Broken or cracked dentures aren’t just uncomfortable, they can drastically impact your quality of life. Left unchecked, they could lead to sores, infection, or completely render your dentures useless. Well-made oral prosthetics are designed to put up with a certain amount of stress, but even so, there are a number of ways that they can break. In this week’s article we are going to explore the three main causes of denture breakage and how you can avoid them. 

Improper Fit 

Even if your dentures fit perfectly for the first few months, it’s not unusual for your mouth to change shape. This happens because there are no more dental roots keeping everything in place. While this is a perfectly natural phenomenon, dentures that don’t fit are much more likely to break. 

Solution: As soon as you start feeling that your dentures are too tight or too loose, schedule an appointment to see your denturist. They will be able to make adjustments as needed, without needing to completely replace your dentures in many cases. 

Accidental Dropping

No one wants to admit it, but many people are guilty of dropping their dentures. Most of the time, it’s on the bathroom floor or in an empty sink. The harder surfaces of your bathroom will almost always win out against dentures, resulting in cracks and breaks. 

Solution: When removing your dentures, make sure it is above a soft surface in case they slip. If you are over the sink, fill it up with some water to break a potential fall. If you are over the counter, place a thick towel over the surface. 

Wear and Tear

While the other two items on this list tend to happen quite quickly, wear and tear does damage over time. Natural factors, such as chewing and temperature shifts, slowly work away at the hard surfaces of your dentures to weaken them. Eventually, your dentures may crack or break.

Solution: Attend all of your scheduled appointments with your denturist. You should be going at least once a year to have your dentures checked. That way the professionals can take a look at your dentures and make necessary adjustments and recommendations.
Dentures are a lot like a vehicle—preventative maintenance is much easier than breakdown maintenance. Follow the above tips to keep your smile at its best. In the case that you do experience breakage, don’t wait to get it fixed! Call your trusted Calgary denture clinic at either of our locations right away! Mahogany: 403-475-5001 or Sunpark: Phone: 403-254-5000.

Having dentures isn’t a free pass to give up on the regular maintenance of your oral health. You should be cleaning your new teeth just as much as your old ones. In fact, dentures create new places for food particles to hide. It’s important to clean your oral prosthetics thoroughly and regularly. Failure to do so can result in gum disease, irritation, and even fungal infections. Here are some tried and true methods to help prevent bacteria build-up on your dentures.

Remove and Rinse.

After you eat, take a moment to pop out those dentures and give them a good rinse. This will wash off small food particles and ensure they don’t get trapped between your denture and your gums. 

Keep Your Mouth Clean.

When you rinse your dentures, don’t forget to rinse out your mouth. Just because you may not have as many, or any, natural teeth left, doesn’t mean there aren’t places that bacteria can hide.

Brush Daily.

Does this advice sound familiar? It should! Brushing your teeth is an important part of maintaining oral health. Make sure to take out your dentures and clean them with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive cleanser.  

Soak Overnight.

Always take out your dentures overnight and keep them in a cleaning solution. This gives your gum tissues a chance to breathe while the cleaning solution works to keep your dentures fresh. 

Keep Your Appointments.

Wear and tear will naturally occur over time. This creates the opportunity for cracks in your dentures to occur and collect bacteria. Attending your regular appointments will help you and your denturist stay on top of your denture health. 
All of these tactics should be used in combination with one another. If you have a soft lining on your dentures, check with your denturist before incorporating the above into your routine. This lining is easily damaged and your denturist will be able to suggest safe alternatives. For more tips on how to keep your beautiful new smile, check out our articles. If you’re in the Calgary area and you think you may need dentures, contact either of our locations for a consultation! 

Like any prosthetic, your dentures require regular maintenance to ensure that they are performing properly. In the same way you would be scheduled for follow up appointments after a hip replacement, you will need to do the same once you’re fitted with dentures. At one of these follow-ups, your denturist may suggest you get your prosthetic teeth relined. In this week’s article we are going to explore why you would need a relining and how this simple process can extend the life of your dentures. 

Changes in Oral Structure

The architecture of your mouth is delicate. Each component helps to maintain the others. For example, healthy teeth create a solid structure for your gums and jawbone to stay put. When those teeth are gone, due to disease, decay, or trauma, the framework is also gone. As a result, the tissues shift and often experience a significant loss in density. Dentures can slow down this process, but they can never completely stop it from happening. Over time, the gums beneath the dentures will change shape. This causes an improper fit that must be adjusted with relining. 

