Dentures Treatment in Hamilton (Jackson Square), Burlington and St. Catharines!
Denture FAQ
- What are the Problem Associate with Dentures and How Long do they Last?
When you lose teeth, the bone starts to shrink or resorb away. As such, the intimate fit of a denture will change over time and may lead to soreness. This leads to more bone loss and difficulty with chewing. If you feel this is happening to you please come in to our office to have your dentures looked at. Dentures typically last about 7 years, and should be replaced to avoid the above mentioned problems.
- What are Implant Retained Dentures?
An implant retained denture is one that is stabilized by the use of dental implants that have been placed in the jaw. Implants are especially useful in the lower jaw as lower dentures tend not to fit as well as upper ones. Implants can transform a denture into an appliance that you can feel confident wearing out in public without fear of them dislodging.
- Why is my Lower Denture so Loose?
Upper dentures fit well because the shape of your palate allows for a suction seal. On the lower arch, this doesn’t exist and there are several muscles in your cheek which along with the tongue work hard to dislodge the denture. It is important to consider implants to confidently keep a lower denture in place.
- What are Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are placed right after diseased teeth are removed. This way, you never go without having teeth. However, in the first few weeks following extraction of teeth and placement of the immediate denture, your soft tissues (gums) and bone will change shape. It is therefore a requirement to have your denture relined between 6-8 weeks after the initial placement of the denture. This adds some cost to the procedure, but is well worth it for people that cannot go without having any teeth.
- What is a Partial Denture?
Partial dentures are appliances designed for individuals who are missing some, but not all teeth. They use existing teeth for stabilization (using clasps and other design features). The most comfortable partial dentures have a thin cast metal framework which are easier to wear compared to bulky plastic partial dentures. Partial dentures can be made for both the upper and lower arches.
- How Quickly will I Adjust when Wearing Dentures?
It takes a few days, and up to a few weeks to adjust to your dentures. You may notice that your speech is different, but with time this goes away. People that have been wearing dentures for many years adjust very quickly. However, if you have had a lifetime of using your own teeth and are then presented with having to wear dentures, the psychological impact can mean it takes longer to adjust. It is best to manage expectations when considering dentures as a treatment option.
- Will my Appearance be Affected By Wearing a Denture?
A properly fitting denture will improve your appearance by giving you the facial support needed to look your best. In addition, the teeth are optimized to make you look your best and improve self confidence. When you notice that your face is ‘sagging’ or you notice more wrinkles, it may be time to replace your dentures.
- Will Dentures Affect My Speech?
When you receive a new denture, there is always a period of adjustment. During this time, you may notice some changes in your speech. Rest assured, that within a week or so this should disappear as your muscles adapt to your new appliance. Some dentures may produce a clicking or whistling sound which is a sign that your dentist should adjust or repair them.
- Why do I Need to Remove my Dentures at Night?
Removing dentures at night allows your gums and tissues to ‘breathe’. If you continuously wear your denture, you are at risk for infection (usually fungal).
- I Have Sore Spots on my Gums, is this Normal?
No, it is not normal, and indicates that your denture is not fitting like it should and is rubbing the tissues causing the soreness. See your dentist for an adjustment to fix the problem.
- Do I Need to See the Dentist Regularly if I have Full Dentures?
It is important to continue seeing the dentist regularly to ensure your dentures fit well. At your check up appointment, the dentist will help remedy any problems with your denture, assess the soft and hard tissues in your mouth and check for cancer.
Martindale Dental provides both general and specialty dentistry under one roof. For more than 20 years, our dentists have been advocates for their patients oral health care needs. Our dental offices are conveniently located in Hamilton (Jackson Square), St Catharines, and Burlington, Ontario. We offer convenient appointments before or after work & on weekends.
