Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my dentures take to be finished?
On average, it takes approximately 5 appointments to create a set of dentures.
How often should dentures be replaced?
It is recommended to replace dentures every 5 to 7 years. The timing for replacement is dependent on a variety of factors such as the wear of the teeth and acrylic, as well as the normal changes that occur within the natural teeth, jaw and bone (resorption).
Are checkups necessary? What is done at a checkup?
Checkups are highly recommended to maintain the health of your dentures. Yearly checkups for maintenance will help keep dentures looking and feeling their best.
Regular checkups are important to:
– Assess tissues, bone changes and fit of dentures. Worn out dentures can cause an improper bite and fit which can result in sore spots, difficulty eating, speaking and poor esthetics.
– Prevent and detect possible oral cancers or other abnormal oral conditions that could easily go undetected otherwise.
– Update medical/dental history.
– Review patients at-home oral hygiene routine and clean/polish dentures if needed.
Will I need adjustments?
Yes, it is generally necessary to have adjustments made to new and old dentures. Most people need time to adapt to new dentures. Every mouth is different and will require different adjustments. Adjustments on new dentures are done after patients have worn their dentures for about 1 week. Some sore spots will heal on their own within 3-5 days, those that do not will be adjusted by the Denturist. This is a normal part of the denture fitting process.
How do I clean my denture?
Dentures should be handled carefully when cleaning them over the sink. To do so, fill the sink with a few inches of water or place a towel over the sink to prevent chips, scratches or breaks should the dentures fall. Do not use toothpaste to clean your dentures as it is too abrasive and can damage dentures. Instead, use a soft bristle toothbrush with warm water and soap, or your preferred denture cleaning solution (i.e. Polident). Always remove dentures at night and keep them in water. This will allow oral tissues to relax and breathe after being under pressure all day. After eating, be sure to rinse dentures and give them a quick brush if desired.