Frequently Asked Questions
Common Denture Questions
General FAQs
When looking into getting dentures, you’ll come across the possibility of either using a dentist or a denturist for the job.
A dentist will work with many types of patients and can treat a variety of dental concerns. On the other hand, a denturist is trained in working with denture patients and is an expert in dental care specialization. For special denture needs, contact our denturists.
- Implant Dentures
- Non-Implant Dentures (conventional)
- Partial Dentures
- Immediate Dentures
- Lower Dentures
When looking into getting dentures, you’ll come across the possibility of either using a dentist or a denturist for the job.
A dentist will work with many types of patients and can treat a variety of dental concerns. On the other hand, a denturist is trained in working with denture patients and is an expert in dental care specialization. For special denture needs, contact our denturists.
When looking into getting dentures, you’ll come across the possibility of either using a dentist or a denturist for the job.
A dentist will work with many types of patients and can treat a variety of dental concerns. On the other hand, a denturist is trained in working with denture patients and is an expert in dental care specialization. For special denture needs, contact our denturists.
Standard Denture FAQS
As with any type of dental prosthetic, it may feel odd or foreign at first, but you’ll get used to your standard dentures in no time. It will take some time to get used to eating normally and speaking confidently with your dentures, but once you’ve become accustomed to them, you’ll barely distinguish the feeling from having your natural teeth. Not to mention you’ll get your bright and white smile back!
You can, but it’s not recommended. By taking out your dentures overnight, you give your gums a chance to rest and not get irritated. It’s also a healthy oral hygiene practice to take out your dentures to clean them thoroughly and clean your gums as well.
Read Our Blog: Essential Tips for First-Time Denture Wearers
Just like any type of dentures and dental prosthetics, standard dentures will wear out over time and will eventually need to be either repaired or replaced. You can typically expect your standard dentures to last anywhere from 5 – 7 years. With proper oral hygiene and cleaning habits, you can maximize the longevity of your dentures.
Read Our Blog: Fixed Or Removable Implant Dentures, Which Is Right For You?
If you’re missing some or all of your teeth, there are several denture solutions to consider:
- Immediate Dentures
- Suction Dentures
- Implant Dentures
- Partial Dentures
- Dental Implants
Learn more about all the denture options and services that we offer HERE.
An overdenture is a removable type of denture that’s designed to fit over your natural teeth or implants to fill in the gaps of missing teeth. Your natural teeth need to be altered and prepared in a specific way to provide the necessary support and stability for your denture.
Aside from the visual aesthetic appeal of getting dentures, one of the main reasons for getting dentures is to restore or improve the function of your jaw/teeth.
Although it may take some time to get used to speaking and eating confidently with your new dentures, once you’re used to your dentures, they’ll start to feel more and more comfortable and normal. Specifically for eating, start with smaller and softer foods before jumping right back into your regular diet.
Denture Reline FAQS
Relining a denture is the process of adding material to the inner plate that hugs your gums to conform to any changes in the underlying soft or hard tissue in your mouth. A set of dentures can also be relined to replace broken parts of the denture.
A denture reline is typically recommended every 3-5 years in order to improve the function, fit, and feel of your denture. Over time, your jaw bone and soft tissues change due to shrinkage and it can alter the way in which your denture fit your mouth. A reline will adjust the fit of your denture to any changes in your jaw bone or tissues.
Soft Denture Reline – A soft denture reline involves the addition of pliable and comfortable materials to change the fit of your dentures. A soft reline can help with sensitive gum tissues and sores from dentures. They will typically last for 1-2 years.
Hard Denture Reline – A hard denture reline is the most common type of relining procedure. A hard reline uses acrylic materials to provide a comfortable and longer-lasting fit for your dentures.
Temporary Denture Reline – A temporary denture reline is only meant to a short term solution for sore/inflamed gums. They will typically last a few weeks and will help reduce inflammation before moving to a longer term solution.
Learn More about our Denture Reline Services
Most dentures will eventually need to be relined because of the natural changes in soft tissue and jaw structure. Without a denture reline, your denture won’t fit as well as your gums continue to change. Denture relining is also a solution for small breaks, cracks, or chips and can help if your dentures start to feel loose.
Read Our Blog: 7 Exercises To Improve Speech When Wearing Dentures
A denture reline is typically a pretty quick process. If you’re getting a soft denture reline, in can be done in as little as a couple of minutes at the dentist’s office.
However, a hard reline will require your dentures and impressions to be sent to a lab and the process can take a couple of days to a few weeks. If you need a temporary reline, the process may also take a few weeks.
Read Our Blog: Tips for Adjusting to New Dentures
The cost of a denture reline procedure can vary depending on:
- The location of the patient/clinic
- Whether it’s a partial or complete denture that needs to be relined
- Lab costs
- The fees of the dental clinic
- The type of denture reline
- Extent of insurance coverage
Hard denture relines are typically more expensive than soft relines as they provide a longer term solution with better materials. Contact our team today to get an examination and to get an accurate price for your denture relining needs!
