Dentures are often a viable option for replacing teeth, especially in adults who need to replace multiple teeth due to non-treatable dental decay or periodontal disease. Getting used to wearing a denture doesn’t happen overnight, as oral tissues, the tongue, and the patient need to adapt to the sensation of having an appliance where there used to be teeth. With time and correct usage a denture can perform almost like natural teeth and provide a patient that would otherwise have to deal with tooth loss, with a functional and aesthetically pleasing option. Adjusting to the subtle nuances of denture wear can be easily achieved – especially when you know what to expect.

Why Does a Denture Become Loose?

A common reason for seeing a denturist for a denture adjustment is because the denture has become loose. What once fit snuggly and remained stable during speech and chewing can in time become loose – causing patients some challenges when it comes to the fit and comfort of their denture. The fact that a denture has become loose is typically normal and not a cause for concern. However, addressing the reason behind a denture’s looseness is imperative for effective resolution. One of the major causes of a denture becoming loose is the natural healing process of tissue that occurs after dental extractions and the placement of a new denture.

Reason 1 – Oral Tissue is Adapting

For new denture wearers, dealing with a loose denture is not only normal, but to be expected as dental tissue heals after the removal of teeth. When teeth are extracted (pulled) the tissues natural response is to become inflamed. Inflammation is a normal response and is actually a vital part of tissue healing. If a denture is placed immediately following tooth removal the denture will feel snug initially and begin to loosen in the first weeks as oral tissue shrinks back. Your denturist will prepare you for this and request that you make an appointment for an adjustment in the first few weeks of wear.

Reason 2 – Natural Resorption of Bone

The body has an ability to know how to respond to various tissue changes – which includes the mouth and how bone levels respond in the absence of teeth. When teeth are present jaw bone knows that it is needed for the stability and support of roots – a requirement that no longer applies when teeth are missing. Without the presence of teeth jaw bone naturally shrinks back, a process referred to as resorption. Bone resorption is normal and unavoidable – and is a factor in dentures becoming loose and no longer fitting ideally. Interestingly, the placement of implants for an implant supported denture can help prevent bone loss as the implant acts like the root of a tooth.

Reason 3 – Weight Changes Don’t Just Impact Waistlines

Your Calgary denturist would never discourage you from losing weight – as a healthy weight contributes to the overall health of a person. But the weight loss process doesn’t just impact guts, thighs, and bums, but also changes the fleshiness of the face and mouth. If your body has literally shrunk it’s only normal to expect changes to how a denture fits. Having a new denture made after significant weight loss may be recommended to ensure comfort, fit, and performance.

If your denture no longer fits well, or if you’re noticing your denture becoming loose – talk to the denturists at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic today – 403.254.5000

The thought of wearing a denture can be overwhelming for some patients, especially when all they’ve heard is stories about how uncomfortable dentures can be and how difficult it is to enjoy food. Many of these myths are outdated, and when dentures are made correctly and precisely to meet a person’s individual needs, that denture usually feels and behaves just like natural teeth. That means eating normal food without having to puree or mash your favourites. But, for any Canadian who wants the closest thing to their natural teeth, the option of implant supported dentures is worth considering due to their heightened performance and longevity.

Implant Supported Dentures Feel More Natural

A traditional denture is supported by a ridge of bone that is present on the lower and upper arch. Overtime the ridge of bone shrinks due to the natural process of bone recession when natural teeth are no longer present. The lack of ridge can make it difficult for traditional dentures to stay in place, making speech and chewing a challenge. Implant supported dentures are able to create a more natural feel because the denture does not fit over jaw bone but actually attaches to the implants, creating a snug fit that gives patients the ability to go about their day feeling confident about their smile.

A Reduction in Sore Spots

A challenging aspect to wearing dentures is the possible formation of sore spots. This predicament is normal when a denture is new and gums are getting used to the pressure a new denture exerts. Inflamed gums can be expected in the first few weeks of wearing a traditional denture, but soreness is not so common with implant supported dentures as the denture rests on the head of the implants, and not gum tissue. This is a great bonus that helps keep gums in optimal condition.

Preserves Bone Levels

When natural teeth are lost, the normal response of bone is to recede as the body knows that the bone is no longer needed to support teeth. One of the benefits of implants is that bone level remains at a normal height which is important for denture wearers from both a functional and aesthetic perspective.  A normal jaw bone level gives a person a more youthful appearance and prevents a sunken-in look that tends to happen over time.

