INTRODUCTION
An Optimum Solution to Lost or Missing Teeth
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some time to get used to and will never feel exactly the same as your natural teeth, dentures today are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever before.
FEATURES
What Is the Process of Placing Dentures?
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some time to get used to and will never feel exactly the same as your natural teeth, dentures today are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever before.
Types of Dentures
Complete
1
With complete dentures, a pink-coloured acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper dentures covers the area of the palate (the roof of your mouth), while the lower dentures are shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
Partial
2
A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures are more convenient to wear and offer a removable alternative to dental bridges.
All-on-4 Implant Dentures
3
When a person has multiple missing or lost teeth, all-on-4 implant dentures prove to be the safest and best option. These implant dentures replace all missing teeth in the upper and lower jaws. These dentures are more durable than traditional ones and provide a more natural-looking smile. All-on-4 implants are only removed by the dentist and are slightly more expensive than conventional dentures.
AFTERCARE
Caring for Your Dentures
Cleaning your dentures daily helps them last longer and keeps your mouth healthy. Rinse dentures after eating to remove food debris, brush them daily with a soft-bristle brush and denture cleaner (regular toothpaste can be too abrasive), and soak them overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution. Regular check-ins at our Beaches practice let us catch fit issues early and keep your dentures working properly.
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SYMPTOMS
Symptoms That Indicate That You Might Need Dentures
Dentures are more prevalent than you think and can fix several dental issues. Moreover, denture services are not only limited to senior citizens, they can address oral issues in people of all age groups and effectively restore their smiles.
Various factors indicate that you might need dentures
• Missing or gapped teeth
• Chronic and persistent toothache
• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Indigestion due to poor chewing
• Loose or dislocated teeth
If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, seek professional dental help as soon as possible to minimize the risks of severe dental consequences. In Toronto's Beaches neighbourhood, if you are considering denture services, Balsam Dental has a team of well-trained and experienced dentists who provide treatment appropriate for your oral condition. Many treatments are covered by dental insurance. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.
BENEFITS
Comfort, adjustment, and longevity.
How Do New Dentures Feel?
New dentures may feel slightly uncomfortable during the first few weeks or months. Dentures take a little practice when eating or speaking. A loose feeling is not uncommon while your tongue and cheek muscles learn to hold your dentures in place. A sensation that the tongue does not have adequate room, excessive saliva flow, and minor irritations or swelling are also not unusual. Dentures may require several adjustments before a comfortable fit is achieved. Even though you no longer have your natural teeth, it is still important to see your dentist annually. It is normal for the tissues in your mouth to change; as these changes occur, your dentures may no longer fit properly.
When Is It Necessary to Replace Dentures?
Your jawbones shrink up to 0.8 mm each year when teeth are missing. Unfortunately, this is one of the main disadvantages of dentures. Because of this shrinkage, over time your dentures will need to be relined and eventually replaced. Dentures are made of plastic which, over time, wears down; therefore, dentures should be replaced every 7–10 years. Dental implants can also be used to support complete dentures. The placement of dental implants provides a stable foundation for the removable denture while helping preserve the jawbone.
What if my dentures feel loose over time?
Some looseness after several years is expected. Your jawbones gradually change shape when teeth are missing, and this affects how your dentures fit. If your dentures start slipping regularly, or if you're relying on adhesives to keep them in place, it's time for a check-up. Often a reline is all that's needed to restore a comfortable fit.
Treatment Duration
Getting fitted for dentures usually takes 5–6 appointments before the dentures are completed. The process includes an initial consultation and assessment, taking impressions of your mouth, laboratory fabrication of the dentures, a try-in appointment, final fitting, and follow-up adjustments to ensure proper fit.
Will I be able to eat normally with dentures?
Yes, but it takes some practice. For the first few weeks, stick to soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. Most patients are back to eating most of their favourite foods within a month. Very hard, sticky, or chewy foods (like caramel, hard nuts, or tough steak) may always be tricky, but the vast majority of your diet is fair game.
How do I clean and store my dentures overnight?
Rinse your dentures under warm water after every meal, and brush them once a day with a soft-bristled denture brush and a mild denture cleaner (not regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive). Overnight, store them in water or a denture-soaking solution — never let them dry out, or the plastic can warp. Give your gums a rest by leaving them out while you sleep whenever possible.
What if my dentures start slipping or feeling loose?
A little movement in the first few weeks is normal while your muscles adjust. But if your dentures start slipping regularly — especially when you talk or eat — it usually means the fit needs to be adjusted or the dentures need to be relined. Don't rely on over-the-counter adhesives long-term. Come in for a check-up and we'll get the fit sorted.
Do dentures affect the way I speak?
For the first week or two, some words may feel different — especially ones with s, f, and th sounds. Practice reading aloud for a few minutes each day and your speech will adjust quickly. If specific sounds still feel off after a few weeks, let us know at your follow-up appointment. Small tweaks to the fit can often fix it.