Read Our Blog: Traditional Dentures vs. Modern Dentures: 5 Changes You’ll Notice
Partial Denture FAQS
If you’re missing some teeth and don’t need a full denture, that’s where partial dentures come in. A partial denture is a removable dental prosthetic that replaces missing teeth to fill those gaps and provide support for surrounding teeth. Partial dentures can be tissue supported, implant supported, or completely tooth supported.
The lifespan of partial dentures can vary anywhere from 5-15 years depending on several different factors. The type of materials used, the way they fit, how much your gums and tissue change, and the quality of your denture care routine can all influence the longevity of your partial dentures.
Read Our Blog: Full vs. Partial Dentures: Which Is Right for You?
Yes. Partial dentures are a removable solution for those who are missing some of their natural teeth. It may be recommended that you wear your dentures at night shortly after getting your partial dentures – to help your gums become more accustomed to them. After this initial adjustment period, you can remove your partial dentures overnight to allow your gums to have a chance to relax.
Read Our Blog: Common Types of Partial Dentures and How to Know Which Is Right for You
You may experience some initial discomfort with your partial dentures as you get used to wearing them. After a couple of weeks of adjusting, they should become much more comfortable and almost unnoticeable. If you still have discomfort several weeks after getting your dentures, you should consult with a denturist to ensure that they are fitting properly.
Read Our Blog: What to Expect After You Get Partial Dentures and How to Adapt
Each set of partial dentures will be unique to the individual wearing them. However, they are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. With the advancements of modern technology and materials used in the denture fabrication process, dentures are more natural-looking than ever.
Read Our Blog: Essential Denture Aftercare Tips To Keep Your Smile Healthy
At first, they might. There is a breaking-in period in which patients need to get used to the sensation of speaking and eating with their new dentures. In as little as a few weeks, most patients start feeling perfectly normal in their dentures and are able to speak and eat confidently.
Read Our Blog: Essential Tips for First-Time Denture Wearers
Lower Suction Denture FAQS
As the name suggests, lower suction dentures rely on suction to stay in place. They don’t require any messy adhesives or costly dental implants! A precise and detailed impression allows for a strong seal and firm suction to secure your dentures in place for increased confidence with speaking, eating, and smiling.
Suction dentures are able to stay securely in place due to the creation of a vacuum between the gums and the dentures. This can only be done with an incredibly detailed impression of your gums so that the dentures fit perfectly to the natural shape of your jaw.
Read Our Blog: Unlocking the Secrets: How Do Dentures Stay in Place?
Roughly ~80% of all denture patients are eligible for Lower Suction dentures. One of the only things that would disqualify a patient for getting Suction dentures is if they’ve recently had teeth extracted from their lower jaw. Recent extractions can cause gum wounds to open up, bleed, and can lead to infection. Once the gums have healed from extraction, you will then become eligible for Lower Suction dentures.
With proper attention to denture care and good oral hygiene habits, a Lower Suction denture will typically last between 7-10 years. Keep in mind that this range can vary significantly from one patient to the next based on the quality of their dentures, their habits, and their attention to properly maintaining their dentures.
Read Our Blog: Common Problems Caused by Poor-Fitting Dentures
Compared to most other forms of dentures, Lower Suction dentures are well-known to be one of the most comfortable types of dentures. They don’t require adhesives and the suction force provides a secure and natural feel. It will take some adjustment at first, but once acclimated, your Suction dentures will look and feel just like your natural teeth.
Lower Suction dentures that are created by an experienced denturist can provide a whole host of benefits, including:
- Improved Chewing Ability
- Enhanced Appearance
- Natural Look & Feel
- Fewer Sore Spots
- Fully Customizable & Custom-Fit
- No Need for Implants
- Secure & Stable
- No Need for Messy Adhesives
Implant Denture FAQS
With proper care and a consistent, healthy oral hygiene routine, a set of implant dentures can last anywhere from 10 – 15 years. It’s important to keep in mind that this range can vary significantly based on materials used, levels of maintenance, and eating habits.
Learn more about our Implant Denture Solutions!
Implant dentures can either be removable or permanently attached to the implants. Speak with our team of denturists to figure out which type of implant denture would better suit your needs.
Read Our Blog: Everything You Need to Know About Denture Implants
Just like your natural teeth, removable implant dentures need to be carefully and thoroughly cleaned every day. We recommend getting a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your dentures. Along with regular brushing, you should also consider occasionally soaking your dentures in a denture specific cleaning solution. Keeping your dentures clean will improve your oral health and will also increase the lifespan of your dentures!
Read Our Blog: Fixed Or Removable Implant Dentures, Which Is Right For You?
The healing process following dental implant surgery can typically take around 3-6 months. During this timeframe, you’ll get a set of temporary dentures to use before getting your final set of implant dentures.
