South Calgary Denture And Implant Clinic

Tips to Improve the Comfort of Your Dentures

April 1st, 2022 by

Dentures can feel like part of your mouth, or they can feel like a foreign, irritating object. Though a break-in period with some sensitivity is normal, there’s no need to sacrifice long-term comfort for a great smile and an ability to chew well. The following are tips to improve the comfort of your dentures.

  • Have realistic expectations: There will be some challenges as you become used to your new set of dentures. But remember that it won’t last forever! Eat and talk as normally as you can to help you become accustomed to the presence of your new teeth. 
  • Get a proper fitting: A proper fit is crucial to comfortable dentures. Talk to your denturist who can make sure that the fit for your new smile is stellar. 
  • Undertake proper care and hygiene: Brush daily with a Denture toothbrush and/or a denture cleaner. Soak your dentures overnight, using a Denture Cleaning powder. Always rinse your dentures in room temperature or warm water so there are no distortions altering the fit.
  • Pay attention to the fit: The gums and bones of your mouth change over time leading to poorly fitting dentures, inflammation and sores. If you notice that your dentures no longer fit as they used to, see your denturist.
  • Carefully choose your adhesive: Even the best fitting dentures, especially lower complete dentures can slip in your mouth. Using a denture adhesive can help. Adhesive offers a strong, all-day hold that can increase confidence. It also seals out food particles. Consult your denturist regarding the best adhesive to use.
  • Handle your dentures with care: Though dentures are designed to be tough, dropping them can break or bend them.
  • Put dentures in water when not in use: Your dentures are designed to be in your mouth, a wet environment. When you remove them to sleep, they still require moisture so they can remain healthy and clean. 
  • Repair any damage: Any damage (cracking, warping, chipping) your dentures receive must be repaired as quickly as possible to ensure the comfort of your mouth. 
  • Give your mouth a rest: Remove your dentures for 6 to 8 hours a day to allow the tissues of your mouth to de-stress. Taking them out when you sleep is the easiest way to accomplish this. 
  • Exercise your cheeks: A muscle called the buccinator is located in your cheeks and is used to chew, blow, whistle, suck and smile. By exercising this muscle, you gain ease and comfort with your dentures. Slowly open your mouth wide and hold this pose for 30 seconds. Make an exaggerated smile and hold for 30 seconds. 
  • Adapt your chewing: When you first receive your dentures, start with soft foods, chewing slowly until you feel comfortable. Try chewing more at the back of your mouth. Take small bites to make it easier to chew. As you adapt, you should be able to chew many more foods. 
  • Follow the post-extraction plan: After tooth removal, healing takes time. Do the aftercare your denturist recommends if an Immediate denture is placed. Take any medication prescribed by your Dentist/Oral surgeon and follow all directions carefully.  Recovery time will be different for each patient. 

Remember that getting used to dentures is a process and it takes time. Your denturist is there to help. If you have concerns and/or discomfort contact your denturist and explain your difficulty.

Need advice regarding the fit of your dentures? South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic is here to help. We enhance your oral health, aesthetics and way of life. We deliver the best possible treatment after taking the time and care to understand your needs. Our commitment to you is to provide a fast, efficient, and courteous service, with direct billing offered to most insurance providers. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Benefits of Full-Arch Dental Implants

March 15th, 2022 by

Full-arch dental implants (sometimes called All-on-4 or All-on-6) are a popular, permanent, full mouth, reconstruction treatment. They provide one of the most innovative and comfortable ways to replace missing teeth and they look as good as the originals! These implant-supported dentures eliminate many of the problems of traditional dentures.

What are full-arch dental implants?

Full-arch dental implants use a series of 4 to 6 dental implants to restore an entire arch of missing teeth (upper or lower). Implants are surgically placed in the jaw and, once healed, a set of fixed or removable implant-supported dentures or fixed bridges are positioned. Implants are mostly embedded at a slight angle to secure them to the jawbone. The denture sits almost entirely on the dental implant fixtures, only lightly touching the gums. This artificial tooth and titanium root system look and function like a natural tooth. Implant-supported dentures are the healthiest and most comfortable option for replacing a full-arch of missing teeth, allowing you to chew all your favorite foods and smile with confidence.

What is the difference between full-arch implants and removable dentures?

