denture function

A Partial is Essential

September 12, 2023 by Vernon Denture Clinic

When most people think of a denture, they envision a removable appliance that replaces all of the teeth on either the upper or lower arch. However, the number of people in Canada who are missing all of their teeth has declined – from 17% of the population in 1990 to 6.4% in 2009. And as the numbers of denture wearers in Canada has remained relatively consistent over the years, this tells us that we are seeing more and more people wearing partial dentures.

A partial denture is an appliance that replaces missing teeth when some natural teeth remain on that arch. For many patients, a partial denture is worn to improve their smiles by filling in the gaps presented by missing teeth. In addition to the obvious aesthetic improvements, there are several important benefits these patients achieve by wearing a partial denture.

[Read more…]

Caring for your Tissue Conditioner

August 10, 2023 by Vernon Denture Clinic

Some patients require extraction of all the teeth on either (or both) of their upper or lower arches and choose to replace those extracted teeth with an immediate denture.

Once extractions have been completed, these patients can expect considerable change to their oral structures. In fact, studies show that within the first year after extractions, an estimated 50% of jawbone width will be lost, 30% of which occurs within the first 12 weeks. (Bone loss eventually slows down but will continue year after year.) As the jawbone changes, the gums that cover that bone will also change shape.

Unfortunately, the shape of a denture will not change as your jawbone and gums shrink. This means that as time goes on – and especially in the first year following extractions – your denture will start to feel looser. For these patients, tissue conditioners can help to restore comfort, fit, and function temporarily and until bone loss tapers off and a denture reline is warranted.

What to Know About Your First Denture

May 2, 2023 by Vernon Denture Clinic

When patients transition from natural teeth to their first denture, they often focus on the positives. They may be excited to be moving away from chronic tooth pain. They may look forward to restoring a smile that was affected by missing teeth. Or they may be ready to move on from more restorative procedures on their natural teeth. For these patients, dentures can certainly be a game changer.

However, dentures can also pose certain challenges – albeit many temporary – that patients need to be aware of. Here are a few things patients should know before they commit to their first denture.

[Read more…]

The Three R’s of Denture Care

May 11, 2022 by Vernon Denture Clinic

Some people believe that a denture made today will last them for a lifetime. Imagine their surprise to learn that a denture must be maintained, updated, and eventually replaced with a new, better fitting appliance.

To help you understand the maintenance required by denture wearers, here is a brief overview of the three R’s of denture care: Repair, Reline, and Replace.

[Read more…]

Adapting to Life with Dentures

June 15, 2020 by Vernon Denture Clinic

*Learning to live with a denture takes practice, patience, and time*

Whether you’re looking at getting your first denture or you’ve been wearing dentures for years, most patients will experience some difficulty when adapting to dentures. Happily, these problems can be effectively managed and in most cases overcome with patience, time, practice, and proper care and treatment options best suited to your needs.

[Read more…]

How long will my denture last?

March 9, 2020 by Vernon Denture Clinic

*A new denture is a big investment in your health – and one that will need to be made periodically*

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.

[Read more…]