What You Need To Know Before Taking The Leap

Are you interested in transforming your smile and restoring it to its former glory? It might be time to talk to a dentist about getting dentures.

Many people are apprehensive about dentures, but you needn’t worry. To put your mind at ease, we’ve assembled some of the most common questions that people have about dentures. Read on to learn more.

What Are the Various Types of Dentures?

When you decide to get dentures, you get to decide between complete dentures and partial dentures. Your decision will depend on your specific needs.

Complete dentures are a full set of “teeth” that will replace your natural teeth. For people who are missing most or all their teeth already, complete dentures are the best option.

Partial dentures replace a few teeth (and sometimes a single tooth). For people who still have healthy natural teeth, partial dentures are the best option.

What Materials Are Dentures Made Out Of?

The material used in your dentures varies. Most of the time, the denture framework includes acrylic, nylon, and body-safe metal. This is the part of the denture that holds the “teeth” and rests against your gums.

The teeth themselves are often made of acrylic, with many different shades and shapes available to mimic your natural teeth.

What Is the Average Cost of Dentures?

The cost of your dentures is going to vary depending on the type of denture that you get.

The average cost of a complete denture is CAD $1,800 while a partial denture averages CAD $1,300. The cost can be higher depending on the material being used.

It’s important to talk to your dentist about your budget so they can determine what the best option is for you.

How Do I Care for My Dentures?

You’ll be happy to know that caring for your dentures isn’t difficult once you get used to it.

Remember that dentures should mimic your natural teeth. This means that you must still keep them clean if you want to avoid problems with your gums and any surrounding teeth. Clean your dentures whenever you clean your remaining teeth.

Brush them to remove any debris and soak them with denture-cleaning tablets to keep them hygienic. Clean them over a soft towel as they can break if you drop them.

How Long Will My Dentures Last?

The longevity of your dentures may depend on how you care for them and the changes that happen in your mouth. That said, high-quality dentures often last anywhere between 5 and 10 years. After this, you’ll need a replacement.

If you don’t take good care of your dentures, they will have a shorter lifespan.

Can I Eat And Drink Normally While Wearing Dentures?

When you first get your dentures, be careful while you’re eating. You want to give yourself time to adapt. Stick to soft foods and avoid spice and extreme temperatures.

After you adapt to your dentures, you can return to your normal diet (with a few exceptions). Be careful when you’re eating hard or chewy foods. Sticky candy, popcorn, and even raw vegetables may cause issues if you’re not careful.

Can I Sleep With My Dentures?

It is strongly recommended to remove your dentures to sleep. That allows the gums and tissues to heal from the hours of wear during the day and prevents irritations from building up. Your dentist may advise you on whether you should leave them in while you’re still adapting.

When you take them out to allow your gums to rest, make sure that you leave them in a safe place.

What Is The Process to Get Dentures?

Dentures require several appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will make sure that your gums are healthy enough to support false teeth. They will also make a mould of your upper and lower gums so they can start the process of creating the dentures and find the perfect length for your new “teeth” so they’ll fit together comfortably.

In a future appointment, you’ll try on a set of mock dentures that resemble the final result. This way, the dentist can ensure that they’re comfortable and make any adjustments.

During your final appointment, you’ll get your finished dentures.

Is It Painful to Get Dentures?

Getting dentures is not painful. When you first start wearing your dentures, you may feel some discomfort while your gums adjust. This should go away over time.

You may feel discomfort when you eat hot or hard foods. Again, after you adjust, this should fade.

If you continue to feel pain, talk to a dental professional.

Are Dentures Put in the Same Day as Teeth Removal?

If your dentist needs to remove teeth before you get dentures, you could get an immediate denture delivered the same day. This denture will help you keep you eating and functioning while you wait for the healing. During the healing time, the gums will change a lot and this immediate denture might need adjustments. Once your gums have healed completely you will need a new denture made that will fit your mouth better.

How Will Dentures Affect My Appearance?

Dentures will change your appearance for the better.

If you need complete dentures, it’s possible that your face has a “sunken in” look due to the lack of support from your teeth. Dentures can fill out your face and give you the wide and beautiful smile that you once had.

Even if you need partial dentures, you’ll feel more confident when you no longer have gaps in your smile.

How Will Dentures Affect My Speech?

When you get your dentures, you may discover that you have temporary speech changes while you adjust. This may feel embarrassing, but it’s normal and it will pass. Don’t avoid speaking or you won’t be able to adjust.

You may find that you feel your dentures moving against your gums while you talk. At first, this can cause your speech to change. To prevent this, try biting down before you speak.

Take your time while you speak to avoid any shifting. Talk to yourself in a mirror and be sure to spend time talking to friends and family members who can tell you if they notice anything.

The Takeaway

Getting dentures can change your life. You’ll feel more confident, you’ll be able to eat your favourite foods, and you’ll protect your gums and remaining teeth.

We hope that the answers to these questions put your mind at ease. If you have further questions about dentures, please feel free to reach out.

Are you ready to book an appointment to start the process of getting dentures? We want to meet you! Contact us to set up an appointment today.