Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures in Dawson Creek
Click for a Printable Page of these frequently asked questions
What are the differences between precision and standard dentures?
How long will it take to make my new dentures?
Why do my upper and lower dentures fit differently?
Why do my new dentures fit differently than my old dentures?
How often should dentures be replaced?
When do dentures need relining?
How do I keep my dentures clean?
What should I clean my dentures with?
How can denture implants help denture wearers?
Can I crazy glue my denture if it breaks?
How often should I visit my denturist?
Please do not eat Scotch mints!
What are the differences between precision and standard dentures?
Denture materials differ in quality and composition. Denture teeth come in a wide selection of shapes, moulds, shades and varying degrees of hardness.
Precision dentures are made using high-quality materials, with additional techniques that are not included with standard dentures. Precision dentures are designed and created to appear more natural and fit more comfortably.
A standard denture is made using basic tooth shapes, shades and materials. Standard dentures are less expensive at the onset, but tend to wear down at a faster rate and need to be replaced more often than precision denture teeth. Regardless of your choice, the Mile Zero Denture Clinic is committed to providing all of our patients the best possible fit, function and appearance.
How long will it take to make my new dentures?
Several steps are involved in creating your custom dentures. However, dentures can be made in as little as two days!
Step 1 is that of preliminary impressions—moulds of your mouth will be taken. Your customized impression trays will be ready for your next appointment.
Step 2 is final impressions—that will create a custom final model on which your dentures will be fabricated.
For step 3, we work on the bite—establishing your jaw relationship and choosing tooth shade/colour to most closely match your teeth.
Step 4 focuses on a try-in—you will be able to try your teeth out (in wax) to see how they will look. We can make changes to the appearance of the denture until you are happy. The bite will also be re-checked. Once you and your denturist are completely satisfied, you move on to step five.
Step 5 is the finish—your dentures have been created from the wax sample to the real thing, and you will be able to take them home.
An adjustment may be required a week or two later. At Mile Zero Denture Clinic, your smile is extremely important to us. We only do quality custom work that will exceed your expectations.
Why do my upper and lower dentures fit differently?
The roof of the mouth is shaped in such a way that the upper denture creates a suction or seal with the denture. This is the suction that enables the denture to stay in place on the roof of the mouth.
The lower denture has to share space with your tongue. Because your tongue is constantly moving along the floor of your mouth, the denture moves as well and no seal can be created. Your lower denture does have some help to stay in place from the muscles in the face, cheeks and lips.
As always, adjusting to new dentures is a process that will require a bit of patience. Over time, the muscles will develop to aid in placement and you will be quite satisfied with your ability to wear your new dentures in comfort. Several steps are involved in creating your custom dentures. It generally requires 4-6 weeks to complete these steps, with 1 custom fitting per week. At Mile Zero Denture Clinic, we will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
Why do my new dentures fit differently than my old dentures?
Adjusting to new dentures is something that will require a bit of time, primarily because the muscles in your face have developed around your old dentures and will now need the time to adapt to your new dentures.
Over time, the areas in your mouth that are missing teeth cause the bone and gums to recede and shrink. The inside of your mouth slowly gets smaller. Therefore, in order to keep your facial appearance, the dentures slowly get larger. Every set of new dentures is the same as wearing dentures for the first time. They will all fit differently and require time for your mouth to adjust. Past experiences will suggest that you will adjust and you will be quite pleased with your new dentures from Mile Zero Denture Clinic.
How often should dentures be replaced?
Dentures have the best fit, function and appearance during the first 2-3 years. After this period of time, dentures can begin to feel loose. This is due to normal shrinkage of bone and gums over time that is associated with tooth loss. The other factor affecting the "life" of your dentures is your bite. Worn down dentures can cause sore jaw muscles and headaches. Worn teeth can also place uneven stress on your denture, increasing the potential for your denture to break.
Denture relines every 2-3 years can help restore the fit of your denture. However, it is recommended that dentures be replaced every 5-8 years. Ensure that you are aware of the condition of your dentures with annual appointments to your denturist at Mile Zero Denture Clinic.
When do dentures need relining?
Your mouth is in a constant state of change; your gums slowly “shrink” for the rest of your life. Your denture stays the same size and your gums become smaller. This is why a denture becomes loose over time and sore spots occur. The rate of change is different for each individual and will depend on the person's health, medications, diet, genetics or existing denture fit. Annual check-ups will allow your denturist to determine if your denture is in need of a reline. Your denturist will adjust and reline your denture to fit as your mouth changes.
***Dentures should be relined every 2-3 years***
What are denture implants?
Denture implants are small titanium posts used to stabilize or provide a more secure fit for a denture. The implants act like roots of your teeth and a retaining fixture is incorporated into the base of your denture. The head of the implant, (which rests above your gum),is ball-shaped. The retaining fixture, (which is incorporated into the denture base),snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and securely holds the denture in place.
How do I keep my dentures clean?
Daily denture cleaning will help to prevent plaque and tartar build-up, food stains, bad breath, mouth infections and redness or irritation to your gums. Remove your dentures, rinse with water and brush immediately after meals.
What should I clean my dentures with?
Refer to the product list located in your Welcome Package. Only use products made for dentures, no household products. Please also refer to the pamphlet on learning how to care, clean and maintain your denture.
How can denture implants help denture wearers?
Denture wearers often lack confidence that their denture will firmly stay in place in their mouth without becoming loose or floating. For patients who are having this difficulty, denture stabilization implants will help you eat and speak more confidently. It will also decrease the frequency of sore spots. This is especially helpful for the lower denture. Also, because the implants act as tooth replacements, they keep the blood flow to areas of the implant, thus maintaining the bone they are placed into your facial structure.
Can I crazy glue my denture if it breaks?
No! Do not try to repair or glue the denture yourself—bring the denture and its pieces to your denturist to fix. Gluing your dentures may result in the inability to repair the denture properly and may be more costly. Denture fractures and tooth breakage are common problems experienced by many denture wearers. It is recommended that you have a spare set of dentures in case you damage your existing denture.
How often should I visit my denturist?
To ensure the health of your gums and the proper fit of your dentures, you should book a check-up with your denturist every 1-2 years. The denturist can inspect the fit of your denture and fix any issues.
Please do not eat Scotch mints!
Scotch mints will drastically decrease the life span of your denture. The mints wear denture teeth down very quickly.