Congratulations on your new denture! If it’s the first time you’ve ever worn either a partial or full denture, you’re probably adjusting to your new smile and the various sensations that come with wearing an oral appliance. Though your mouth may feel a little tender the first few days after getting a new denture and pronouncing certain words may initially have your tongue all tied up, rest assured in knowing that dentures are custom designed to provide superior comfort and function. You’ll get used to them in a jiffy, and soon you’ll be enjoying meals and smiling with confidence. We’ve put together our top tips for getting used to a denture so that you get the most from your new smile.

Persevere – Comfort Level Increases

Getting used to your new denture can compare to a patient adjusting to a new dental bridge where there was once a missing tooth or length being added to teeth that have been shortened by years of grinding. The initial feeling is that you have something incredibly over-sized in your mouth – causing your salivary glands to work overtime and presenting some challenges when it comes to speaking. These minor annoyances don’t last more than a week or so, as oral tissues adjust to the denture and your tongue gets used to having less room to manoeuvre. It’s impressive how quickly the human body can adapt to physical changes, and wearing a denture is something that becomes easier and more comfortable with time – especially if you follow your denturists instructions in the first few weeks.

Sore Spots

It is normal in the first few weeks of denture wear to experience some sore spots. Gums are getting used to their new task of supporting a denture instead of individual teeth – so don’t get despondent if your gums are tender initially. We don’t recommend ignoring a sore spot, as continual irritation of tissue can prevent you from being able to wear your denture. Always let your denturist know if you are dealing with ongoing discomfort.

Practice Speaking

We know this tip may sound crazy, but you’d be amazed at how quickly your speech will feel normal and sound great if you make a concerted effort to speak when you first get your new denture. Speaking may feel like torture because you’ve now got teeth where you once had none, and you may be salivating more than normal as your mouth gets used to the denture – this is all normal. Though it may seem and feel uncomfortable, don’t stop talking! The sooner you get used to your new denture, the better your speech will be.

Enjoying Food and Mealtimes

If you’ve been without teeth for some time, the restored ability to chew food and enjoy meals that you may have been avoiding is going to seem like a treat. Wearing your new denture to eat with confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but you should be enjoying a normal diet within a few weeks. Go easy on your tender gum tissue and stick to soft foods in the first few weeks – eating a steak may be at the top of your list, but hold-off until your gums and denture feel comfortable. Taking small bites and chewing gently will help you get used to the feel of your denture and learn how to distribute pressure evenly to maximize chewing efficacy. Dentures don’t respond the same way as natural teeth when biting into food like apples and corn on the cob, but with a little practice, you’ll be eating all your favourite foods in no time!

Need more information regarding dentures? Contact the team at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic — 403.254.5000

You can never overestimate the importance of properly taking care of your dentures. This involves a number of techniques and considerations, but one of the most fundamental habits is daily cleaning.

Keeping It Daily

Brushing will only keep your dentures adequately clean if you do it frequently and thoroughly enough. It’s usually recommended to brush after each time you eat, but if you find that sometimes you’re unable to fit in a brush following every meal, you should be cleaning them once to twice daily at the very least. This is one of the key steps to preventing the buildup of plaque on your dentures.  Once plaque has been in place for a certain amount of time, it begins to give off the substances that lead to poor oral health. If allowed to accumulate, it can lead to inflammation of your gums and more advanced issues such a thrush.

Being Thorough

Simply soaking your dentures in a solution when you go to bed at night won’t be enough to ensure that they are in good shape and that your oral health is on track. Remove your dentures and brush them extensively but gently with a soft-bristled denture brush. Which cleaning agent you use will vary, but it’s generally recommended to avoid abrasive or grainy materials so as to prevent scratching or wearing down surfaces. Be sure to rinse them completely and use a separate toothbrush when caring for remaining teeth or gums and other oral tissues.

Making Them Last

Daily cleaning isn’t just about removing plaque, it’s also about keeping your dentures in good shape so that you can get the most out of them. The better care you take of the ones you have, the more your investment will pay off. When brushing and rinsing, it’s recommended to set a cloth on the sink below where you hold your dentures. Having a soft surface in place in case of an accidental drop on the porcelain, will avoid the chances of cracks or other unfortunate damage. You’ll always feel more confident about your dentures when you know they’re being looked after with the utmost care and attention!

How well do you take care of your dentures? If you have questions regarding denture care, South Calgary Denture is here to help. Give us a call at (403) 254-5000 today!

While conventional removable dentures have come a long way and provide many patients with great results, sometimes it can take a little something extra to go above and beyond. Implant overdentures are the perfect example.

Downsides to Conventional Dentures

Some patients may find that the everyday removable dentures — whether partial or a complete set — just don’t cut it. This is often due to cosmetic concerns such as slipping and dislodgement, which can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with in and of themselves. The reasons go beyond cosmetic problems as well. There may be some ways that a conventional set requires you to avoid certain foods, and some patients also feel inclined to chew less thoroughly just to avoid displacing their dentures. It’s highly important to chew food as completely as possible in order to facilitate normal, healthy digestion and retention of nutrients.

