FAQ’S

A full/complete denture is a removable prosthetic that replaces all teeth in a dental arch. This could be an upper, a lower, or both together. No natural teeth remain in the arch.

Lower dentures tend to move more because they have less suction and support than upper dentures. The upper denture covers the roof of the mouth, creating a seal that helps it stay in place. The lower denture sits on a smaller, U-shaped ridge and must work around the tongue and jaw movement, which can make it less stable.

Dentures can be personalized to suit you and give you a natural appearance. Each patient’s requirements differ, and the denturist will work with you to make the dentures as natural and aesthetically pleasing as possible. If there are changes, the extent of change depends on several factors:

1. Facial Aesthetics: Dentures can help restore the natural contours of your face that may have changed due to tooth loss. They can improve your smile, fill your cheeks, and support your lips, potentially enhancing your overall appearance.
2. Customized Design: Modern dentures are designed to closely mimic natural teeth, but they will never fully replace the function of one's natural teeth. Your denturist will work with you to match your natural teeth and facial features as closely as possible.
3. Initial Adjustment: When you first get dentures, there may be an adjustment period as you get used to the new appearance. This is normal; many people find this improves with time as they adapt to their dentures.
4. Improved Confidence: Dentures can significantly boost self-esteem and
   confidence for many people by improving their smile and ability to speak and eat comfortably.
5. Possible Differences: While dentures aim to provide a natural look, there might be slight differences compared to natural teeth.

If you have specific concerns about how your appearance might change with dentures, discuss them with your denturist during your consultation. They can help design dentures that meet your aesthetic preferences and ensure they look as natural as possible.

Today’s dentures are carefully crafted to look natural and blend seamlessly with your facial features. When properly fitted, they are not easily noticeable to others. Most people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing dentures—they’ll notice your confident smile.

You may notice a difference in your speech at first. Singing and reading out loud will help with enunciating words. Repeat the words that you are having trouble
pronouncing.

Soon, you will become accustomed to speaking properly with your new denture.

Getting used to speaking with dentures can take time and practice, but many people adjust successfully with patience and perseverance. Here are some tips to help you adapt to speaking with dentures:

1. Practice Speaking
   ● Read Aloud: Read books, newspapers, or magazines out loud. This helps you get used to the feel of dentures in your mouth and improve your pronunciation.
   ● Practice Difficult Words: Focus on words or sounds you find challenging.
   Repeating these words can help you gain confidence and improve clarity.
2. Start with Simple Sentences
   ● Build Up Gradually: Practice simple sentences and gradually move on to more complex phrases as you become more comfortable.
   ● Slow Down: Speak slowly and clearly. This helps you get used to the new
   sensation of dentures and improves your enunciation.
3. Use a Mirror
   ● Monitor Your Speech: Practice speaking in front of a mirror to observe your mouth movements and adjust as needed. This can also help you become more aware of how your dentures affect your speech.
4. Bite and Chew Exercises
   ● Mouth Exercises: Practice gently biting and chewing to get accustomed to the feel of dentures. This can also help improve your ability to speak clearly.
5. Record Yourself
   ● Playback: Record yourself speaking and listen to the playback. This can help you identify areas needing improvement and track your progress.
6. Seek Feedback
   ● Ask for Help: Ask friends or family members to listen to you speak and provide constructive feedback. They can offer tips on improving your clarity and confidence.
7. Use Denture Adhesive
   ● Secure Fit: If dentures are shifting or moving, a quality denture adhesive can help keep them in place and reduce speech problems.
8. Stay Patient and Positive
   ● Give It Time: Adjusting to speaking with dentures is a process that can take time. Be patient with yourself and stay positive as you practice and improve.

Most people find that their speech improves over time with practice and these tips. If you continue to have difficulties, it’s essential to consult with your denturist, as they can offer solutions and adjustments to help you speak more comfortably and clearly with your dentures.

If your denture won’t stay in place despite using various adhesives, it’s essential to address the underlying issue. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Persistent problems with denture stability might indicate that your dentures no longer fit properly due to changes in your mouth or wear and tear. The denturist can evaluate the fit and make necessary adjustments and recommendations, including relining or a replacement denture. A quotation will be provided if this is the recommended treatment plan.
2. Ensure your dentures are clean and free from debris that might affect the fit.
   Even the best adhesive won’t help if it’s not fitting correctly.
3. While adhesive can help improve retention, choosing a high-quality product is crucial. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
4. Explore Alternative Solutions: In some cases, other solutions might be necessary, such as:
   o Implant-Supported Dentures: If traditional dentures are causing significant problems, dental implants can provide a more stable foundation for dentures.
5. Ensure that your gums and remaining teeth are healthy. Any issues with oral health can impact the fit and stability of dentures.