Natural Wear and Tear

In addition to tissues rearranging themselves in your mouth, relines are also necessary to mitigate the regular wear and tear that your dentures will eventually experience. Whether your dentures are made out of acrylic, porcelain, or polymer, they will need to be maintained. Regular bite force can wear down the surface, over time leading to cracks or fractures. A reline can reset the clock on your dentures and have them working like new again!

Reline for Every Mouth

Avoiding a reline can lead to issues such as mouth ulcers, irritation, tissue overgrowth, and fungal infections. The type of reline will be specific to the needs of your mouth and the type of dentures you have. 

• Hard relines are typically for patients with full dentures. This is when your denturist uses your existing denture to create an impression of your gums and then uses that to add a layer of acrylic to the tissue-facing side of your dentures.  
• Soft relines are for those patients with sensitive mouths. The process is similar to the above, but your denturist will use a pliable material instead for the lining instead of hard acrylic.

If your dentures just don’t fit like they used to, it might be time to have them relined! Our expert team at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic can help you find the perfect solution. Contact us today!

Dental implants have become a great alternative to bridges or other more temporary solutions. They look and feel natural, so it’s no wonder that our patients want to know if they are candidates for this type of oral prosthetic. If you’re curious about whether or not you are eligible for dental implants, this article is for you! This week we are going to explore what makes a good candidate and why.

Healthy Gums

Your gums are the environment that your implant is going to be living in. Periodontal disease can greatly affect the stability of that environment. Implants can be significantly less effective if the gums are deteriorating from bacteria. Furthermore, the implants can open up the gums and the entire mouth to infection. 

Sufficient Bone

Our bones naturally shrink with age, some faster than others. Because the implants are dependant on successfully anchoring into the bone, they need enough width to stay put. In some cases, bone loss can be remedied by special procedures. Check with your denturist to see if you may be a candidate for implants even with significant bone loss. 

Consistent Commitment

While the other two factors on this list combine genetics and other factors, this final one is entirely dependant on your desire to maintain a healthy mouth. Just like your natural teeth, your implant won’t do well if it is neglected. This means taking a proactive approach when it comes to your oral health. Brush and floss regularly in addition to attending your scheduled denturist appointments.
There are some patients who have conditions where implants simply aren’t possible. These include, but are not limited to,  people who are pregnant, heavy smokers, hemophiliacs, or those who suffer from connective tissue diseases. A consultation with your local Calgary denturist will help determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. 

The lights have been strung and carols are being sung; we are knee deep in the holiday season at last! It doesn’t seem to matter how many years have passed, you can’t help but feel a special excitement for this time of year. Whether it’s the delicious food or the warm family, there’s a lot to look forward to. Or so it may seem. For some people, the joy of the season can be dampened by their oral situation. We’re talking missing teeth and poorly fitted dentures. It’s hard not to indulge your inner Scrooge if you can’t eat the roasted chestnuts or smile big in the family photos.  

Oh, Ho the Mistletoe 

If you find yourself shying away from the mistletoe in fear your dentures may fall out, it’s time for an adjustment. Not only are poorly fitting dentures uncomfortable, they can affect your quality of life. Eating, smiling, and even speaking can become challenging. This can keep you from enjoying time with your loved ones. No one deserves to be alone on Christmas, especially if it’s due to something as fixable as your teeth!

 Say Hello to Friends You Know

The good news is that there is a solution to your toothy troubles. At South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic, great smiles are our specialty. We offer complete, partial, and implant denture solutions to fit your needs. With two locations, we have twice the staff to provide you efficient service on your schedule. If you need a checkup on your dentures or a whole new set, we’d be happy to help!

Have a Cup of Cheer

Dentures can seem like an overwhelming investment, but they don’t have to break the bank. Many insurance companies will cover at least some of the cost of dentures. For the remaining amount, ask if your denturist offers payment plans. Professional denturists know that finances shouldn’t keep you from achieving your perfect smile. On the other hand, if you know someone who needs quality dentures, helping them out with those costs can be the perfect Christmas gift. 

