Q. What is the difference between full and partial dentures?
Full (complete) dentures are for people who have no natural teeth, either upper, lower or both. State of the art dentures will be able to restore your smile, your confidence and allow you to enjoy the foods you love.
Partial dentures are for those who are missing only some teeth, and need only for those teeth to be replaced. These custom dentures restore your natural appearance while greatly improving your ability to chew and speak clearly.
As an oral health-care specialist, the denturist at Innovative Denture Solutions offers various types of dentures to satisfy each patient's specific requirements.
Q. 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. At Innovative Denture Solutions, we obtain this desired result through the use of BPS (Biofunctional Prosthetic Systems).
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, Innovative Denture Solutions is committed to providing all of our patients the best possible fit, function and appearance.
Q. How long will it take to make my new dentures?
Several steps are involved in creating your custom dentures. It generally requires 4-6 weeks to complete these steps, with one custom fitting per week.
The first step is that of Preliminary Impressions - moulds of your mouth will be taken. Your customized impression trays will be ready for your next appointment.
The second step is Final Impressions - that will create a custom final model on which your dentures will be fabricated.
Thirdly, we work on the Bite - establishing your jaw relationship and choosing tooth shade/colour to most closely match your teeth.
The fourth appointment focuses on a Try In - you will be able to try your teeth out (in wax) to see how they will look. The bite will also be re-checked. Once you and your denturist are completely satisfied, you move on to step four.
Step five is the Finish - your dentures have been created from the wax sample to the real thing, and you will be to take them home.
One week later, a Post-Insertion Appointment has been scheduled, for any adjustments that may be required.
At Innovative Denture Solutions, your smile is extremely important to us. We only do quality custom work that will exceed your expectations.
Q. 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.
At Innovative Denture Solutions, we will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
Q. 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 Innovative Denture Solutions.
Q. How often should dentures be replaced ?
Dentures have the best fit, function and appearance during the first two to three 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 two to three years can help restore the fit of your denture. However, it is recommended that dentures be replaced every five to eight years.
Ensure that you are aware of the condition of your dentures with annual appointments to your denturist at Innovative Denture Solutions.
Q. How do I keep my dentures clean ?
Many items will stain your dentures, including coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauces, curries, medications and your own saliva. 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. Use a soft brush and liquid dish or hand soap - never use toothpaste as it is too abrasive and may scratch the denture teeth. Don't forget to use a separate toothbrush and toothpaste to clean any natural teeth, tongue and gum surfaces.
Take your dentures out overnight and place in your denture cup with denture cleaner or mouthwash. Never use bleach to clean or soak your denture, as it can weaken the structure of the denture and discolour the acrylic. Make certain that you read the instructions for your denture cleaner and that you are using the correct type for your dentures.
