Frequently Asked Questions
On this page, we provide basic answers to our frequently asked denture questions. For more information please call our office to schedule a consultation with our denturist. We are here to help you find and decide which denture solution is right for you.
What is the difference between a dentist & a denturist?
Dentists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treat a range of dental issues including cavities or gum disease. Denturists specialize in the design, construction, insertion, and adjustment of removable dentures as well as partial dentures and implant overdenture, allowing us to provide you with the most comprehensive knowledge on dental prostheses.
What are the different types of dentures?
For patients who have missing teeth, there are different types of effective denture solutions available. These include:
Full dentures - for patients who are missing all of their natural teeth
Full dentures use a gum-colored base material to support replacement teeth. Because there are no remaining teeth to provide support, the base material is crafted to fit against the gum line, creating suction that holds the denture in place. For added support, some patients choose to use a small amount of denture adhesive.
Partial dentures - for patients who are missing just some of their natural teeth
Partial dentures are a type of tooth replacement prosthetic that fills gaps in the smile. These dentures allow us to retain healthy teeth while restoring function. These tooth replacement prosthetics use a gum-colored base material that is crafted to fit between healthy teeth. The replacement teeth are attached to this base, and the entire partial denture is anchored in place with clasps attached to healthy teeth.
Our professional and experienced denturist can help determine which type of denture is best suited for your needs to ensure that you are fully comfortable with your tooth replacement solution.
Do I need an annual exam with dentures?
An essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene is regular dental check-ups. Your dentures and tissues should be checked annually by your denturist. Damage to the oral tissues can occur without your being aware of it. Early detection and elimination of tissue inflammation is vital to minimize shrinkage of the supporting bone and tissue. By maintaining healthy gum tissue, your dentures will continue to fit properly.
It is important to have your denturist check on your oral condition to ensure that you maintain a well-fitting denture. Your denturist will examine your mouth for looseness of the denture due to tissue changes, and bite position (how evenly your teeth close together) as well as stains or plaque build-up on the denture teeth. Your dentures remain the same, but your mouth is continually changing over time.
Can I make minor denture adjustments or repairs?
Do not attempt to repair your dentures yourself. You can seriously damage your dentures and harm your health by trying to adjust or repair your dentures. Without proper training, you can cause greater damage to the denture and may cause further problems in your mouth. The glue should not be used on dentures. If your dentures break, crack, chip, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, contact a denturist right away. We can often make the necessary adjustments and/or repairs on the same day.
How do I know if I need a reline or new dentures?
Though your denture may feel unchanged, your mouth and jaw experience natural changes, causing the gums and mouth to shrink. If you notice that you are having difficulty chewing food, experiencing jaw pain, have excessive amounts of food-collecting under your denture, have poor suction, or your dentures feel loose in your mouth, you may need new dentures. Dentures typically have a lifespan of between 5-8 years.
If you notice that your only issue is poor suction you are most likely due for a reline. A typical timeline to have your dentures relined is every 2 to 3 years. Our office can evaluate the condition of your dentures and determine if a reline or replacement is the best course of treatment.
Which cities and areas do you serve?
We are located in Downtown Fort Saskatchewan next to City Hall. We also welcome all denture patients in the surrounding areas of Sherwood Park, the Heartland, and Strathcona County. Specifically, we also serve areas of Red Water, Gibbons, Bruderheim, Ardrossan, and Lamont.