Improved Performance

One of the greatest benefits implant supported dentures offer is an increase in denture performance – especially when it comes to chewing. Because an implant supported denture is locked in place by attaching to the implants there is no movement and greater stability. This makes chewing food and speaking feel more natural and normal. Knowing their denture is attached to and supported by implants enables patients to forget all about their denture and get back to living life.

Think an implant supported denture is right for you? Book a consultation with the team at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic today online or by phone at (403) 254-5000.

A New Year is a great time to reflect on habits, both good and bad, and to come up with a plan to be the best version of you for 2017! Here at South Calgary Denture, we think presenting a beautiful, healthy smile to the world is the perfect place to start in feeling confident about yourself and staying motivated to make your smile and overall health your best asset. Wondering how to reveal a great smile while wearing a denture? It’s easy! Here are some tips on keeping your denture looking good and your mouth feeling comfortable, so every smile is a winning smile.

Establish a Daily Care Routine

Our first tip is probably the easiest and offers the most reward when it comes to keeping a denture looking new and performing well. Creating a daily routine that maintains denture cleanliness and condition not only helps your oral health, but it also extends the life of your denture. Cleaning your denture at the end of every day is a great habit to form, as it makes sure the denture is removed from the mouth overnight — giving gums a well-earned break and enabling oral tissues to breathe and restore themselves. Of course, removing your denture every night also provides an opportunity to soak and clean the denture itself.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Your Denture Wet

Dentures need moisture to prevent them from become dry and brittle. When your denture isn’t in your mouth it should be kept soaked in a denture cleaner that your denturist has recommended. You may be tempted to plunge your denture into hot water, thinking the heat will kill any unwanted germs, but the reality is that hot water can distort and warp the shape of a denture, making it uncomfortable to wear. Warm water and a suitable cleaner is all that’s needed to effectively cleanse and maintain a denture.

Visit Your Denturist Regularly

Just like natural teeth, dentures require regular checks to ensure fit and performance. Over time, our mouths change due to aging, weight loss, and changes to the jaw bone. An annual check-up is highly recommended as this gives your denturist a chance to review the health of your gums and other oral tissues and to ensure that your denture is in the best possible condition. Partial dentures that have metal attachments need a little more TLC, so don’t ignore a broken or damaged clasp as it can cause further damage to the denture.

Need more information on how to care for your denture? Contact the denturists at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic today or call us at 403.254.5000.

Tired of dealing with a denture that no longer fits properly or performs poorly? Self-conscious about broken or missing teeth? Here at South Calgary Dentures, we believe that no one should feel the need to hide their smile or avoid eating their favourite foods. It’s never too late to have the smile you’ve always wanted and the level of comfort you deserve with a custom denture. Maybe Santa can’t deliver a new denture by the end of the year, but the team at South Calgary Dentures sure can! Just book an appointment, and we’ll have you smiling in time for the holidays.

There’s Still Time to Get a New Smile

Nobody wants to be sitting around the dinner table, surrounded by heaps of delicious food, and unable to eat due to ongoing tooth pain. Toothaches are never fun, but over the holidays, they can be especially frustrating due to a culture of feasting with friends and relatives. Unfortunately, there are simply few options available to help deal with sudden and acute tooth pain. Often removing the problem is the only permanent option. If it’s been recommended that you remove decayed, infected, or broken teeth and replace them with a denture, now might be the right time to act. Plus, by calling now, you may be able to take advantage of remaining dental benefits before the end of the year.

Eating Is so Much Easier With a Denture That Fits

Already dreading Christmas celebrations and the thought of having to eat with a denture that no longer fits properly? An ill-fitting denture is probably the number one concern of denture-wearers, especially when it comes to being able to eat with confidence and enjoy a varied diet. A denture that rubs, moves with speech or eating, or has become too large for the mouth due to changes in jaw bone levels can no longer provide essential fit and performance. This causes the wearer to miss-out on the taste and flavours of holiday foods and to have to manage sore gums due to unwanted friction from a slipping denture.

South Calgary Dentures Can Help!

