PATIENT EDUCATION
PATIENT EDUCATION, FAQS AND MORE: RESOURCES FROM THE DENTURE CENTRE
At The Denture Centre, we understand that needing any dental procedure can be stressful for our patients. That’s why we strive to be a resource for education and tips regarding dentures and other dental procedures. On this page, you’ll find patient education, frequently asked questions and denture care tips. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact The Denture Centre today.
PATIENT EDUCATION TOPICS
Bone Resorption
Resorption refers to the shrinking of the jaw bone in areas where teeth have been removed. It can happen to both the upper and lower jaws. The shrinking process will continue to occur over the course of your lifetime and several factors will contribute to it, including diet, trauma from removing teeth, wearing ill-fitting dentures and much more.
Shrinking Gums
Many patients fear their gums are shrinking, but in reality the shrinking occurs mainly in the jaw bone. Many are surprised to find out that the lifespan of dentures are much shorter than one would expect. The longer a patient wears their dentures, the more bone is lost. However, not every patient is the same so knowing exactly how long dentures will last is hard to estimate.
Denture Repairs
Unfortunately, once a denture has to be repaired it is much more likely to break again. They also tend to break at the weakest point of the denture, which is usually directly down the middle. Multiple repairs can be done on dentures but it doesn’t address the main causes of the problem. Relining and periodic adjustments can help extend the life of dentures.
FAQS
Q: Why Do I Need a Denturist?
A: Denturists are experts in design, construction, insertion and adjustments of removable dentures and implants. A denturist, when compared to other dental professionals, personally handles every step of the denture construction. That means there is no middleman when designing your personalized denture.
Q: How Long Will My Denture Last?
A: The average life of a denture is 5 to 7 years. However, each patient is different meaning it could be longer or shorter than that.
Q: How Do I Clean My Dentures?
A: The two main ways to clean your dentures are brushing and soaking. Denturists recommend cleaning them after every meal with a soft bristle brush, inside and out using warm water and soap or a special denture toothpaste. Also brush any remaining natural teeth and stimulate the tissue where there aren’t any teeth. You should also clean your palate and tongue. At night, it is recommended that you keep it in a covered container filled with water or a soaking solution. When you remove your dentures in the morning, make sure it is rinsed thoroughly with warm water before putting it back in your mouth.
Q: If I Have Dentures, Do I Need an Annual Exam?
A: Yes! Your dentures and tissues should be checked annual to make sure no damage is taking place. Early detection and elimination of issues like tissue inflammation is imperative to reduce the shrinkage of bone and tissue. As your denturist, we will also check to see how your denture is fitting.