What are dentures?
Dentures are artificial replacements for your natural teeth and gums. If an accident, a disease or poor oral health care has left you with only a few healthy teeth or none at all, dentures can be fabricated to replace your missing teeth. Models of your teeth is made by taking impressions. The dentures are then custom made from these models.
Types of Dentures
Partial dentures are also called “removable partial prostheses” or “partials.” They may be used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when more than just a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby natural teeth. You can take the partial out yourself, for cleaning and at night.

Complete dentures are what we most often refer to as “false teeth.” They are also called “full dentures” and are used when all your natural teeth are missing. Complete dentures are removable as they are held in place by suction. They can cause soreness at first and take some time to get used to. There are 2 types of complete dentures: immediate and conventional.

complete dentures
Immediate dentures are made before your teeth are removed. Your dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaws during your first visit. Once your teeth are extracted, your dentist inserts the immediate dentures. The benefit of immediate dentures is that you are not without teeth during the healing period, which can take up to 6 months. During the healing period, your bones and gums can shrink and your immediate dentures may need to be relined by your dentist for a proper fit.
Conventional dentures are made and inserted into your mouth after your teeth have been extracted and the gums and jaw tissues have healed.
Implant supported overdentures
If you are having trouble with your complete dentures staying in place, overdentures can improve the retention of your dentures and allow you to speak and eat more effectively. An overdenture is a removable denture that fits over and attaches onto dental implants. The the implants stabilizes your overdenture and can improve the your comfort and decrease your chance of getting sore spots.
Caring for your Dentures
Complete and partial dentures need to be cleaned every day just like natural teeth. Otherwise, plaque and tartar can build up on your dentures and cause stains, bad breath and gum problems. Plaque from your dentures can also spread to your natural teeth and gums, causing gum disease and cavities.
To clean them, remove them from your mouth and run them under water to rinse off any loose food particles. Then wet a denture brush or a regular soft-bristle toothbrush and apply denture cleaner or a mild soap. Household cleaners are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures. Gently brush all surfaces of the prostheses including under the clasps where bacteria collect. Be careful not to damage the plastic or bend the attachments. Rinse your dentures well in clean water before placing them back in your mouth.

caring for your dentures
While your prostheses are removed, be sure to clean and massage your gums. If your toothbrush hurts your gums, run it under warm water to make it softer or try using a finger wrapped in a clean, damp cloth. If you have partial dentures, brush your natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss.
Always remove your prostheses overnight to give your mouth a chance to rest. Soak them in warm water with or without denture cleanser. If your dentures have metal clasps, only use warm water for soaking, as other soaking solutions can tarnish the metal. When you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them in water to stop them from drying out or warping. Never use hot water for soaking.
Dentures can break if dropped or squeezed too tightly. When you are handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or a sink of water just in case you accidentally drop them.
Look for cracks in your prostheses. If you find any, you can take them to Capital Smiledocs for repair. If you have dentures it is important to see us regularly so that we can make sure that you are maintaining your dentures properly. Your mouth is always changing, so your prostheses will need adjusting or relining from time to time to make sure they fit well. Poorly fitted dentures may cause denture sores that make oral cancer more difficult to spot. At your dental exam, Capital Smiledocs will also examine your gums for any signs of disease or oral cancer and any natural teeth you may have for signs of decay or infection.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment and we will assess the specific condition of your teeth, mouth and gums and recommend the most appropriate type of denture depending on your individual needs. We take pride in spending the time to go over your treatment options and answering your questions so that you can make an informed decision.
Family Dentist serving Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Barrhaven, Ottawa and surrounding areas
Family Dentist recommends that you Smile for Your Health
Family Dentist recommends that you smile more…it’s actually good for your health!
• Smiling impacts your mood
When you smile, even if you are feeling blue, you can actually trick your body into improving your mood.
• Smiling affects others
If you smile, you may set off a change reaction, causing others to start smiling too. With a smile, you can spread joy and happiness.
• Smiling reduces stress
By smiling, you will look less worn out, tired and overwhelmed, which can help you feel better about your situation.
• Smiling helps your immune system
Because you are more relaxed when you smile, your immune system actually functions better. You can literally change your body chemistry with a smile.
• Smiling releases endorphins
Research has shown that smiling produces endorphins, serotonin, and natural pain killers; these three chemicals help us feel good.
• Smiling decreases blood pressure
If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, you can test this one out. When you smile, you will see a noticeable difference in the readings.
• Smiling fights aging
The muscles used in smiling lift your face, which makes you look younger. And it’s much cheaper than a face lift.
• Smiling can help you live longer
Family Dentist recommends that you smile more…it’s actually good for your health!
By smiling, you can’t help but feel more positive, and a positive attitude can increase life expectancy.
If you have any questions regarding dental hygiene or oral health, contact the family dentist at Capital Smiledocs Dental. We have two convenient locations in Stittsville and Ottawa South.