There’s still plenty of time to have your perfect smile this Christmas, thanks to the friendly denturists at South Calgary Dentures who understand how important it is that you look and feel your best. Extended hours over the holidays mean that unexpected denture mishaps can be fixed quickly and last minute decisions to have a new denture made can be accommodated. If your denture has to be made prior to a new benefit year to maximize remaining insurance coverage, the team at South Calgary Dentures can make it happen. Contact us today for a consultation online or by phone at (403) 254-5000.

The Holiday Season is traditionally a busy time – packed with visiting family, feasting, celebrations, and photo opportunities. If you don’t have the same passion for selfies and group photos as Kim Kardashian and find yourself inching to the back of the room in a desperate attempt to blur into the background, we may have the solution to help you want to show-off your smile. A person’s smile greatly impacts their self-confidence regardless of whether they’re showing natural teeth or a denture. People wearing old, stained, or ill-fitting dentures often suffer the same self-consciousness as those who live with broken, chipped, or decayed teeth –like you just don’t want them to be seen. And we firmly believe that no one deserves to go through life feeling like their smile is unattractive.

Gaining Back Your Confidence and Smile

If an old denture or missing teeth have you grasping for an excuse to avoid seeing people or attending parties over the holidays, you may want to give some thought to having a new denture made so that you can get your smile and confidence back. You may be thinking that you’ve left it too late. Often we meet Calgarians who feel they need to order their dentures weeks or months ahead of time, but the fact is that the team at South Calgary Dentures can have you looking and feeling your best for Santa in a matter of hours. Dentures-In-A-Day is a unique service offered to our patients who require a first or replacement set of dentures made in just 24 hours. Devoting clinic hours to seeing just one patient means that the back-and-forth of multiple appointments is removed and the undivided attention of our entire team enables a denture to be customized so that fit, function, and aesthetics are delivered – all in one appointment.

Can’t Live Without Your Denture?

Often a repair, adjustment, or tweaking of a denture means leaving your appliance with a denturist. Understandably, this is a real inconvenience as going to work or attending a social gathering is much more fun when you have your teeth. But what if a repair or adjustment could be completed while you wait in our office – meaning no time facing family or friends without your teeth and 100% customization of your appliance as you get to give your feedback on how it looks, feels, and functions.

Our denturists at South Calgary Dentures understand that the fast turn-around of dentures and repairs is always important to our patients, but this is especially true during the holidays. That’s why we’re open Saturdays and extended hours this December, so that all your holidays are merry and bright.

Contact us online or call us today at (403) 254-5000 to find out just how easy it is to have a great smile!

If you love the look and feel of your denture you may be tempted to keep them in 24 hours a day—including sleeping with them. Some patients report feeling self-conscious when they don’t have their denture in, especially if there’s a chance of a partner or family member seeing them toothless in the middle of the night. But the reality is that even the most comfortable partial or full dentures weren’t designed to be worn all day, as the task of supporting a denture can put stress on jaw bone and gum tissue.

Giving You Gums and Jaw a Break

Though dentures look incredibly natural there are some significant differences between artificial and natural teeth. Our natural teeth have roots that are supported by jaw bone and surrounded by gum tissue. The shape and size of each tooth enhances self-cleansing and is further achieved by the action of brushing and flossing that not only removes food debris and bacteria but also massages gum tissue and stimulates circulation. Wearing a denture involves an appliance being worn over jaw bone and gum tissue, creating a barrier between saliva and air, and oral tissues. When a denture is constantly being worn gums don’t have an opportunity to breathe and can quickly become inflamed as a result of trapped food particles and oral bacteria forming a film on delicate tissue and the underside of the appliance.

Taking Your Denture Out So That it Can Be Cleaned

The very design of dentures makes rinsing away bacteria and food particles tricky as we would have to create somewhat of a tidal wave in our mouth to access underneath the denture.  Removing your denture at bedtime not only gives your gums and palate a chance to be free from pressure and plaque buildup. It also provides an opportunity to clean the denture so that stains, odors, and oral bacteria are removed. Though you may give your denture a quick brush during the day—soaking the appliance in a cleaner that your Calgary Denturist recommends will keep your denture looking and feeling its best—and keep oral tissues in optimal condition.

Recent studies report that continued wear of a denture increases the risk of gum and bone inflammation, which can develop into an infection and put a patient at risk for developing pneumonia.  Don’t forget to remove your denture at bedtime so that you can clean gum tissue and the appliance.