Whether you need an adjustment or you need a full set of dentures, don’t forget to give your teeth a little TLC this holiday season. From all of us here at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic, have a safe and happy holiday season!

Our bodies are always changing, especially as we age. One of the most notable changes occurs within the mouth, as teeth begin to fall out and gums shift. These changes affect everything from your ability to speak and chew to your facial appearance. Another significant consequence of an aging mouth happens in the jaw bone, as the bone matter starts to erode away. But what exactly is bone shrinkage, and what does it mean for your dentures?

How Does Bone Shrinkage Happen?

The alveolar bone, which is found in the jaw, is what supports our teeth. In return, the pressure of teeth and acts of chewing help to preserve the alveolar and the rest of the jaw bone. There are several factors that result in this bone shrinking or losing density, one of which is tooth loss. The alveolar bone and the teeth work in tandem to anchor your mouth together; as time goes on and your teeth begin to leave your mouth, gaps are left in the alveolar. Since the jaw bone is no longer being stimulated by pressure from the teeth, it is considered “unneeded” and begins to deteriorate, or be reabsorbed into the body.

Additional factors, such as bacteria from periodontitis, infection, or misaligned teeth are also known to cause or accelerate bone shrinkage. However, it is primarily lost of extracted teeth without immediate and proper replacement that are the cause. 

What Does this Mean for Your Dentures?

A poor denture plan that does not consider how bone loss changes the shape of your face over time and are placed over the jaw line rather than being anchored in place have been known to speed bone shrinkage. Since they don’t directly add pressure and stimulation to the alveolar bone and might cause sores and chewing difficulties, the bone continues to deteriorate and results in loose fitting dentures that again in turn cause more problems for your mouth.

However, with a good denturist who takes the time to recognize the potential for bone loss in your mouth, dentures may in fact help to prevent bone loss. By implementing denture implants rather than traditional adhesive methods, the missing pressure is replaced by the presence of implants. Since the ability to talk and chew properly is encouraged by the new dentures, the jaw bone is stimulated again, reducing the rate of bone loss.

When it comes to your mouth, you want to ensure that all factors are taken into consideration when moving forward with dentures. If you have any questions about dentures and how they impact the health of your mouth and your lifestyle, the denturists at South Calgary Dentures are always happy to help at (403) 254-5000.

Dental bridges step aside, there’s a new kid in town: dental implants. Implants are simply artificial teeth with titanium roots inserted into the jawbone. These incredible insertions are growing in popularity for a few very good reasons. Here are a few of the benefits our patients rave about the most.

Enjoy All the Foods You Ate Before 

Unlike other types of dentures, implants are anchored into your jawbone. This offers significant stability for your new teeth. That means you can eat and speak without worrying about false teeth jiggling around or breaking. In terms of functionality, implants act and feel like your natural teeth. 

Implants Are a Near-Permanent Solution 

With the proper care, dental implants can last up to 25 years! That’s a quarter of a decade you won’t have to worry about replacing your implants. Proper care simply means practicing good oral hygiene, coming in for checkups, and a few other health factors your denturist can discuss with you. This long prosthetic life-span equates to a high success rate with predictable results. 

Preserve Tissues for a More Natural Facial Structure

Dental bridges require the surrounding teeth to be altered. This creates a heavier load on the existing teeth. Implants aren’t connected in the same way. Because of this, they preserve natural teeth, reduce bone resorption, and even restore jawbone structure. Over time, this helps to maintain your facial structure without needing additional procedures. 
It’s clear to see that dental implants are a great option for those suffering from tooth loss. Additionally, as denture technology advances, implants have become more affordable than ever before. If you’re considering dental implants in the Calgary area, consider South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic. After all, it’s in our name! Call us for a consultation at either of our Calgary locations to get started. 

Building your dentures is a task that we take very seriously at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic. We understand that dentures don’t just affect your smile, but your ability to eat and speak as well. A prosthetic with this much responsibility deserves to be done diligently. One way that we ensure your dentures fit perfectly is by using a wax try-in. In this week’s article we are going to discuss why this is such a vital step in fitting your dentures.  

What Are Wax Try-Ins?

