Q. WHAT KINDS OF DENTURES CAN I FIND AT BURLINGTON DENTURE CLINIC?

Standard Dentures

Standard dentures are the most common and conventional dentures. They are designed patients looking to choose from predetermined tooth shapes and shades. While standard dentures may be less costly in the short term, they have a tendency to be slightly softer and wear down at a faster rate than precision denture teeth.

Precision Dentures

Precision dentures, also known as premium dentures are high quality dentures made using materials that are stronger and more wear resistant than Standard dentures. Also, as opposed to being limited by predetermined shapes and shades, Precision dentures offer a wide variety of tooth shapes and shades that allow for improved esthetics, comfort, function and fit.

Immediate Dentures

At Burlington Denture Clinic, we like to think ahead. In order to avoid our patients being without teeth at any time, we implement the Immediate Denture Technique. This is when we take impressions of your mouth while your natural teeth are still in place. We are then able to prepare a denture in the likeness that the loss of natural teeth will occur. This way, when the time comes for your natural teeth to be extracted, your immediate denture is inserted immediately. This technique is a great option to avoid having to go without any teeth while your mouth heals.

Q. CAN YOU TELL ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPLETE AND PARTIAL DENTURES?

In a case where a patient has lost all of their natural teeth in both their upper and lower jaws, Complete dentures are used to replace this loss. Partial dentures on the other hand do not replace all teeth, but replace one or more teeth as necessary.

Q. HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT MY DENTURES TO COST?

There are different types of dentures, and the cost of new dentures depends on the variety you choose. In addition to the dentures themselves, there are added features you can choose to incorporate with your dentures that can increase the cost. Examples include soft liners, metal strengtheners, and implant components. We invite you to visit Burlington Denture Clinic for a FREE consultation to assess your needs and provide you with an accurate estimate.

Q. IS IT HARD TO GET USED TO DENTURES? WHEN WILL I FEEL COMFORTABLE?

When it comes to dentures, we try our best to stress the importance of patience with our patients. Getting used to dentures takes time, especially if you haven’t worn them before. Even if you have worn dentures, facial and mouth muscles may have adapted to the previous dentures in your mouth. Natural teeth that may have been compromised or missing have an effect on the current state of mouth muscles too. Everyone is different. While some people adapt within days, others can take weeks or even months to feel comfortable. Once again, we stress patience, and guarantee that once your mouth has adjusted, you will be comfortable and happy.

It is important to remember that while dentures are a good replacement for natural teeth, they still aren’t the real thing. They cannot truly duplicate the way natural teeth are secured within the bone, have sensation, or truly feel like your own. The addition of dental implants however can help you feel as close as possible to your own natural teeth. With this in mind, Burlington Denture Clinic still guarantees the most comfortable fit for your mouth, and the most ideal feel that quality dentures can provide.

Q. I’M WORRIED THAT DENTURES WILL CHANGE MY APPEARANCE. IS THIS TRUE?

At Burlington Denture Clinic, one of our goals is to keep you looking like you! We want you to look your best, and want your dentures to mimic the look of your natural teeth as much as possible. Your dentures will support your facial muscles, reduce fine lines, and fill empty spaces left by missing teeth, giving you a more youthful appearance. If you have been missing teeth for some time, the distance between your upper and lower jaws can be over closed when teeth are missing, giving your face a collapsed and prematurely aged appearance. Dentures can correct this and reestablish the positioning of your jaws.

Q. WILL EATING BE A STRUGGLE WITH DENTURES?

At first, it can be hard to imagine eating when wearing dentures already feels like a real mouthful. Don’t worry, this will change as you get used to them. Once again, we stress that patience is key when getting used to your new teeth. Biting and chewing will be slightly different with new dentures even if you have been a denture wearer for some time. To make the transition easier on our patients, we recommend starting off with soft foods chewed slowly in small bites for the first few days. Once comfortable with these foods, gradually reintroduce harder textured foods to your diet. If you are having difficulty chewing or develop sore spots, please contact Burlington Denture Clinic.

Q. WHAT WILL TALKING BE LIKE WITH DENTURES?

At first, you will most likely find that you are not talking exactly the same way that you were prior to dentures. Don’t worry. This is typical while your mouth adjusts. Over time, your tongue, lips and cheeks will adapt, and speech will return to normal. We recommend talking a lot, reading aloud, and practicing mouth movements to get you sounding like yourself again.

Q. DO DENTURES LAST FOREVER, OR WILL THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED?

While we would like to say that one set of dentures will last forever, this is not likely to be the case. Like other parts of your body, your mouth changes over time. The fit, function and appearance of your dentures are at their best during the first 2 to 3 years. After this, dentures can start to feel loose due to resorption (shrinking of your jaw bone and gums associated with tooth loss). Denture teeth also wear with use, and worn denture teeth can adversely affect the ability to chew effectively, impacting on digestion. Poor digestion can result in flatulence, irritable bowels, constipation, acid reflux, and changes in diet to less nutritious, softer foods. It is important to replace dentures when the times comes, as older dentures can also cause a poor ‘bite’, which can affect your jaw function and can contribute to headaches, sore mouth, sore jaw, and altered physical appearance. Worn teeth can also place uneven stress on your denture, possibly resulting in denture breakage. Consideration for replacement dentures should be between 5 years and 7 years. If you are experiencing any of this wear and tear, visit Burlington Denture Clinic to see if it is time for denture replacement.