Traditional dentures have long been the most common treatment option for replacing lost teeth. Although they are a good solution, they can be uncomfortable, sometimes alter speech, must be cleaned daily. They might also look unnatural, at times require messy adhesives and need to be replaced every few years. Full-arch implants provide for an appliance with a more natural look and feel thus allowing normal chewing. Since they are anchored on Dental Implants they don’t shift in the mouth, require no adhesives, don’t interfere with speech, are comfortable and can last a lifetime. 

What are the benefits of full-arch dental implants?

There are a number of advantages to full-arch dental implants. 

  • Stay securely in place: Full-arch dental implants give dentures support so that they stay in place. No slipping, shifting, pinching or irritation.
  • Less gum irritation: Staying in place results in less pain and discomfort. 
  • No messy adhesives are necessary to hold them in place. 
  • Permanent: Since dental implants can allow fixed bridges to be fixed to your jawbone, they offer a solution that can lasts a lifetime with proper care.
  • Protective: Implants slow down the advancement of bone resorption and oral tissue loss.
  • Attractive: A full-arch dental implant solution helps uplift your facial structures for a more youthful appearance and creates a flawless smile.
  • Restorative:  Your ability to chew and taste a full range of foods, from steak to a big unsliced apple, will be restored with full-arch dental implants.
  • Meaningful: You’ll regain your ability to speak, smile, laugh, and socialize with confidence with fully anchored implant dentures or fixed bridges
  • Brush your teeth normally: With implant-supported dentures, you brush your teeth in the usual way, rather than removing your dentures to brush and soak them.
  • Jawbone growth: Implant-supported dentures stimulate healthy jawbone growth, preventing teeth from shifting, skin from sagging and any premature wrinkles from forming.
  • Faster healing: Less time in the chair and less time healing are also benefits of full-arch restorations.
  • Long Lasting. With proper care and maintenance Dental Implants can last a lifetime.
  • Success rate: Dental implant surgery is successful 98% of the time.

If you are missing a full set of teeth (upper or lower) you may benefit from full-arch implant-supported dentures. To determine whether you are a good candidate for this denture solution, schedule a consultation with your denturist. They’ll conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether an implant-supported solution is right for you, or whether you may benefit from another restorative solution.

Interested in a full-arch dental implant? Wondering if this solution is right for you? South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic is here to help. We enhance your oral health, aesthetics and way of life. We deliver the best possible treatment after taking the time and care to understand your needs. Our commitment to you is to provide a fast, efficient, and courteous service, with direct billing offered to most insurance providers. We love what we do. It’s who we are! Call us to schedule an appointment.

Pain from Your Dentures? Learn Ways to Treat It

March 1st, 2022 by

Half of all people who wear dentures experience periodic pain of some kind; swollen, irritated or painful gums and/or dental sores. The good news is that there are ways to ease the discomfort. If you’re suffering from denture pain, try a few of the following suggestions to treat it and prevent the pain from returning.

What causes denture sores, pain and discomfort?

A little irritation when wearing new dentures is quite common as it takes time for your mouth to adjust. Once you have had your appliance for a while, pain is usually caused by a changing mouth structure, a buildup of bacteria and/or food stuck between your gums and the denture. Your denturist can help you with the fit and education on proper cleaning will solve the food and bacteria problems. Mild, temporary pain is not a concern but call your denturist if the sore areas:

  • are unusually large or extremely painful.
  • haven’t healed after two weeks.
  • look infected.
  • are accompanied by a fever.

How should I address pain from my dentures?

There are a number of ways you can reduce the pain experienced while wearing dentures. 

  • Get an adjustment: Have your denture adjusted by your denturist. They will determine the exact cause of your pain and help you treat it accordingly.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for 30 to 60 seconds (1 tsp salt to 8 oz warm water) In case you suffer from high blood pressure use warm water without salt.
  • Take your dentures out at night, soaking them in a denture cleaning solution will reduce the number and amount of oral bacteria stuck to your dentures.
  • Massage your gums daily to encourage circulation and reduce inflammation. 
  • Clean your dentures daily to remove food particles that may irritate your gums.
  • Eat soft foods until the pain subsides (pudding, porridge, soup).
  • Avoid sticky foods as they can cause irritation. 
  • Avoid triggers like hot, spicy, acidic or salty foods and beverages as these can irritate sores.
  • Use quality toothpaste and mouthwash to eliminate harmful bacteria and create a healthy environment inside your mouth. 
  • Cloves contain eugenol which has analgesic and anti-swelling properties. 
  • Consider allergies: Make sure you are not allergic to your denture cleansers and adhesives. 

