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Dentures
Quality Dentures in Ajax and Pickering
Do you have a missing tooth? If you want to restore your lost tooth, we can help. Durham Dental Centres provides dentures in Ajax and Pickering to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth. Whether you need complete or partial dentures, we have got you covered. We are proud to offer a full range of denture services, including the complete installation of dentures as well as repair and maintenance, including rebasing and relines. For over 20 years, we have been providing high-quality dentistry services to our patients. With the latest technology and caring staff, we strive to provide safe and effective treatments to you. You can count on us for cosmetic dentistry, crowns, braces and more.
Understanding Dentures: Restoring Your Smile
Types of Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Two types of dentures are available.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” They can provide you with a range of benefits, including comfort, convenience and a better eating experience. Complete dentures resemble your natural teeth and help you chew with both sides of your mouth, ensuring stability while eating.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional Dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. They are typically ready for placement 8 to 12 weeks later, so a patient may have to be without teeth for a period of time.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate Dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon the teeth are removed. However, since bones and gums shrink during the healing process, they will require more adjustments to fit properly and they are less accurate in their initial fit. They should generally be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
Partial Dentures
Partial Dentures– A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum coloured plastic base, which is connected to a metal framework that holds the denture in place. Partial dentures are used when 1 or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.
Before after images
How are Dentures Made?
The process of making dentures requires about 1 month and several appointments. The general steps are:
Replace a single tooth
Support a bridge to replace several missing teeth
Support a bridge when all teeth are missing
Provide secure fixation for a removable denture
How Dentures are Different from Natural Teeth
New dentures may feel odd or loose for the first few weeks. Your cheek muscles and tongue will get used to keeping them in place, and you will get more comfortable inserting and removing them. Also, it is not unusual for minor irritation or soreness to occur and for your saliva flow to increase when you first start wearing your new dentures.
Eating
Eating may take practice. To get used to your new dentures, start with soft foods cut into smaller pieces. Chew slowly with both sides of your mouth. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp edged bones or shells. Do not use toothpicks with your dentures.
Speaking
You may have difficulty pronouncing certain words with your new dentures, but your speech will return to normal as you get used to them. If your dentures “click” when you speak or your speech is unusually slurry, contact your dentist. On occasion, your dentures may slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition them by gently biting down and swallowing.
Bedtime
Generally, dentures should be removed before you go to bed and put back in when you wake up. However, in the first few days, your dentist may ask you to wear your dentures continuously. This allows for a quicker assessment of any adjustments that are required.
Should I Use an Adhesive?
Dental adhesives are safe as long as they are used the way they are meant to be. If the denture is well-fitting and the adhesive is used only to create added stability, there should be no problem.
Denture adhesives may be considered:
To enhance your retention, stability, bite force and sense of security with a properly constructed denture.
To assist individuals with dry mouth conditions that lessen adherence. These include individuals taking medications and those with neurologic disabilities, including stroke victims and the elderly.
To provide security for patients who place unusual demands on their facial muscles, such as public speakers or musicians.
Denture adhesives should NOT be considered:
When used as a fix for ill-fitting or poorly constructed dentures. If your dentures begin to feel loose, cause sores or cause discomfort, contact your dentist.
When a dentist has not evaluated your dentures for a long time. Dentures rest on gum tissue and your jawbone, which will shrink and deteriorate over time. You may need an adjustment or new dentures to fix the real problem.
When oral hygiene practices cannot be maintained.
When adhesives have been used for a long time and the frequency or volume increases. This may indicate that you need an adjustment or new dentures.
When any known allergy exists to the adhesive ingredients.
Whether you decide to use an adhesive or not, you should visit your dentist every 6 months to ensure a proper fit and to look for signs of oral diseases.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper denture care is important for both your dentures and your mouth.
Handling
Dentures need to be handled very carefully. To avoid accidentally breaking your dentures, stand over a folded towel or sink full of water when handling them.
Brushing/Rinsing
Brushing helps to remove stains, plaque and food from your dentures. Use a brush with soft bristles designed for cleaning dentures. Gently brush all of the surfaces, and be careful not to damage the plastic or bend any attachments. Ultrasonic devices can be used. These are “mini-bathtub like” devices that use sound waves and a cleaning solution to clean your dentures. They do not, however, replace daily brushing. In between brushing, rinse your dentures after every meal.
Denture Cleaners
Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid can be used to clean your dentures effectively. Household cleaners and many types of toothpaste can be too abrasive and should not be used. Your dentist may recommend products that have been evaluated for effectiveness and safety.
Storage
It is important to keep your dentures moist even when they are not being used. Dryness can make them lose their shape. You have to soak your dentures in a special soaking solution or lukewarm to cold water (do not use hot water). If your dentures have metal attachments, they could tarnish in a soaking solution. Ask your dentist which method is best for your specific denture.
Repair
Dentures should never be repaired or adjusted at home. Bending the metal or clasp may weaken the structure. Do-it-yourself kits can permanently damage your dentures and over-the-counter glues may contain harmful chemicals. If you are having any problems with your dentures’ fit or comfort, see your dentist for an adjustment. If your denture chips, breaks, cracks or a tooth comes loose, often your dentist can repair it the same day.
Contact Us
When it comes to restoring your original smile and ensuring complete dental health, it is important to trust a professional dentist. Our denturists at the Durham Dental Centres can create custom-fit dentures specially designed for you. Book an appointment with our dentist today to get dentures in Ajax and Pickering.