FAQs

There are a number of different kinds of dentures that we make, depending on your denture history, preferences, and biofunctional needs.

Here are a few basic questions designed to introduce you to the most common denture types we work with.

How many teeth do you have remaining?

• Complete denture: required when you are missing all of your teeth on one or both arches.
• Partial denture: required when you are missing some but not all of your teeth on one or both arches.
  • Cast partial denture: contains a cast metal framework that has been created from your dental impression, to provide added strength and stability to your denture.
  • Acrylic partial denture: sometimes recommended when only a small number of teeth are missing, or as a temporary denture to be worn while healing from extractions.

Do you need to have any teeth extracted?

• Immediate denture: made for you before you have your extractions, for you to start wearing directly after having teeth extracted. Immediate dentures can be partial or complete.
• Post-surgical denture: made for you after you have sufficiently healed from dental extractions. Post-surgical dentures can be partial or complete.

Do you have dental implants?

• Implant-supported denture: attaches to dental implants for greater stability and retention. Implant-supported dentures can be partial or complete.

Would you benefit from enhanced dental function and denture fit?

• Standard denture: This is a basic denture with a bite relationship based on a range of average values.
• Precision denture: This denture is fabricated for enhanced fit and individualized function. In making a precision denture, we measure and assess “biofunctionality” or how your joints should work with your teeth for optimal tooth function.

A permanent denture is a denture that is worn to optimize function and aesthetics. Its construction is suitable for use for a relatively long period of time (5 to 7 years).

A temporary denture is a denture that replaces or supports anatomy during dental treatment (e.g., a prolongued course of planned extractions). Once the dental treatment has been completed, a permanent denture would be constructed.

The cost of a new denture will depend primarily on the type of denture you need. However, other factors can also influence the total treatment cost.

The only way to correctly determine how much your denture treatment will cost is to schedule a consultation with a Denturist.

At that appointment, the Denturist will conduct an examination of your mouth and your existing denture (if you have one), provide you with information on the treatment options suitable for you, and outline the cost and treatment time associated with each treatment option.

The amount of time it takes to have a denture made depends on a few factors, but most importantly it depends on the type of denture you need to have made.

If you are planning to have extractions, you will need to decide how – and when – to span the gap where you will soon be missing teeth.

The timing of when a denture can be inserted after extractions depends on several factors, including whether you proceed with an immediate denture or a post-surgical denture.

While dentures will improve chewing ability for people who are missing teeth, a denture’s bite force is much weaker than that of natural teeth. Conventional dentures also aren’t as secure as natural teeth, which are anchored in the jawbone.

Dentures that fit well will enable you to chew more comfortably, which will mean you can eat a wider range of the foods you need and love. Proper food preparation is also key to eating well – the more work you do with fork and knife, the less work your denture will be required to do.

If you have a new denture, or if you are wearing a denture for the first time, there will be a period of transition.

Initially your body may not respond so positively to this new and foreign object. The length of time it takes for your body to adjust will be unique to you.

Thankfully, the body’s natural responses can be anticipated, adjusted to, and overcome with time, persistence and – most importantly – practice. 

Sore spots will occur when a denture places uneven pressure on the gums underneath it. Among other things, sore spots can be a sign of a denture that fits improperly or of an improper bite relationship. They can also happen more easily during your transition to a new denture.

To remedy the sore spot, book an adjustment appointment with your Denturist. They will assess the area of concern and adjust your denture so that it is no longer causing problems in that area.

If you cannot have your denture adjusted right away, the best thing to do is remove your denture. This will alleviate the pain and pressure and enable your gum tissue time to rest and heal. If you need to continue wearing your denture while at work or for social reasons, simply remove it as often as you can.

You can also rinse your mouth several times a day with salt water. Your Denturist may also recommend you use a healing gel like Oxyfresh, applied topically to the sore area to help with healing.

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is how long will my new denture last. Sadly, a denture will not last forever – 5 to 7 years on average – but perhaps not for the reasons you think.

Caring for your denture requires daily effort and attention but is no harder than taking care of natural teeth.

In addition to daily care, you should also see your Denturist once a year for a checkup.

Some patients tell us they can’t imagine going without their denture at night or for any length of time. However, for a variety of reasons we recommend that most patients remove their dentures at night.

Your denture needs to stay moist at all times. If it dries out, the acrylic denture base can warp.

Once you have cleaned your denture, store it overnight in a cup or dish and covered with clean water.

There are a number of reasons your denture may start to fit poorly.

Sometimes, uneven or excessive tooth wear causes your denture to tip or rock. Certain health conditions can also affect how your denture fits, such as weight loss of more than 7 pounds, sudden or new illness, cancer treatments, and various medications. However, there is one factor affecting all denture wearers that leads to a change in denture fit – bone loss.

Relines and rebases are denture treatments used to improve the fit and comfort of an older denture that is not yet in need of replacement.

Adapting services and practices to reduce the risk of infection presented by COVID-19 is a concern for all health service providers, including denturists. In addition, many of our patients are at risk of complications from COVID-19.

Vernon Denture Clinic has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff and we take this very seriously.

Vernon Denture Clinic is a non-assignment office. This means that we do not accept payment directly from insurance providers and patients are responsible for the full cost of their denture treatment.

The exception is patients with coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). In order for us to provide denture care to CDCP patients, our office must agree to receive payment directly from the CDCP. However, CDCP patients are responsible for any portion of denture treatment that is not covered by the CDCP.

Please note that we gladly assist patients with estimating dental coverage, confirming dental estimates, and submitting claims to their insurance providers.

Whether you have a workplace-funded plan, a retirement plan, or a personally funded plan, private dental insurance is an investment in your oral health. Many plans offer welcome financial assistance for denture products and services. However, it pays to take a few simple steps each year to ensure that you get a good return on this investment.

Losing a denture happens more commonly than you might think. If you can’t find your denture and you have dental insurance or home insurance, you may have coverage to replace your denture.