Dentures – a comprehensive guide for patients in Oakville

How Can Dentures Help?

Dentures can:

• Restore your ability to chew and speak more comfortably
  
• Improve your facial appearance by supporting cheeks and lips
  
• Replace missing teeth without surgery
  
• Provide a cost-effective solution compared to implants or bridges
  
• Help maintain oral health by filling spaces where teeth are missing
  

For many patients, dentures offer a practical balance of function, appearance, and affordability.

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Types of Dentures

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures (also called “partials” or “removables”) are used when some natural teeth remain. They include:

• Artificial acrylic teeth
  
• A gum-coloured base
  
• Clasps that secure to your remaining teeth
  

They are recommended when:

• Multiple teeth are missing
  
• Natural teeth are not strong enough for a dental bridge
  
• A more affordable option is desired
  

Partial dentures are removed for sleeping and daily cleaning.

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Complete Dentures

Complete dentures (also called “plates”) replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch.

There are two types:

1. Immediate Dentures
   
   • Made before tooth extractions
     
   • Inserted the same day your teeth are removed
     
   • Provide instant replacement but will require adjustments as gums heal
     
2. Conventional Dentures
   
   • Made after gums have fully healed
     
   • Usually fabricated a few months after extraction
     
   • Offer a more stable and precise long-term fit
     

Complete dentures are held in place primarily by suction and cheek/tongue support.

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Overdentures

If traditional dentures feel unstable or uncomfortable, overdentures may be recommended. These dentures fit over:

• Remaining natural teeth (reshaped to support the denture)
  OR
  
• Dental implants placed in the jaw
  

Overdentures provide significantly better stability and chewing function.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Removable Dentures

Advantages

• Most affordable tooth replacement option
  
• No surgery required
  
• Minimal impact on adjacent teeth
  
• Easy to remove and clean
  
• Suitable for patients with high cavity risk
  

Disadvantages

• Require an adjustment period
  
• May affect speech and chewing efficiency
  
• Less effective for chewing compared to natural teeth or implants
  
• Risk of gum sore spots if not cleaned or adjusted properly
  
• Dentures may loosen over time as gums shrink
  
• Periodic relines or adjustments may be needed
  

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Denture Materials and Designs

Acrylic Dentures

• Most common and affordable
  
• Often used for immediate dentures
  
• May include metal clasps for stability
  
• Easy to adjust and repair
  

Flexible Dentures (Valplast)

• Made from flexible resin for improved comfort
  
• No-metal clasps, offering excellent esthetics
  
• Fit can be very tight; may cause sore spots
  
• Difficult to repair or add teeth to
  
• Not ideal when future tooth loss is expected
  

Cast Metal Dentures

• Constructed from strong, biocompatible alloy
  
• Very durable and resistant to bending
  
• Thinner and more comfortable for many patients
  
• More expensive than acrylic options
  
• May show metal clasps, especially in the front
  

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What Is the Process?

Here’s what you can expect when getting dentures:

Before the Appointment

During your consultation, your dentist will:

• Assess oral health
  
• Review remaining teeth
  
• Take X-rays if needed
  
• Discuss goals, expectations, and budget
  

There is no special preparation required.

During the Appointment(s)

Denture treatment typically involves several stages:

1. Impressions:
   Detailed molds of your mouth are taken to create a precise fit.
   
2. Bite Registration:
   Your dentist records how your jaws fit together so the denture aligns properly.
   
3. Trial Denture:
   A wax version of your denture is tried in your mouth to evaluate fit, comfort, and appearance.
   
4. Final Denture Fabrication:
   The dental lab fabricates your custom denture using acrylic, metal, or flexible materials.
   
5. Insertion + Adjustments:
   Your dentist places the denture and makes adjustments as needed.
   

This process may take several visits, depending on complexity.

After the Appointment

It is normal for dentures to feel unfamiliar at first. Your mouth and muscles need time to adapt.

Most patients adjust gradually over a few weeks.

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Denture Repairs & Maintenance

Because dentures are made primarily of acrylic, they can fracture or become loose over time. Common repairs include:

• Denture Relines:
  Replacing the inner fitting surface when gums shrink, improving stability.
  
• Denture Rebase:
  Replacing the entire pink acrylic base while keeping the existing teeth.
  
• Sore Spot Adjustment:
  Removing small areas causing irritation.
  Important: Sore spots can also indicate more serious conditions—always get examined.
  
• Fracture or Chipped Dentures:
  Minor cracks should be repaired promptly to prevent worsening.
  
• Lost Denture Tooth:
  A replacement tooth can usually be added quickly.
  

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Denture Care

To protect your dentures and oral health:

• Clean dentures thoroughly every day
  
• Never sleep with dentures in
  
• Soak them overnight in a denture solution or warm water
  
• Avoid toothpaste (too abrasive for acrylic)
  
• See your dentist regularly for fit checks and oral cancer screenings
  

Proper care extends the life of your denture and protects your gums from irritation and infection.

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Risks to Be Aware Of

• Sore spots or irritation
  
• Fungal infections if dentures are not cleaned properly
  
• Reduced chewing efficiency compared to implants
  
• Changes in fit over time due to gum shrinkage
  
• Difficulty adapting for some patients
  
• Risk of breakage if dropped
  

If you experience pain, looseness, or changes in your bite, contact your dentist promptly.