Dentures can be painful! This occurs most often during the adjustment phase. If you stick to a proper denture care routine and practice good hygiene habits, pain should soon come under control. Consult your denturist if nagging pain persists. 

Experiencing painful gums? Looking for help with denture care? Need advice on keeping your partial or full dentures clean? South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic is here to help. We enhance your oral health, aesthetics and way of life. We deliver the best possible treatment after taking the time and care to understand your needs. Our commitment to you is to provide a fast, efficient, and courteous service, with direct billing offered to most insurance providers. We love what we do. It’s who we are! Call us to schedule an appointment.

Implant-Retained Dentures: Facts to Know

February 15th, 2022 by

Do missing teeth make you feel self-conscious about your smile or cause you problems when you eat? Do those empty spaces make it hard for you to speak naturally? Do your present dentures slip, slide and irritate your mouth? Are they difficult to keep clean? Implant-retained dentures may be right for you. Implant-retained dentures blend with your natural smile, preserve your smile, are durable and restore normal eating and speaking function. They’re the preferred solution for missing teeth, with both denturists and patients. If you’re considering implant-retained dentures, there are some things that you should know.

What are implant-retained dentures?

Implant-retained dentures are dentures held in position by dental implants. Because they are secured by the implants, these dentures are more stable and function better than conventional dentures. Dental implants are titanium screws placed in your jawbone to help stabilize and secure the dentures. Implant-retained dentures (also known as overdentures) are attached to the implants. Typically, each jaw requires 4 to 6 dental implants to stabilize the denture.

Facts about implants and implant-retained dentures:

  • Tooth loss is common: Loss of teeth is the most common dental issue. A normal, healthy, human mouth has 28 to 32 teeth. The average 35 to 49-year-old has only 25 teeth left! 17% of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth while 3.75% of adults 20 to 64 have no remaining teeth. Implant-retained dentures offer a permanent solution to the problem.
  • Implant-retained dentures are for more than appearance: Missing teeth not only affect your smile, they impact your speech and the functionality of your bite. Implant-retained dentures provide comfort, improve speech, enhance your appearance and restore normal function when eating.
  • Dental implants are not the same as crowns: Dental implants are metallic structures, similar to screws, that replace the roots of your teeth. Strong, lightweight, titanium implants is placed in the jawbone. Once the bone tissues have healed, implant-retained dentures may be attached.
  • Implant-retained dentures are more stable than traditional dentures and do not float or become ill-fitting and unstable.
  • Implant-retained dentures closely match your teeth: This is one tooth replacement option that closely matches the strength and durability of natural teeth. Your bite and chew will be nearly identical to that which you had before. The implant, with good care, can last a lifetime!
  • They appear and function more like natural teeth than conventional dentures.
  • They offer better chewing ability and stronger biting forces than conventional dentures, enabling denture wearers to easily eat more difficult to chew foods. You’ll be able to eat most of the foods that you ate with your natural teeth. 
  • They don’t get cavities: Though you need to brush and floss daily, titanium implants and the attached denture will never get cavities!
  • They may improve your health: It’s difficult to maintain a healthy diet without all your teeth. Implant-retained dentures restore your natural ability to bite and chew, promoting your ability to maintain a healthy diet. 
  • They preserve the jawbone: Loss of teeth causes the jawbone to resorb and/or recede, changing the shape of your mouth and promoting wrinkles. Dental implants mimic the shape and strength of natural tooth roots, helping to preserve the jawbone. The biological fusing properties of titanium used in dental implants can even encourage new bone growth.
  • Implant-retained dentures are more comfortable and cause less friction on the gum tissue than traditional dentures.
  • Age is not the deciding factor: Dental implants and implant-retained dentures are available for patients of any age. All clients with good oral and general health are ideal candidates.
  • Multiple appointments may be necessary: There will be an initial consultation where you and your denturist will discuss in detail dental implants and refer you for a consult for the surgical part of the procedure. You’ll need instructions on preparation and follow-up care. Then you’ll undergo surgery with a Dentist or Oral Surgeon where the implants will be placed in your jaw. There will be a waiting period (3 to 6 months) before you can move on to the next step. After this, the implant-retained dentures are placed in your mouth. In short, there will be several appointments involved in receiving your new teeth!
  • Bone preparation may be needed: If your Dentist or Oral Surgeon determines your bone tissue isn’t sufficient to receive the implant successfully, you’ll undergo a bone graft. You’ll wait for the bone to heal before continuing the procedure.
  • They’re worth the investment: Though implants and the attached dentures have a relatively high initial cost and insurance often offers only partial to no coverage, dental implants last a lifetime and the attached dentures are functional and comfortable, making them a worthwhile investment. 
  • Simple to use: No need for dental adhesives, pastes or powders. No worry about your denture falling out. Implant-retained dentures are a much more stable solution to missing teeth. 
  • Speaking is easy: Some dentures make it difficult to speak properly. Some may slip! Implant-retained dentures feel natural and do not cause mumbling or slurring. Speaking clearly is comfortable and worry-free.
  • They provide protection for your other teeth: Gaps in your mouth cause adjacent teeth to shift, jaw pain, swollen gums and additional tooth loss. Implant-retained dentures keep your teeth from shifting, protecting your mouth from further harm. 