Read Our Blog: Tips for Traveling with Dentures: Maintaining Oral Health on the Go
Implant dentures are fastened to your jaw bone via dental implants. The set of dentures click onto the dental implants and are securely locked into place. Implant dentures offer considerably more stability compared to traditional dentures which sit right on top of your gums.
Read Our Blog: Denture Candidates: Can I Get Dentures If I Haven’t Had Teeth For A Long Time?
Of all denture options available, implant-supported dentures feel the most like your natural teeth. They are stable, secure, and you can speak and eat with confidence with implant dentures. Traditional dentures definitely take more time to get used to compared to implant dentures.
Contact Us for more information
Denture Repair FAQS
The most common reason for dentures breaking or getting damaged is because they don’t fit properly. However, even if your dentures fit well and you take great care of them, daily wear and tear as well as accidents can also prompt the need for denture repair services. Some common causes for broken dentures include:
- Improper Fit
- Daily Wear & Tear
- Dropping Your Dentures
- Eating Hard/Tough Foods
Learn More about Our Denture Repair Services
Denture repair is the process of restoring broken or damaged dentures to like-new condition. Whether your dentures are cracked, broken, or have come loose a skilled denture technician can help repair your dentures to improve both fit and function. If your dentures have undergone several repairs, then it may be time to consider buying a brand-new set of dentures.
There is no universal fixed cost for a denture repair procedure. The cost of a denture repair will vary based on the amount of damage, the denture materials, the fabrication process, and the denture technicians that do the repair work. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere around $100 – $200 for a denture repair procedure. Keep in mind that this value is an average and can vary significantly based on your specific needs.
Read Our Blog: Five Signs That You May Need a Denture Repair
Not sure if you need to get your dentures repaired? Some signs that it might be time to book a denture repair appointment include:
- Painful Mouth Sores
- Difficulties with Eating & Speaking
- Consistent Discomfort
- Cracks & Chips
- Gum Irritation
- Stains & Bad Breath
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms with your dentures, it’s time to book an appointment with your denturist. Contact our team today to book a consultation and to get your dentures repaired!
As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that you leave denture repairs to the professionals. Although there are tons of options for DIY and at-home denture repair kits, the results will not be nearly as effective and can lead to more complications down the road. Getting your dentures repaired at a denture clinic will ensure long-lasting results, a comfortable fit, and will avoid the risk of using any unsafe glues and chemicals that you can typically find in many DIY kits.
Contact Us for more information about Denture Repairs
Most broken dentures can be fixed or repaired, but sometimes your best option might be to get a brand-new set of dentures instead. If you have damaged, cracked, or old dentures that need to get repaired, contact our team of denture specialists to evaluate your options.
Read Our Blog: Denture Repair vs. Replacement: How to Know When It’s Time for New Dentures
Immediate Denture FAQS
An immediate denture, otherwise referred to as a “temporary denture” is just that, a temporary solution for missing teeth while you recover from a tooth extraction procedure. Immediate dentures aren’t custom fit like other forms of dentures and are only meant to be used for a short period of time. You can wear immediate dentures for several months until your mouth has fully healed and you’re ready for your permanent dentures.
It’s important to note that immediate dentures aren’t mandatory after a tooth extraction procedure. If you’re only missing a few teeth or are getting a couple of teeth extracted, you don’t need to get temporary dentures. However, if you’re getting all of your teeth extracted, it adds a lot of convenience to avoid having no teeth for a prolonged period of time.
Contact Us for more information about Immediate Dentures
An immediate denture will typically only be worn for about 6 to 8 months (the amount of time it takes for your gums to fully heal). Since temporary dentures are custom-fitted to your mouth, they aren’t as comfortable and will also have to be relined from time to time. Some people opt for using their immediate dentures as a long-term solution, but we recommend getting permanent dentures for a more practical solution for your missing teeth.
Read Our Blog: What to Expect From an Immediate Denture Procedure
The cost of immediate dentures can vary significantly based on where you live, the type of materials used, and whether they are partial or full dentures. The price is immediate dentures is comparable in price to permanent dentures.
A basic set of immediate dentures (top and bottom) can range anywhere from $1,000 – $2000+, while more premium dentures can go upwards of $4,000 – $8000+. Keep in mind that this cost can vary significantly from one clinic to the next and the price also doesn’t include the tooth extraction treatment.
Read Our Blog: What to Expect From an Immediate Denture Procedure
When you’re not wearing your immediate dentures, they should be kept clean in a sealed container or in some cool water. Before putting your dentures back in, make sure to rinse your mouth and your dentures again.
Read Our Blog: Prevention of Plaque and Bacteria Build-Up on Dentures
Just like your natural teeth, dentures require a daily cleaning routine to help preserve their comfort and appearance. A denture care routine should include daily rinsing of your dentures under cool running water and using a soft-bristled brush to remove any plaque and debris. It’s important to use non-abrasive toothpaste when brushing your dentures!