cause permanent damage, compromising the health of the denture wearer. Some possible effects are: headaches, neck and joint pain, difficulty chewing, poor digestion and dietary problems, sunken face, over-closing of the jaw, irritated and soft gums, as well as premature bone loss, due to ill-fitting dentures.

Is it really necessary for me to get a partial lower denture?
Yes! Partial dentures help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting into the space left by your natural teeth. If you don’t wear a partial, your teeth will eventually drift, lose support, and then become unstable. Going without a partial on your lower also allows your tongue to become enlarged, making it difficult to fit a lower denture later, should you lose your remaining teeth. You are also not as able to chew your food completely, which means that your digestive system has to work extra hard to break your food down.

How can I prepare for a broken denture?
Even though dentures are fabricated from extremely durable materials – they will wear out, break, or a tooth may pop out. In fact it is frequently not a matter of “if” but of “when” it will become broken, lost, or damaged beyond repair. One can be assured that a problem will likely happen when least expected!
Spare dentures can bridge the gap of being without a regular denture while it is being repaired. Such an interim prosthesis may be relined and adjusted in advance, in order to fit the changing shape of an individual’s jaw, making it ready to use at a moment's notice.