If you’re searching for a restorative solution for missing teeth that is easy to care for, reliable and predictable, then implant-retained dentures are right for you. They are one of the best solutions for missing teeth. They’ll boost your confidence, give you a beautiful smile and a youthful appearance!

Are you tired of conventional dentures that slip, slide and irritate your gums? Are you considering implant-retained dentures? South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic is here to help. We enhance your oral health, aesthetics and way of life. We deliver the best possible treatment after taking the time and care to understand your needs. Our commitment to you is to provide a fast, efficient, and courteous service, with direct billing offered to most insurance providers. We love what we do. It’s who we are! Call us to schedule an appointment.

Dentures and Dry Mouth

February 1st, 2022 by

For those who experience tooth loss, dentures (full and partial) make it easier to chew food, allow a person to eat a wider variety of cuisine and improve appearance. However, many people who wear dentures suffer from a condition called dry mouth.

What is dry mouth? 

Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is a condition in which the salivary glands don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.

Why is saliva important?

Saliva may seem like water, but it has many important functions. Saliva:

  • is part of the immune system, helping to keep the mouth healthy. 
  • moistens food particles for swallowing.
  • makes chewing and speaking more comfortable.
  • helps to create suction between dentures and tissues of the mouth, stabilizing replacement teeth.
  • acts as a lubricant, preventing irritation that may cause sores from dentures rubbing on the gums.
  • assists in reducing bacterial growth. 
  • regulates germs that cause oral infections.

What causes dry mouth?

Dry mouth results in discomfort for denture wearers, but dentures do not cause dry mouth.  Xerostomia is caused by many factors. 

  • Poor hygiene or unhealthy eating habits may reduce saliva production. 
  • Medications (blood pressure medicine, decongestants, antidepressants) often have dry mouth as a side effect.
  • Habits such as breathing through your mouth, dehydration and using tobacco-related products contribute to dry mouth.
  • Systemic illnesses (diabetes, salivary gland tumors, digestive problems, liver dysfunction) result in dry mouth.
  • Aging causes our salivary glands to produce less saliva, resulting in dry mouth.
  • Radiation Therapy, used to treat cancer, can result in reduced salivary gland function.
  • Nerve damage from a head or neck injury can lead to dry mouth as some nerves carry messages between the brain and the salivary glands. 

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

People who suffer from dry mouth often experience uncomfortable symptoms including:

  • Red and parched mouth 
  • Constant thirst
  • Dry, raw feeling in the mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Inflammation of mouth tissues 
  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Soreness in the mouth
  • Cracking at the corners of the mouth
  • Pebbled tongue 
  • White tongue from bacterial growth
  • Decreased ability to taste food
  • Bleeding gums
  • Increased tooth decay
  • Food sticking more to the denture
  • A tendency to wake up at night

How do I relieve dry mouth?