Wax try-ins occur right before your dentures are built. While the teeth in your try-in will be made of regular denture materials, the gums will be made of wax. This is because the fit of the dentures depends on the prosthetic gums’ relationship to your mouth. Your denturist will evaluate the shape and placement of your try-in, marking the wax as needed to make note of any adjustments. 

Your Denture Preview

This step isn’t just important for your denturist, it’s a great opportunity for you too! Here is where you get the feel of your dentures and are able to express any concerns you may have with their fit. Think of the experience in the same way you’d go for a dress or suit fitting. Not only does the seamstress have to see the clothing on your body to make adjustments, but you are able to see it as well. How does it feel, can you move in it, is it flattering? These are all questions you want to consider during your wax try-in as well. 

Get the Smile You Want

The process doesn’t take long, but it is a step that we never miss. Wax try-ins are the blueprint to your dentures. It’s much easier to make adjustments in the wax than it is to make changes to fully built dentures. 

Attention to detail is just one way we give you the best smile in town! If you come to us to get your dentures, you know that we won’t cut any corners to help you achieve a better quality of life through oral prosthetics. Call us today for a consultation at either of our locations!

Your denture journey should never feel rushed. While many Denture Practices treat the process like a highly efficient assembly line, we know that nothing can replace quality time and attention. In many ways, this is what separates us from our competitors.  

We Put in the Time

Many denturists only offer a quick 15-20 minutes for a consultation. We feel that such a short visit gives hardly enough time for us to work with you to discuss possible solutions. At South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic, we dedicate nearly an hour to our consultations. We do this for a couple of reasons. First of all, your oral cavity is unique to you and only you. We need to know the physical shape of your mouth, but we also need to know your habits, concerns, and desires. 

We Build a Relationship

Secondly, we’ve just met you. We can’t determine what you want out of your smile if we don’t take the time to get to know you. Not only does this help your treatment along, but it gives you a chance to get to know us, too! You’re going to be visiting us often, why shouldn’t we get to know each other?

We Let You Lead

Our patients usually have a pretty good idea of what they want out of treatment. We happen to have the tools to get you there. In our consultations, we explore different treatment options and their benefits, letting you make the final call as to how you would like to proceed. We find that this approach results in a smoother treatment and happier patients. 
While our methods may seem to take a bit more time, longer consultations are just one way we show our patients that we truly care. From beginning to end, we want you to feel safe and empowered when it comes to your new oral prosthetics. To experience a high quality, completely complimentary denture consultation, contact our experts today!

Your smile needs to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that in order for dentures to be successful, customization is key. In past articles we have discussed the different types of oral prosthetics we offer. This week, we are going to take a look at the options available to achieve the most natural-feeling and looking dentures possible. From tooth shape to gum colour, you will be surprised at how much detail goes into your smile!

Making a Good Impression

Taking an impression of your mouth involves more than just what your teeth look like. Your denturist will need to determine your facial curvature, the degree of wear on your teeth, and other considerations before choosing the correct mold to base your dentures off. Accurate impressions are key to well-fitted dentures. A good denturist will explain the process to you and why they are choosing particular molds.

What’s the Right Material?

Once the impression has been translated to a stone model, it’s time to choose the kind of teeth you would like in your new smile. Over the years, several different materials have been preferred in the construction of materials, but in this day and age we have found that acrylic resin offers the best results.

Acrylic resin quickly became a favourite for many denture wearers and denturist, since it is easy to adjust for comfort. It may wear down faster, but a helpful denturist will be able to ensure that they see proper repair to avoid changes in bite or speech.

Applying the Finishing Touches

No dentures are complete without those final details such as tooth and gum size, shape, and colour. Teeth that are too white for your mouth will look obviously fake. Teeth that are too big for your mouth will affect your ability to speak and eat. Your denturist will need to choose these details carefully by using accurate measurements and knowledge of you. That’s right, they need to know you! Your genetics, lifestyle, and age are all factors that affect your smile. As such, these will all need to be taken into account in tooth and gum design. For example, rounded teeth will look softer than square teeth. It all depends on how you want to look and what your mouth needs to function properly.

Denture design allows you to have a natural looking smile that provides you with the best quality of life possible. From the material to the shape, the size to the curvature, there are several ways to personalize your dentures. If you think you may need dentures and want to talk to the professionals, call our denture experts at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic today for a free consultation and assessment!