Not sure what solution to soak your denture in? Talk to the denturists at South Calgary Dentures today.

You’re probably thrilled with your new denture, especially if you’ve been missing teeth for a while—which has prevented you from enjoying a varied and balanced diet. Adjusting to eating with a denture does take some patience as you adapt to the new sensations of eating without natural teeth, but as you become more confident and comfortable eating foods you may want to vary your diet to ensure that you are maximizing nutrient intake and exposing yourself to different flavors and textures to keep mealtimes interesting.

Why a Varied Diet is Important

It’s easy for people who wear dentures to limit their exposure to essential nutrients due to not eating a full range of foods. This may be due to habit stemming from not having healthy natural teeth or from a time of not having any teeth at all. Resorting to meal after meal of scrambled egg and rice pudding not only becomes incredibly boring, but this limiting diet can quickly sap the body of nutrient stores, leaving it depleted and weary. Having a new denture is a great opportunity to revisit food that you may have avoided for years, and begin to replenish essential stores of vitamins and minerals.

Eating For Your Health and Your Denture

An aspect of eating that can be annoying to denture wearers is the decrease in taste due to the denture covering the upper palate,  a part of the mouth that is plentiful with taste buds. But with some modifications to recipes flavor can be regained so that you look forward to fulfilling meals. So what are the best and worst foods for your health and your denture? Interestingly, pretty much the same as natural teeth, so avoiding or limiting foods like sticky candy and popcorn as well as drinks like tea and coffee will definitely keep your denture looking good and prevent you from getting frustrated due to a popcorn kernel getting caught under your denture or a piece of candy becoming stuck to your appliance.

Cutting up meat into smaller pieces will enable you to chew more efficiently, and cutting crunchy fruit and vegetables is also recommended to avoid developing sore spots and to be able to still enjoy a full range of food. Foods that are particularly hard, crunchy, or sticky can present challenges—but don’t become discouraged as these types of food aren’t always the best for dentures or natural teeth, so staying away from Tootsie Rolls and hard candy may be in your best interest.

Need help adjusting to eating with your new denture? The team at South Calgary Denturists are on hand to help you get the most from your new appliance.

There’s no escaping the fact that eating, speaking, and drinking with a loose denture can seem like torture! Lots of movement but not much to show for your efforts and often a mouth that reveals sore gums – that’s what living with a loose denture can be like. But the reality is a denture that no longer fits optimally is quite a common occurrence, especially if you’ve been wearing the same denture for several years. Changes to bone structure are noted over time and the natural aging process also impacts how well your denture fits as each year goes by, causing people to look for solutions to create a more comfortable fit and better performance.

Can Dentures Be Tightened?

During the life of your denture you can expect some changes to happen, from a broken clasp on a partial denture to a change in the way a full denture fits and feels. For the most part these are normal and expected occurrences that can be remedied quickly. An ill-fitting denture probably causes the most frustration to patients due to the resulting inability to chew food and speak effectively. When your denture is new you can expect it to become a little loose once the initial swelling of tissue from tooth extraction has healed. Your denturist has probably already prepared you for this and let you know that an adjustment and reline is normal in the early days. But what can experienced denture wearers do about a loose denture?

Why Does a Denture Become Loose?

Over time a denture becomes loose due to the natural aging process and associated resorption of jaw bone. Bone resorption is a normal response that all denture wearers can expect to experience as time goes by, causing the base of the denture to not fit snugly against the gum tissue and resulting in excessive movement during use. In some cases a person’s bone structure has changed so dramatically that the denture no longer fits in the mouth and is so large that food becomes trapped underneath, and eating is nearly impossible due to increased movement.

An ill-fitting denture is hard to live with as quality of life is impacted.  Talk to the denturists at South Calgary Dentures about treatments that can create a more snug fit and options for a new denture. If you’re contemplating having a new denture made, ask about implant retained dentures for superior fit and comfort.

Struggling with a denture that doesn’t fit? Call South Calgary Dentures today 403.254.5000

Often it can be stressful enough thinking about losing teeth, let alone having to decide what type of appliance will be the best replacement. On the upside, you will usually have more than one option, enabling you to restore your smile and oral health to a level that gives you confidence and allows you to participate fully in life. For patients facing the choice of what type of denture that’s best for them, certain factors are given consideration – such as overall level of oral health, age of the patient and potential years of denture wear, past experience with a denture, and general expectations regarding appliance cost and longevity.