Dry mouth makes wearing dentures uncomfortable and eating more difficult. To relieve dryness: 

  • Sip on water or sugar-free drinks
  • Use sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets 
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they dry the mouth
  • Avoid tobacco products and recreational drug use
  • Avoid dry foods such as bread, crackers and pastries
  • Avoid breathing through your mouth
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste to save your teeth from bad effects of dry mouth
  • Use specially formulated mouthwash or saliva substitute products (rinses, gels, sprays) designed to replace lost saliva.  
  • Talk to your doctor regarding different options if your medication is contributing to dry mouth.

Alternative treatment options

  • Implant-supported dentures don’t rely on suction and adhesives to secure them within the mouth. These dentures are attached to dental implants, which are placed within the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures are comfortable and stable for patients with dry mouth.
  • If you’re missing only a few teeth, you can also opt for dental bridges as they are attached to surrounding natural teeth.

Don’t suffer! Address dry mouth symptoms. Talk to your denturist and they can help you determine the best prosthetic solution with a dry mouth or refer you to assist you in finding solutions to the problem.

Experiencing dry mouth? Is dry mouth causing problems with your dentures? South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic is here to help. We enhance your oral health, aesthetics and way of life. We deliver the best possible treatment after taking the time and care to understand your needs. Our commitment to you is to provide a fast, efficient, and courteous service, with direct billing offered to most insurance providers. We love what we do. It’s who we are! Call us to schedule an appointment.

Caring for Your Dentures After Getting Dental Implants

January 15th, 2022 by

Dental implants are a common treatment for the replacement of missing teeth in adults and are also used to stabilize dentures for comfort and function. If you want your dental implants to last for decades, you need to take care of them, starting with the day you receive them. For the health and comfort of your mouth and dentures, it’s necessary to keep implants clean and free of destructive bacteria and plaque.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw. They’re used to provide support for artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges and dentures. Essentially, they function as artificial roots; made of titanium metal, inserted into the jawbone, then attached to a replacement tooth of some type. Dental implantation surgery requires post-operative care so that bone heals tightly around the implant, ensuring that your mouth remains healthy and your dentures hold firm. 

Who can get dental implants?

To be an acceptable candidate for dental implants, you need to be in good general health, have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to hold an implant. You must also be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. If you’re healthy enough for a routine extraction or oral surgery, you can be considered for dental implants. Smokers, people with chronic disorders (diabetes, heart disease) and individuals who have undergone radiation therapy to the head or neck need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Your denturist can help you determine if implants are right for you. 

Continuing care of implants:

The success of your dental implants depends upon their long-term care. Keep your mouth as clean as possible. 

  • How to care for a Fixed Denture or fixed Full Arch Zirconia over implants:
    • Brush twice daily with a soft nylon brush
    • Use low abrasive toothpaste
    • Use a nylon coated interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach places
    • Use a recommended oral irrigator on slow speed for cleaning under the bridge/denture
    • Rinse daily with non-alcoholic mouth rinse
    • Visit your denturist every 6 months for professional cleaning
    • If you suffer from teeth grinding, seek treatment from your denturist
  • How to care for Implant Overdentures that are removable/Snap-on Dentures:
    • Remove denture daily and soak in denture cleaner for recommended time
    • Inspect attachment caps/clips and alert your denturist if worn or missing
    • Gently brush the underside of the denture with a denture brush
    • Rinse overdenture thoroughly with water before placing it into your mouth
    • Clean around implant attachments/locators using a small brush or special tools provided to you by your denturist
    • Visit your denturist every 6 months

Dental implants present some unique cleaning challenges! But, with proper care and regular visits to the denturist, your dental implants can last a lifetime. Communicate openly with your denturist and do not hesitate to contact them with questions.

South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic enhances your oral health, aesthetics, and way of life. We deliver the best possible treatment after taking the time and care to understand your needs. Our commitment to you is to provide a fast, efficient, and courteous service, with direct billing offered to most insurance providers. We love what we do. It’s who we are! Call us to schedule an appointment.

Think Your Dentures Might be Loose? Here are the Common Symptoms

January 1st, 2022 by

High-quality dentures should fit securely on your gums, free of slipping and sliding. However, sometimes dentures become loose, no longer fitting as they did originally. This can make it difficult to eat and chew and cause you to feel embarrassed to talk and smile. Loose dentures reduce quality of life and can decrease self-confidence. Why do dentures become loose? How do you know if your dentures are loose? What should you do if your dentures no longer fit snugly?

