FAQ’S

Dentures, like natural teeth, need to be cleaned daily to maintain good oral hygiene and denture longevity.
To keep your dentures clean, rinse them after each meal in warm (not hot) water
Dentures should be brushed daily on the inside and outside with soap and a soft, denture brush.
Use denture creams instead of toothpaste! Toothpaste is too abrasive and will wear down the acrylic and teeth.
When washing your dentures, you might want to run a small amount of water in the sink with the plug in. This will help break the fall of your dentures in case it slips out of your hands.
Alternatively lay down a hand towel to break the fall. Dentures almost always break when dropped on a hard surface.
Brush your denture before submerging it in the denture cleaning solution. There is no substitute for brushing.
Dentures can warp in hot water, so always rinse your denture in cold or warm (not hot) water.
Dentures can change shape when they dry out. It is important to cover your denture with water or denture cleaning-solution when your denture is not being worn. This will prevent it from drying out.
Most dental insurance policies will pay for a new denture every 5 years. A denture should be replaced every 5-7 years, as your mouth is constantly changing.
As your mouth is constantly changing, it is important to check your denture regularly for any cracks or worn teeth. Be sure to visit your Denturist at Ottawa Valley Denture Clinic as part of your recommended check-up schedule.

Getting used to your dentures may be a challenging experience, initially! But this should not discourage you, as with anything new, it takes some time to get used to. Your Denturist and team will make every effort to guide you through this experience.
It is important to know that though dentures fill the void where your natural teeth once were, they cannot duplicate the exact feel and function of your natural teeth.
Initially a new denture could feel strange and bulky and will cause a feeling of fullness of the lips and cheeks. In time, these feelings will subside, and you will feel more comfortable.
You may also experience slurred speech, gagging, excessive salivation and diminished taste. These symptoms will disappear over time! If these symptoms persist, contact our office and we will be happy to troubleshoot with you and see where we can help with adjusting to your new lifestyle.
Learning to chew with dentures takes time. We suggest starting with soft foods initially and gradually introducing more difficult or firm foods.
Chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time to stabilize your teeth.
Avoid biting into food with your front teeth, as it may dislodge your dentures.
Mastering your lower dentures will take time and patience. As it does not have the same suction your upper denture has, you might find that it “floats” and moves around in your mouth. To counteract this, try resting your tongue against the inside, front edge of the lower denture to hold it in place.
Until you learn good tongue and lip control, adhesives are helpful. Adhesives may also be useful for your upper dentures.
At first you may want to consider wearing your dentures all the time, including at night to adapt to them more quickly.
After you have become accustomed to them, you should take them out at night and follow a good cleaning routine.
It is common to feel sore places on your gums as you adjust to the new dentures. If you develop a sore spot, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and schedule an appointment for an adjustment as needed. Adjustments are typically expected as part of the process to any new denture.
Some of these challenges described could be overcome with implant-based dentures. As a current or future denture wearer, we encourage you to learn more about these implants as an option to improve your health and overall lifestyle. Your Denturist will also present you with all possible options available to you.
Most importantly, don’t be discouraged! Dentures will take time to get use to and might need a few adjustments along the way. This is normal! And the team at Ottawa Valley Denture Clinic are here to help make this transition as seamless as possible for you.