No Movement Creates Better Performance

Just like a performance car that hugs the road and provides superior comfort, a non-removable denture offers patients an opportunity to have an appliance that is the closest thing to their natural teeth – which means better chewing and biting force and less embarrassing or annoying situations when a denture moves or slips around in the mouth. So how does an appliance that has traditionally been removable transform to a semi-permanent, non-removable option? Thanks to advances in dental implants they are no longer only an option for replacing a single lost tooth, but can actually be used as an anchor for a denture to attach to.

How Does an Implant-Supported Denture Work?

Recent advances in procedures and technology has enabled patients to have more choices when it comes to implant supported dentures, as both removable and non-removable options are available. When selecting a non-removable denture several implants are placed directly into the jaw bone and after a certain period of healing a denture is made that attaches to the implants, creating a secure fit that prevents a denture from moving during function. Dental Implants are incredibly strong and can sustain the forces exerted during chewing and talking, creating a near natural feel and enabling patients to feel confident in both the look and performance of their smile.

If you’ve been struggling with a traditional denture or are about to get your first denture, here are 7 great reasons to consider non-removable dentures:

1. Your new teeth will feel like a part of you – no more putting your teeth in a glass by the bed!
2. Because your teeth are literally attached to you, eating and chewing becomes easier and more effective.
3. You can feel confident about your smile thanks to the fact that no one will get to see you without your teeth – well, maybe your denturist!
4. Your jaw joint has increased comfort due to the increased stability non-removable dentures create.
5. You may just decrease your risk for sleep apnea thanks to the increased support your denture provides oral tissue.
6. Having your dentures fall out during an important conversation will never happen – they are attached to implants that act as anchors.
7. No more broken dentures! The risk of dropping your dentures and breaking them is completely removed.

Still not sure if non-removable dentures are right for you? Talk to the denturists at South Calgary Dentures today 403-254-5000.

Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily care and attention to ensure they look their best and perform optimally. Denture-wear doesn’t mean that the mouth no longer needs to be cared for. The truth is that gums, jawbone, and all oral tissues still require daily maintenance to ensure they remain healthy and free from oral bacteria. You may be able to throw out the dental floss, but that’s about as far as it goes as even dentures aren’t immune to plaque and calculus buildups, so keep your toothbrush close.

Taking Care of Gums

Oral bacteria (plaque) never stops forming, so regardless of whether you wear a denture or have natural teeth, soft tissues are prone to plaque buildups that cause bad breath, gum inflammation, and a generally unhealthy mouth. Though you don’t have any natural teeth to brush, it’s important that gums, cheeks, and the tongue are brushed daily with a soft bristled brush to remove bacterial deposits. The action of brushing gums increases blood flow and helps to nourish oral tissue that spends several hours a day being covered by a denture. Dry mouth, a condition that can be especially uncomfortable for individuals who wear a denture, can be eased by daily care that involves gently brushing gums and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthrinse that contains glycerine to help moisturize tissue. Removing dentures at bedtime not only provides an opportunity to clean your dentures, but it also gives gums a much needed break.

Don’t Forget Check-Up Exams

It’s important to note that the risk of oral cancer doesn’t decrease just because you don’t have natural teeth. Oral cancer can develop in the jawbone, under the tongue, and on the roof of the mouth, so keeping up with regular exams will give your denturist or dentist an opportunity to perform an oral cancer screening and look for other signs of oral health issues such as yeast overgrowth, ulcers, and gum disease. Regular check-up exams are also important to ensure your denture is fitting optimally and no adjustments are needed.

Caring for Your Denture

Handling your denture with care will help prevent mishaps and breakages and extend the life of the denture. Caring for your denture involves being extra gentle with it when removing it from the mouth. A great habit to get into is to place a towel or other padded fabric beneath you so that there is less chance of the denture breaking if accidentally dropped. Cleaning your denture not only keeps your teeth looking great, but it also contributes to the health of your entire mouth. Don’t be afraid to clean your denture after each meal as food debris may get trapped and contribute to gum irritation and bad breath. Soaking your denture in a recommended antibacterial solution keeps it looking good and free from unwanted bacterial activity.

Not sure how to clean your denture? Talk to the denturists at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic today! Contact us at (403) 254-5000