Why do dentures become loose?

Dentures become loose for a variety of reasons.

  • Bone resorption causing your gums to shrink and your jaw shape to change as we age
  • Everyday wear and tear 
  • Chewing or biting down on hard food
  • Weight loss and use of some medications

Symptoms of loose dentures:

There are a number of signs that your dentures no longer fit the way they did originally.

  • Dentures move when you talk, smile and eat
  • Dentures click when you talk or chew
  • Difficulty eating certain foods 
  • Pressure sores in your mouth
  • Discomfort (jaw soreness, uneven pressure, sharp or intense pain)
  • Changes in facial shape (cheeks, jawline)
  • Gagging (from denture touching your tongue and/or throat)

How to avoid loose dentures:

Over time, dentures can become loose. To reduce and eliminate this problem:

  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Practice good denture care every day
  • Take your dentures out at night
  • Chew solid foods to prevent bone loss
  • See your denturist regularly for a reline or rebase of Denture 

How are loose dentures repaired?

There are a few ways your Denturist can reline your existing dentures:

  • A temporary reline requires adding a layer of material under the denture in your mouth. This involves your Denturist taking an impression that hardens and fills the gap created where the oral tissues have shrunk away from the denture with age. This approach generally stabilizes the denture only for a short period of time.
  • A permanent reline requires an indirect technique where an impression material is added to the denture in the mouth in much the same way as described above for a temporary reline. However, the denture is then worked on the on-site dental lab at Denture Clinic to replace the temporary material with more permanent denture plastic. The teeth stay the same but the denture base is reprocessed to fit as the new impression did. The advantage of a permanent reline is that it is longer lasting. A Denture Clinic with an on-site lab at can in most cases do this procedure with same day turnaround, instead of sending out to a Dental Lab where you’ll be without your denture for a day or two.

How often should my dentures be relined?

In the first year after extractions, gums change shape and shrink quite quickly. Most denture wearers will require 1-3 temporary liners during this time, especially in the first 3-6 months. After about 6 months to a year, you’ll need the processed reline, replacing all temporary liners and refitting your denture to your gums. After this reline, the normal schedule for future denture maintenance includes relines every 2 years and a new set of dentures every 5 to 8 years.

Don’t accept loose dentures as a fact of life! If you notice signs of loosening, visit a skilled denturist to discuss ways to improve the fit and function. You can enjoy pain-free eating and smile in comfort while wearing dentures! 

South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic enhances your oral health, aesthetics and way of life. We deliver the best possible treatment after taking the time and care to understand your needs. Our commitment to you is to provide a fast, efficient, and courteous service, with direct billing offered to most insurance providers. We love what we do. It’s who we are! Call us to schedule an appointment.

Don’t Wait to Get Your Dentures Fixed

March 15th, 2020 by

Putting off denture repairs can cause much more damage in the long run than if you just had them fixed right away. Poorly fitted or cracked dentures can cause sores, impede your ability to eat or speak, or even become unwearable. The longer you put it off, the worse these symptoms will get and the more you risk needing a full denture replacement. Here are a few warning signs that your dentures require some professional TLC.

Loose Dentures

Loose dentures are no picnic. Suddenly eating becomes a challenge, and you could even develop sores on your gums. This looseness can come about for a couple of different reasons. The first is bone reabsorption. This is when your gums begin to shrink because they are no longer holding your teeth in place. This is a natural process and will happen at varying rates for different people. There’s no real way to avoid it except to stay on top of professional maintenance. The other reason is due to everyday wear and tear. While you can minimize the effects by being gentle on your dentures and following your denturist’s instructions, this will also come in time. 

If you are experiencing any of this, it’s time for a reline. A reline is a process wherein your denturist will reshape the inside surface of your denture so that it fits more comfortably. At South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic we offer same day relines. Often these can be completed in a short period of time!

Cracked or Broken Dentures

Cracked or broken dentures pose an even greater risk to a denture wearer. This is often a problem which can be identified immediately, and as such needs to be dealt with immediately. DIY repairs can completely ruin your dentures and simply removing them for a long length of time can cause your gums and bones to shift. 