Regular dental check-ups and addressing any fit or health issues promptly can help maintain the effectiveness of your dentures and overall oral health.

Yes, it’s generally recommended to remove dentures at night. Here’s why:

1. Oral Health: Removing dentures allows your gums to rest and your mouth to stay healthy. Continuous wear can lead to issues like gum irritation, fungal infections, or poor oral hygiene.
2. Comfort: Removing dentures overnight can give your mouth a break from the pressure and friction caused by the dentures.
3. Cleaning: Taking dentures out at night allows for thorough cleaning, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and odor. Dentures should be cleaned daily to maintain oral health and the dentures’ condition.

To care for your dentures, store them in a denture solution or plain water while you sleep to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape. If you have any specific concerns or conditions related to your dentures, it’s always best to consult with your denturist.

Dentures can be uncomfortable for some people, especially when they are first fitted or if there are issues with the fit. However, many people adapt to dentures and find them comfortable over time. Here are some factors that can affect comfort:

1. Initial Adjustment: When you first get dentures, it’s common to experience some discomfort or soreness as your mouth adjusts. This adaptation period can vary from a few days to a few weeks.
2. Fit Issues: Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation, sore spots, or pain. Proper adjustments by your denturist can help resolve these issues. It is important not to attempt to make adjustments or alterations to the denture yourself.
3. Material Sensitivity: Some people may have sensitivities to the materials used in dentures, though this is less common with modern materials.
4. Dentures vs. Natural Teeth: Dentures may not feel like natural teeth. You might need time to get used to the sensation and functionality, such as speaking and chewing.
5. Bone and Gum Changes: Over time, changes in your gums and jawbone can affect the fit of your dentures. Regular adjustments or relines may be needed to maintain comfort.
6. Hygiene and Care: Proper cleaning and maintenance of dentures are essential for comfort. Poor hygiene can lead to irritation and infection.

To improve comfort, consider these tips:

• Proper Fitting: Ensure that your dentures are properly fitted and adjusted by your provider. This might require a few visits to fine-tune the fit.
• Adhesives: High-quality denture adhesives can help secure dentures in place and reduce movement that can cause discomfort.
• Soft Reline: If your dentures are causing persistent discomfort, a soft reline might provide additional cushioning and a better fit.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular visits are essential to monitor the fit and condition of your dentures and promptly address any issues.

If you’re experiencing significant discomfort with your dentures, it’s essential to consult with your provider. They can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate solutions to improve comfort.

It is a complete or partial denture inserted the same day, immediately following the extraction of the remaining teeth or roots. It allows you to maintain your smile and function while your gums and jaw heal. Immediate dentures are made in advance, so you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing period. After your mouth fully heals, adjustments—or even a new set—may be needed to ensure the best fit and comfort.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Pre-Extraction Planning
   Before your teeth are removed, preparation for your immediate dentures begins:

• Consultation & Impressions: Your denturist will take impressions of your mouth while your natural teeth remain in place, provided none of the teeth are mobile. These impressions are used to design dentures for the same day as your extractions. Only book your extraction appointment once you know when the dentures will be complete. Please note that an additional appointment may be required before the denture(s) are completed.
• Denture Fabrication: Your immediate dentures are custom-made in advance using these impressions. Once completed, you’ll bring them with you to your extraction appointment.

2. Tooth Extraction & Denture Placement

• Tooth Removal: On the day of your procedure, your dentist will extract the remaining teeth.
• Immediate Denture Insertion: Your dentist will insert the pre-made dentures right after the extractions. This allows you to leave the office with teeth the same day.

3. Adjustment & Healing Period

• Initial Fit: Immediate dentures are made to fit your mouth as closely as possible, but some adjustments may be needed as your mouth begins to heal.
• Healing Changes: As your gums and jawbone heal, they will shrink and reshape, affecting how your dentures fit. This is a normal part of the healing process.

4. Follow-Up Care & Long-Term Planning

• Adjustments: You’ll return for follow-up visits with your denturist to ensure the dentures are fitting comfortably. A reline may be needed to improve the fit as healing continues. Note: This is not included in the initial cost of your immediate dentures.
• Permanent Dentures: After complete healing (usually within a few months), your denturist may take new impressions to create a set of permanent dentures that fit your healed mouth more precisely. This is a separate service not included in the original fee.

Immediate dentures offer the advantage of not having to be without teeth during the healing period. Still, they often require more adjustments and may need to be replaced with permanent dentures later. Discussing your options with your denturist will help you understand the best approach for your situation.

For more specifics, please refer to the Post-Operative Instructions for immediate dentures.

