Dentures & Partial Dentures in Kitchener
Restore Your Smile With Comfortable Dentures
Missing teeth can affect the way you eat, speak, and smile. Dentures and partial dentures are removable tooth-replacement options designed to restore missing teeth and help improve everyday oral function.
At Kitchener Dentistry, we provide denture care based on your individual needs, oral health, and the number and condition of your remaining teeth. Whether you are missing all of your natural teeth or several teeth, we can help you understand your options and determine what type of denture may be appropriate for you.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Depending on how many teeth you are missing, you may benefit from complete dentures, partial dentures, or another tooth-replacement option.
Dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth and are designed to support everyday activities such as eating, speaking, and smiling.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are designed to replace all of the natural teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both.
They may be recommended when most or all natural teeth have been lost or when remaining teeth are no longer suitable for long-term function.
Complete dentures can help restore the appearance of your smile and provide a way to replace missing teeth without individual dental restorations for every missing tooth.
Upper Complete Dentures
Upper dentures replace missing teeth in the upper jaw. They are designed to fit the shape of your upper mouth and gums.
Lower Complete Dentures
Lower dentures replace missing teeth in the lower jaw. Because the lower jaw has different anatomy and movement, achieving a comfortable and stable fit can require careful assessment and adjustment.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are designed for patients who are missing several teeth but still have some healthy natural teeth remaining.
A partial denture fills the spaces created by missing teeth while fitting around your remaining teeth.
Partial dentures can help restore chewing function and improve the appearance of your smile while preserving the use of your remaining natural teeth.
Complete Dentures vs. Partial Dentures
The main difference is the number of natural teeth remaining.
Complete dentures may be appropriate when all or most teeth in an arch are missing.
Partial dentures may be appropriate when some natural teeth remain and several teeth need to be replaced.
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and discuss which option may best suit your individual situation.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For some patients, dentures may be supported by dental implants.
Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to provide additional support for the denture. This may help improve stability compared with a conventional removable denture in appropriate cases.
Not every patient is a candidate for implant-supported dentures. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health, bone condition, and treatment goals to determine whether this option may be suitable.
Why Might You Need Dentures?
Dentures may be considered when teeth have been lost because of:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Dental injuries
- Severely damaged teeth
- Advanced dental problems
- Multiple missing teeth
- Complete tooth loss
Replacing missing teeth can help restore important aspects of oral function and provide a more complete smile.
Benefits of Dentures and Partial Dentures
Depending on your individual circumstances, dentures may help:
- Replace missing teeth
- Improve chewing ability
- Support clearer speech
- Restore the appearance of your smile
- Fill spaces caused by missing teeth
- Support facial appearance after tooth loss
- Improve confidence when smiling and speaking
- Restore everyday oral function
What Happens During the Denture Process?
Initial Consultation and Examination
Your dentist will examine your mouth, gums, remaining teeth, and overall oral health.
Your dental history, concerns, expectations, and goals will also be discussed.
If necessary, dental X-rays or other diagnostic information may be used to help with treatment planning.
Determining the Right Type of Denture
Your dentist will determine whether complete dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, or another treatment option may be appropriate.
The condition of your remaining teeth and gums will be considered when developing your treatment plan.
Impressions or Digital Scans
Measurements, impressions, or digital scans may be taken to help create dentures that are designed for the shape of your mouth.
Accurate measurements help your dental team work toward an appropriate fit.
Denture Fabrication
Your denture is created based on the measurements and information collected during the treatment process.
The appearance of the teeth, overall fit, and design may be considered as part of the process.
Fitting and Adjustments
Once your denture is ready, it will be fitted and evaluated.
Adjustments may be required to improve comfort and function. It is normal for some patients to need an adjustment period while becoming accustomed to new dentures.
Are Dentures Comfortable?
Modern dentures are designed to provide a comfortable fit, but getting used to new dentures can take some time.
You may initially notice changes in the way your dentures feel, particularly while eating or speaking.
If your dentures feel uncomfortable, loose, or cause irritation, contact your dentist. Adjustments may help improve the fit.
Eating With New Dentures
It can take some practice to become comfortable eating with new dentures.
Many patients begin with softer foods and gradually introduce foods with different textures.
During the adjustment period:
- Take smaller bites
- Chew slowly
- Use both sides of your mouth when possible
- Gradually introduce different foods
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations
If you continue to experience difficulty chewing, your dentist can evaluate the fit of your dentures.
Speaking With Dentures
New dentures may temporarily affect the way certain words sound.
As you become accustomed to your dentures, speaking generally becomes more natural.