Best of Both Worlds

Implant overdentures can provide you with an excellent combination of two distinct denture functions. They can be thought of as conventional dentures which are supported and stabilized by implants as opposed to adhesives. The metal implants behave as dental roots, anchoring your dentures by integrating themselves into your upper or lower jaw bone. Implant overdentures are particularly suitable for patients in need of dentures for their bottom teeth, but can be made for patients who need either a partial or complete set. They are often more affordable than fixed bridges, and their removability allows for more extensive oral care to take place, not to mention a potentially easier repair process.

The Importance of Stability

Having dentures that are properly and reliably stabilized can make a huge difference in your overall experience and everyday life. Not only do they give you the peace of mind to enjoy food and conversation without worrying about failing adhesive, they also stimulate your jaw bone in the same way the the roots of a natural tooth would. The great thing about this is that it helps to mitigate the resorption process characterized by bone loss, shrinkage of the jaw, and change in face shape that many denture patients experience over time. This means that you can have a high-quality, long-lasting denture solution while still looking and feeling like yourself!

Want to find out if implant overdentures are right for you? South Calgary Denture is dedicated to helping you maintain your smile with only the best in denture care. Get in touch with us at (403) 254-5000 today!

If you read our last blog on preventing damage to your dentures, you probably know that good oral health plays an important role in keeping them in great condition. This time, let’s find out how exactly you can keep oral hygiene strong while keeping your dentures in mind.

Why It’s Important

Even if you take great care of your dentures, it’s still highly important to take care of the tissues in your oral cavity and prevent common complications. If you don’t take your dentures out every night, for instance, you run the risk of developing sores, swelling, or other problems with your gums, hard and soft palates, and other areas. Oral thrush, for instance, is a fungal infection that can affect denture wearers if proper oral hygiene is not carried out. The development of issues like these can also have an effect on the fit, comfort, and durability of your dentures, so don’t forget that everything is closely connected!

Gums and Other Tissues

Firstly, dietary and other health considerations should be made. Smoking and eating foods high in sugar or yeast will always take a toll on your oral health. When you remove your dentures, use a soft brush or even a wet cloth or gauze on your gums and other oral tissues. Be thorough but gentle, removing plaque while avoiding irritation and damage. From the inside of your cheeks to your tongue and upper palate, everything should be cared for. Rinsing with a mild saltwater solution is also sometimes recommended, so be sure to ask your denturist and your dentist for more tips. Don’t forget to keep the dentures clean too!

Your Teeth

Do you have full dentures or only a partial set? If you have natural teeth remaining, brushing and flossing them is just as important as ever. It can be easy to get distracted and focus too much on caring for your dentures and oral tissues, letting yourself get behind on the health of your teeth. Visit your dentist and denturist regularly and closely follow their recommendations for how often you should brush and floss as well as what dental care products are best for you. The more attentive you are to your oral health, the more beneficial your dentures will be!

Have more questions about oral care and your dentures? South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic is here to help. Give us a call at (403) 254-5000 today to find out what we can do for you!

A quality pair of dentures should be able to give you peace of mind. Cracks and breaks can really interfere with day-to-day life, so it’s important to know what can be done to ensure durability. Here are a few ways you can keep your dentures in good shape for years.

Understand Your Dentures

The first step in making your dentures last is to be informed on how they work and what can happen to them over time. A key thing to keep in mind is that, from your first pair onwards, your jaw will very gradually change shape and the material of the dentures will wear down. This kind of change requires that you replace your dentures over a regular interval of time. Be sure to ask your denturist when you will need a new pair, as it will often vary depending on a number of factors. Most importantly, follow their advice! Waiting longer than the recommended period will run the risk of having your dentures crack or break, and that’s a quick way to ruin your day.

Treat Them Well

The best dentures are designed to stand up to eating and talking, but not sudden impacts on bathroom floors or sinks. Aside from proper handling, being vigilant about keeping your dentures clean on a daily basis will go a long ways towards making them last. Closely follow the cleaning recommendations of your denturist; use the correct denture cleaner, and look closely for stains, plaque, and other forms of build-up. Last but not least, don’t wear them while you sleep. Instead, keep them in water at night.

Stay Healthy and Clean

Just as important as the cleanliness of your dentures is the rest of your oral hygiene. Take good care of your gums and other tissues to prevent accumulation of bacteria. If you have natural teeth remaining, keep them healthy with regular and thorough home care. Visits to the dentist will allow you to stay knowledgeable about the state of your overall oral conditions and how best to keep your oral tissues in good health. If you can keep bacteria and other unwanted materials from establishing themselves, your dentures will stay clean too, allowing them to hold up much better to wear and tear!

Looking for an experienced Calgary denturist who can provide you with the care you need? South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic strives to keep your smile as full and healthy as possible. Give us a call at (403) 254-5000 today!