Fractures, loose teeth, or any other type of break requires prompt attention. That’s why we offer repairs while you wait. This is a service that provides quick denture repair while you are at our office. 
The biggest reason you shouldn’t wait to have your dentures repaired is because you don’t have to wait! With these same day services, we can get you smiling again in no time. Don’t risk more pain or damage by putting it off, contact us today!

STRONGER DENTURES—Yes It’s Possible!

March 1st, 2020 by

Most dentures are made of acrylic resin. While acrylic offers a relatively flexible, aesthetically pleasing fit, on its own it can be very fragile. General wear and tear over time or an accidental drop could easily crack the acrylic dentures. Once cracked, they will need to be repaired. However, the traditional repair process actually reduces the original denture strength by up to 40%. That means a fragile oral prosthetic that could break again at any time. Many denture wearers will just accept this reality, but there is a way to achieve stronger dentures. In this week’s article, we will explore a product that could change the way you look at denture strength forever!

FiBER FORCE – A Viable Solution

When it comes to fragile prosthetics, it only makes sense to add reinforcement.  Choosing a material that will strengthen without adding bulk can be a fine art. That’s where FiBER FORCE comes in. This product is an ultra-thin, lightweight fiber mesh reinforcement. It is custom built for each denture then bonded within that denture. These specially treated fibers will chemically bond to the denture base’s acrylic resin, something that cannot be said of metal reinforcements. 

Denture Reinforcement

The most common use of FiBER FORCE mesh is in denture reinforcement. In cases where your dentures fit well but keep breaking, you have a harder bite than average, or your dentures are relatively thin, you may want to consider FiBER FORCE dentures. The fibres that make up the mesh have an extremely high tensile strength and are much more elastic than heavy metals. These characteristics ensure that your dentures are much stronger than before while simultaneously having the elasticity to absorb the regular impact of your jaw biting down.  

Denture Repairs

Not a one-trick-pony, FiBER FORCE has a number of other applications than just reinforcement. One of these is its use in denture repair. As mentioned above, traditional repair methods only serve to weaken the denture significantly. FiBER FORCE has the opposite effect. A study was done to discover just what the difference was. They found out that denture acrylics repaired with FiBER FORCE ended up three times stronger than the original acrylic. 


FiBER FORCE is a way to make your dentures more resilient and longer lasting. If you’re curious about if this product is right for you, talk to our denture experts at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic today! With our onsite lab, we are very familiar with FiBER FORCE and how it can be incorporated seamlessly into dentures. Contact us here

Signs Your Dentures Aren’t the Right Fit

February 15th, 2020 by

There are many benefits to having dentures, being able to eat, speak, and smile are just a few of them. For our South Calgary patients, having dentures means maintaining their quality of life, and often even improving it! For those who are edentulous, or near-to, having dentures is an obvious solution. Like any prosthetic, it’s important that they fit correctly, or else all of those benefits are moot! Knowing when to come in for an adjustment is a vital step in making sure your dentures are doing what they’re made to do. Here are some obvious and not-so-obvious signs that your dentures aren’t fitting quite right. 

Difficulty Speaking

Teeth are integral to making certain sounds. Just try saying “my thumb was pricked by a thorn on Thursday” without your front teeth. If your dentures are too far forward or too far back, those same sounds can be challenging to pronounce.

Difficulty Chewing

Another obvious symptom of ill-fitting dentures is not being able to chew properly. Of course chewing will feel a little different and even sore for the first while after getting dentures, it should never be outright painful or impossible. 

Headaches

One of the less conspicuous side-effects of a bad fit is the sudden onset of headaches. Dentures that are too tight, too loose, or not structured to fit the unique curve of your mouth can apply pressure in areas that can trigger a headache. After all, it’s all in the same area of your body! 

Irritation and Sores

Adjusting to a new set of dentures will involve a certain level of soreness. However, the appearance of sores is a huge red flag that not everything is where it should be inside your mouth. Sores and irritation are not only annoying, they can affect your ability to eat and speak, increasing the risk of getting an infection in your mouth.

Poorly-fitted dentures are generally pretty easy to spot if you pay attention to the above warning signs. Our mouths are so unique that it can take a couple of tries before finding the perfect fit. That’s why it is so important to work with a denturist with an onsite denture lab and a friendly demeanour. After all, you’re going to be seeing a lot of them! If you live in the Calgary area, let us help you achieve the perfect smile. Contact us for a consultation today!