Dentures

Great-fitting dentures have patients in the Calgary area smiling

Has trauma, tooth decay, or advanced gum disease resulted in missing teeth or the need for extractions? Replacing missing teeth benefits your appearance, oral health, and overall wellness.

Calgary Dental Centers offers a range of options including dental implant restorations and bridges. For many patients, however, dentures make good sense. Keep reading to learn more about how dentures have patients in the Calgary area smiling with confidence, speaking clearly, and eating the food they love.

Types of dentures

• Full denture – A full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth. A conventional “floating” denture is held in place by natural suction and (in the case of the lower arch), gravity. These dentures are designed by your dentist, after your mouth has healed from extractions, and fabricated at a dental laboratory.
• Overdenture – Also called a partial denture, this type of prosthetic fits over existing teeth to replace one or multiple missing teeth. A traditional partial denture is removable.
• Immediate denture – An immediate denture is designed and created in advance so that it may be inserted on the same day that teeth are removed. It helps to protect the mouth as it heals, and the denture can be relined and adjusted for a proper fit, after healing is complete. Best of all, you never have to go a day without teeth!
• Implant-supported denture – The support of just a few dental implants gives a full or partial denture much improved stability. You are able to eat a well-balanced diet, and speak and smile knowing that dentures won’t slip or pop out. Implant-supported dentures may be fixed or removable.

Living with dentures

It takes a little while to get used to wearing dentures, but most patients adapt quickly. Here are some tips to make the transition easier:

• Practice speaking. Sit in front of a mirror, open a favorite magazine, and begin reading out loud. Start slowly, until you get comfortable with the feel of your tongue against the dentures. You may find it helpful to bite down and swallow before beginning to speak, to seat your dentures securely.
• Choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Take small bites and chew slowly. Do not chew with front teeth, which may tip your dentures out of position. Avoid very hard or sticky foods.
• Call Calgary Dental Centers if you develop sore spots or experience other problems wearing your dentures.

The team at Calgary Dental Centers will be happy to provide additional information, including detailed instructions on how to care for dentures and keep your mouth clean. Call us today at (403) 768-1339 for a no-cost denture consultation.