Yes, this is possible with what’s called an immediate denture. These dentures are made in advance and placed in your mouth right after your teeth are extracted—so you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing process. Keep in mind that as your gums heal and change shape, follow-up adjustments or a new denture may be needed to ensure a proper fit.

Immediate dentures provide several significant benefits, including:

• Facilitated eating – After removing your teeth, you can continue eating more comfortably.
• Reduced swelling – They can help minimize post-extraction swelling.
• Protection for extraction sites – Dentures act as a barrier, helping shield healing areas.
• No time without teeth – You won’t have to go through an awkward or uncomfortable period without teeth.
• Restored appearance – Immediate dentures restore your smile and facial aesthetics immediately.
• Boost in confidence – They help maintain your self-esteem during healing.
• Public comfort – You can go about your daily life without worrying about missing teeth.
• Prevention of food particles from entering the extraction sites 

• They do not fit as well as permanent/final dentures.
• More prone to sore spots and will need adjustment and temporary liners for improved comfort and function.
• The cosmetic may not be ideal. The size and shape of your remaining gums can restrict how natural the denture looks. As your gums shrink over time, we gain more space to create a more cosmetic final denture.
• You may need multiple adjustment appointments while your gums heal. It will require some patience as it is not a one-and-done process.

Please remember that we want you to be as comfortable as possible and make the transition to dentures as smooth as possible.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your needs and preferences.

Choosing an immediate denture means you’ll leave with teeth the same day your natural teeth are removed. This is an excellent option to maintain your appearance and avoid going without teeth during healing. However, because your gums and bone will change as they heal, the denture will likely need adjustments, temporary liners or reline, and eventually a replacement with a final denture.

Waiting for a final denture gives your mouth time to fully heal before impressions are taken. This often results in a better long-term fit and may reduce the need for early adjustments. The trade-off is that you may need to go without teeth for a period of time while healing.

Patients often start with an immediate denture and transition to a final one once healing is complete. We’re here to help guide you through whichever option works best for your comfort, confidence, and lifestyle.

You’re not alone—many people share this concern, and the good news is, you have options:

• Immediate denture: A denture can be made before your teeth are extracted. It’s placed immediately after extraction so that you can leave the dental office with teeth the same day. This is a popular option for both cosmetic and functional reasons.
• Healing before dentures: You can let the extraction sites heal naturally for about three months (healing time varies by individual and how many teeth were extracted at once). Once healed, a denture can be made for a more precise and long-term fit. The downside is that you’ll be without teeth during this period unless a temporary solution is arranged.
• Implant-supported option: Depending on your case, your dentist may recommend dental implants to support a denture or fixed prosthetic. This is a longer-term solution and may involve a staged treatment plan. Be sure to consult your dentist to see if implants are a suitable option for you.

Yes, adjustments are an expected part of the healing process with immediate dentures.

After your teeth are extracted, your gums and jaw will gradually shrink and change shape as part of the healing process. This can affect how your denture fits over time. 

To maintain comfort and function, you may need:

• Regular adjustments to relieve sore spots and improve fit
• Temporary liners (Tissue Conditioner) during the healing phase
• A permanent reline or a new denture once healing is complete 

Please note: Relines and new dentures are not included in the cost of the initial immediate denture treatment plan. These follow-up services are part of the longer-term care process and will be discussed with you as healing progresses.

Healing times can vary depending on the number of teeth extracted, your overall health, and how well you care for the extraction sites. 

The gums usually begin to heal within 1 to 2 weeks, with most discomfort and swelling subsiding during this time. However, the jawbone and gums continue to remodel and shrink over several weeks to months. Complete healing, including bone stabilization, can take longer, especially for multiple extractions or more complex cases. 

Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is essential to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Please also refer to the Post-Operative Instructions for immediate dentures.

You can eat with immediate dentures, but adjusting will take some time. We recommend sticking to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups in the first few days after placement. As your mouth heals and you become more comfortable, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods.

Chewing may feel different at first, and you’ll need to take smaller bites and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods during the initial healing period, as they can dislodge the dentures or irritate the gums.

With practice and proper care, most patients adapt well and can enjoy various foods over time.

No, immediate dentures should not be removed for the first 24 hours after surgery, even while sleeping. They help control bleeding, protect the surgical sites, and support proper healing by acting like a bandage over the extraction areas.

Always follow your post-operative instructions carefully and reach out with any concerns during your recovery.

Note: When you have an extraction date booked, call our office so we can schedule your post-operative appointment. This appointment is essential, as the denturist will remove your denture to ensure that everything looks as it should post-extraction and relieve any sore spots from the denture.