Q. WHAT IS DENTURE RELINING AND WHEN SHOULD THIS BE DONE?

Denture relining is a simple and affordable procedure that reshapes the underside of a denture to make it more comfortable as it rests against your gums. We recommend a denture reline every 2 to 3 years to help restore the fit of your dentures and extend their longevity. Most insurance plans that cover dentures cover relines every 3 years, as changes to your mouth are expected. While relines improve the fit for dentures, they will not change the affect of wear on denture teeth or improve denture appearance as a result of wear. Over time, replacement will likely be necessary.

Q. MY UPPER AND LOWER DENTURES FIT DIFFERENTLY. WHY IS THIS?

Upper and lower dentures fit differently in your mouth because the upper and lower portions of your mouth are different. Very different. An upper denture gets suction in your mouth due to the surface area of the palate, saliva, and denture extensions. A lower denture is a much smaller surface area and must contend with an interfering tongue muscle, muscle attachments, and the floor of the mouth that lifts dentures, resulting in an inadequate seal. Food can also get in the way with the lower denture, getting trapped underneath the denture creating movement that can cause rubbing and sore spots. Because of this, the lower denture typically takes more getting used to.

A lower denture stays in place with the aid of facial muscles, lips and the tongue. It takes time for these muscles to adapt with dentures in the mouth. Because of this often-slow adaptation, implants are the best solution for stabilizing a lower denture.

Q. MY NEW DENTURES FEEL DIFFERENT THAN MY OLD ONES. WHY IS THAT?

It takes time for your mouth to get used to something new. Even if you have worn dentures for years, new dentures will require some adjustment time as they settle. Be patient with your mouth, and keep in mind that dentures sit on soft tissue, and bone and compression of these tissues can sometimes cause sore spots that require relief. This is why adjustment appointments following denture placement are common. New dentures often feel ‘bigger’ because the tooth surfaces have been restored and are no longer worn like your old ones. These restored surfaces will allow you to chew more effectively and will have an improved and more natural appearance.

Q. IF I TAKE MEDICATIONS WILL MY DENTURES BE AFFECTED?

The most common complication of medications and dentures is dry mouth (xerostomia). This can complicate the fit of a denture because saliva helps with adhesion and provides lubrication. If your mouth doesn’t have adequate saliva, denture fit may be affected and sore spots related to friction and movement can result. In order to provide necessary lubrication and prevent sore spots, an artificial saliva substitute (Biotene, Salivart, Oral Balance, Xerolube) is recommended. Sipping water frequently and reduction of dietary sugar and salt can also improve dry mouth conditions.

In addition to dry mouth, some medications used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure can increase the risk of bleeding and tissue overgrowth that may irritate gums or affect denture fit. At Burlington Denture Clinic, your health is our number one priority. Always let us know which medications you are taking so we can determine how they will impact you and your dentures.

Q. IF I HAVE AN INSURANCE PLAN ARE DENTURES COVERED?

All dental insurance policies are different. To determine whether your policy covers dentures we will send a predetermination to your provider. As a courtesy, we can also submit claims on your behalf and can collect your eligible amount from most standard insurance companies and Veterans Affairs. For patients with dental insurance or coverage through OW/ODSP/NIHB program, we are required to send an estimate first before any denture work is started and we collect your eligible amount covered by your plan directly once the dentures are completed.

Q. HOW CAN I TAKE GREAT CARE OF MY DENTURES?

To obtain the best feeling of dentures in your mouth, we recommend the following techniques:

• Rinse and brush your denture(s) after all meals.

• Brush the denture using a proper denture brush, warm water and a denture cleaning paste or mild detergent. Pay extra attention to spaces between the 'teeth' and the areas that come in contact with the gums.

• When brushing your lower denture, hold it in the middle to avoid accidental squeezing which can result in breakage.

• Do not use toothpaste, it is an abrasive that will scratch and dull the shine. When cleaning your denture, place a towel in the sink, or fill the sink with water, to cushion it if dropped.

• Gently brush your gums, use a tongue scraper to remove debris and clean the roof of your mouth with a moistened super soft toothbrush to help stimulate blood circulation, tone gum tissue and promote healing.

• Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash to help minimize bacteria and keep your breath fresher.

• Remove denture daily and place in a covered container with a denture soaking cleanser to kill bacteria. Soaking times vary depending on the manufacturer. Soaking a denture overnight is optional with some denture cleansers. This keeps a denture clean, and also gives the supporting tissues in your mouth time to rest.