Reading aloud and practicing speaking can help you adjust to the new appliance.
If speech problems continue, your dentist can check the fit and positioning of the denture.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper denture care is important for maintaining your oral health and keeping your dentures in good condition.
Clean Your Dentures Regularly
Clean your dentures according to your dentist’s recommendations to help remove food debris and buildup.
Clean Your Mouth
Even if you wear complete dentures, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene.
Clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth regularly.
If you have remaining natural teeth, continue brushing and flossing them carefully.
Handle Dentures Carefully
Dentures can be damaged if they are dropped or handled roughly. Handle them carefully when removing or cleaning them.
Store Dentures Properly
Follow your dentist’s recommendations for storing your dentures when they are not being worn.
Attend Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and evaluate the condition and fit of your dentures.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
The lifespan of dentures varies from person to person (routinely it need replacement 5-10years).
Normal wear, changes in the shape of your gums and jaw, damage, and changes in your oral health can affect how well dentures continue to fit.
Over time, your dentures may require adjustment, repair, or replacement.
Regular dental visits can help determine when changes to your dentures may be appropriate.
Partial Dentures and Your Remaining Natural Teeth
If you wear a partial denture, protecting your remaining natural teeth is especially important.
Continue with regular brushing, flossing, professional dental cleanings, and dental examinations.
Healthy remaining teeth can provide important support for a partial denture and contribute to your overall oral health.
What If My Dentures Are Loose?
Loose dentures can make eating and speaking more difficult and may cause irritation.
A loose denture may result from changes in your gums or jaw over time, normal denture wear, or changes in your oral health.
If your dentures no longer fit comfortably, schedule a dental examination. Your dentist can determine whether an adjustment, repair, replacement, or another treatment option may be appropriate.
What If My Dentures Are Broken?
Do not attempt to repair broken dentures yourself.
A professional evaluation can determine whether the denture can be repaired or whether replacement may be more appropriate.
If your denture is damaged, contact the dental office for guidance.
Dentures for New Patients
If you are considering dentures for the first time, we can assess your oral health and discuss your tooth-replacement options.
If you already wear dentures and are experiencing problems with fit, comfort, chewing, speaking, or appearance, we can evaluate your current dentures and discuss possible solutions.
Our goal is to help you understand your options and choose treatment based on your individual needs.
Dentures After Tooth Extraction
Some patients may require tooth extractions before receiving complete or partial dentures.
If extractions are necessary, your dentist will discuss the treatment sequence and how your denture plan will be affected.
The timing of denture placement can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the healing process.
Dentures and Dental Implants
Dentures and dental implants are different tooth-replacement options.
Conventional dentures are removable appliances, while dental implants are placed into the jawbone and can be used to support individual replacement teeth or implant-supported dentures.
The most appropriate option depends on factors such as your oral health, bone condition, number of missing teeth, treatment goals, and personal preferences.
Your dentist can explain the differences and help you understand which options may be suitable for you.
Comfortable Denture Care in Kitchener
At Kitchener Dentistry, we understand that replacing missing teeth is an important decision.
We take the time to evaluate your oral health, listen to your concerns, and explain your available options.
Whether you need complete dentures, partial dentures, or want to learn more about implant-supported options, we can help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
What is the difference between complete and partial dentures?
Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain.
Are dentures comfortable?
Dentures are designed for comfort, but new dentures can require an adjustment period. If your dentures cause ongoing discomfort or irritation, your dentist can evaluate the fit and determine whether adjustments are needed.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The treatment timeline varies depending on the type of denture, your oral health, and whether other dental treatment is required first. Your dentist can provide a more specific timeline after an examination.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Dentures can help restore chewing function, but it may take time to become comfortable eating different foods. Starting with softer foods and gradually introducing other foods can help during the adjustment period.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
Your dentist can advise you about when to wear and remove your dentures. Following individualized denture-care instructions can help support your oral health and the condition of your dentures.
How do I clean my dentures?
Clean your dentures regularly according to your dentist’s recommendations. You should also clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures can last for several years, but their lifespan varies. Changes in your mouth, normal wear, damage, and changes in fit may eventually require adjustment, repair, or replacement.
What should I do if my dentures become loose?
Contact your dentist for an evaluation. Changes in the mouth can affect denture fit over time, and your dentist can determine whether an adjustment, repair, replacement, or another option may be appropriate.
Book a Denture Consultation in Kitchener
If you are missing teeth, considering dentures, or experiencing problems with your current dentures, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Kitchener Dentistry.
We can evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns, and explain the options available for replacing your missing teeth.