• After soaking your denture in a cleanser, thoroughly rinse it in warm running water before inserting it into your mouth.

• When a denture is not being worn, it should be placed in a covered container filled with water to prevent drying out and possible dimension changes of the denture base material.

• Daily cleaning of your dentures is necessary to prevent plaque and calculi (tartar) buildup, food stains, bad breath, mouth infections and redness or irritation to your gums.

• Thick, ropey saliva (often due to dry mouth from medications) and certain foods (red wine, berries, coffee, tea, tomato sauces, curries) can cause staining. Rinsing your mouth and dentures after every meal will help reduce staining and debris build-up.

If stubborn stains persist, your dentures can be professionally cleaned and polished at Burlington Denture Clinic. Call (905) 333-8181 to book an appointment.

Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO GET MY DENTURES?

While new dentures usually take 4 weeks, this is not the case for all patients. If you are in a hurry and require new dentures right away, please contact us to find out how we can help.

Q. HOW ARE MY DENTURES MADE FROM START TO FINISH?

Typically, 4 appointments are scheduled to make a new set of dentures.

1. Preliminary Impressions During this appointment, moulds are taken of your mouth. These moulds allow us to analyze and assess the anatomy of your mouth to create your dentures.

2. Bite Registration/Facebow Transfer During this appointment, your bite registration will be taken to determine how your upper and lower jaws relate to one another. This ‘bite’ will help define the parameters for where your denture teeth will be placed. The 'facebow' relates your upper jaw to your jaw joint and also assists with tooth set-up. You will also have a chance to decide on tooth shade, and shape at this appointment.

3. Preview This is when your denture teeth will be ‘previewed’. You will try-in your new denture teeth while they are still in wax. The try-in approximates how your new dentures will appear and fit when they are in their final state. At this point, if modifications are required, they can be done at this time. If changes are necessary, an additional ‘retry’ appointment will be arranged.

4. Finish/Denture Insert During this appointment, your dentures will be placed in your mouth and instructions will be provided on how to care for your new dentures and your mouth at home.

Additional Follow Up Appointments
As your new dentures settle in, sore spots and tenderness may develop. Adjustment appointments can be arranged whenever needed. Depending on the treatment plan provided to you, other pre-scheduled follow-up appointments may be required.

Q. IF MY DENTURES BREAK WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Dentures are made of tough and durable materials. However, while they are made to last and are intended to endure the forces of chewing, they do wear over time. Breakage is possible with a worn denture, or can occur by accident too. Not to worry. Most denture repairs can be completed the same day at Burlington Denture Clinic.

Say NO to Super Glue!

While you may be looking for home remedies to repair broken dentures right away, the use of ‘super glue’ or other adhesives is not recommended, even in the interim, as they contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to the human body. It is advisable to wear your old dentures while you wait for the broken set to be fixed. While these ‘spare’ dentures may not fit the same, at least you won’t be without teeth while your repair is completed.

Q. CAN A DENTIST MAKE MY DENTURES INSTEAD OF A SPECIALIZED DENTURIST?

In short, no. Much like how dentists specialize in the care of teeth and gums, Denturists specialize in dentures! Denturists are expertly trained in design, construction, fitting and adjustment of complete and partial dentures, as well as dentures on implants.

Denturists can also assess and advise a variety of features and benefits for your dentures that a dentist is not aware of. If you want to have the utmost confidence in your smile, a denturist is who to trust to achieve this.

Q. WHERE DO DENTISTS HAVE DENTURES MADE?

Most dentists do not have the capability to produce dentures on site. As a result, they send them out to a commercial dental laboratory. This ends up being an added cost to you. At Burlington Denture Clinic, we have an onsite lab where all the laboratory work required to fabricate your dentures is completed. This onsite work allows us to pay close attention to every detail while making and fitting your dentures and enables a more efficient process at more reasonable fees for our patients.

Q. WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made of a small titanium post that is surgically anchored into the jaw. An implant is used to replace a missing root and to support or retain artificial replacement teeth and dentures. An implant is the closest replacement for your natural tooth root structure and helps maintain jawbone too.

Q. AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A DENTAL IMPLANT?

Whether you are a candidate for dental implants depends on several factors, including your oral health, overall health, and the quality and quantity of your jawbone. The Dental Professional who will be placing your implants is the best person to advise you if you are a candidate. At the Burlington Denture Clinic, we can collaborate with the professional who places your implants to restore your smile and provide you with an alternative for the replacement of natural teeth with conventional denture teeth. Dental implants provide ultimate strength. With good care, most implants last a lifetime.

Q. I HAVE DENTAL INSURANCE. ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS COVERED?

Unfortunately, dental implants are not generally covered by dental insurance. However, coverage may be possible, depending on your insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. As dental implants become more popular however, some private dental plans are starting to include limited coverage. Consult your insurance policy and with your insurance provider to find out more.

*Educational material reprinted with permission from The Denturist Association of Ontario (DAO). Copyright © 2014 The Denturist Association of Ontario. All rights reserved. *