When you think of dentures, some of you may be imagining Walter Matthau’s delicate dentures in Dennis the Menace and the DIY “chiclet” gum pieces that his young ward uses to replace the missing teeth. As funny of a scene as this is, these images definitely don’t do any favours winning over those who may require dentures. Luckily, denture-wearers of today have a wide range of choice when it comes to their oral prosthetics!

Full Dentures

Complete or full dentures are the most commonly known type of denture. These are specifically for patients who have had all of their teeth removed. A full set of teeth is built in the lab and custom fit to the patient’s mouth. They are removable and it is recommended that they are taken out each night.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used when a patient still has some remaining teeth. They work by bridging the prosthetic teeth with your natural ones. Crowns are used as connectors, enabling a whole new set of working teeth. Not only does this fill the empty spaces in a patient’s mouth, but also serves to prevent natural teeth from shifting.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Denture implants connect to an implant in the jaw. Many patients find these to be a more natural-looking and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. Not all denturists will offer this type of prosthetic. If you are in the Calgary area, check out one of our clinics for dentures with implants.

Within each of these categories there are some elements of variance including material, custom-fit, and cost. While you don’t want to be paying out the nose for dentures, it’s important to realize that you do get what you pay for. The cost and financing options should be affordable, but too inexpensive is a huge red flag for poor quality. For high quality dentures, call the experts at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic for a consultation at 403-254-5000.

Exciting things are happening at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic! We have some important news to share. Steady growth and support from our community has given us the need to expand our borders and open a new location. Now our patients can enjoy the same excellent service just south of Stoney Trail SE at our second location located in 3 Mahogany Row SE #120, Calgary AB T3M 2T6.

By opening a second location we can continue to offer minimal wait times and maximum efficiency. From consultation to same-day procedures, denture insertion to follow-up care, we believe that expanding our team and our space is the best way to deliver the highest quality of service to our beloved patients.

Already a Patient?

We want our current patients to experience the same quality of care and attention we’ve come to be known for. In fact, opening a second location will help to free up the time and space at our current one. That means we may even be able to offer a bit more flexibility within your schedule!

Thinking of Booking a First-Time Consultation?

Sitting on a waitlist for dentures doesn’t do anything to help your oral health. Our wait times has always been one of the shortest by denturist standards, but opening a second location gives us even more ability to get you in sooner.

The truth is that more and more people are turning to dentures as they age. We want to ensure that everyone can receive affordable, high quality treatment that is close to home. That is why we service the south Calgary area, so that our community can access the treatment they need to keep smiling for years to come!

We want to thank our loyal patients for coming along on the journey, and we can’t wait to see what the future will bring! For any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at 403-254-5000.

Dental implants have been growing in popularity ever since their introduction in the 1950s. This begs the question then: why is everyone considering dental implants? This week we will explore just some of the reasons why our patients love their dental implants.

Natural Appearance

Back in the day, dental implants were painfully obvious. Things have changed however, and these handy appliances camouflage so well among your natural teeth that no one will be able to tell the difference! The trick is that we colour match your new teeth to your old ones. Furthermore, they are created to mimic the natural structure in your mouth, so that the implanted root will actually integrate with the bone of your jaw. This means that you can eat, drink, and smile the way you used to!

Customizable

Do you need more than one or all of your teeth replaced? With dental implants, you’ll be able to get the work done exactly where you need it. When dental bridges are used instead of implants, many natural teeth need to be modified. These natural teeth are ground down and prepped to ensure that the bridge fits. Those healthy teeth will eventually need to be replaced in the long run. Implants, on the other hand, only involves the missing teeth. Your other teeth are free to live out their natural lives in peace.

Near-Permanent Solution

Dental bridges only last for five to fifteen years. Implants last much longer, giving many of our patients up to 50 years of great teeth. Minor repairs may be necessary every decade, but a well-taken care of implant won’t ever need to be replaced. This is because implants can’t get cavities and the only reason they might fall out is due to extreme bone loss.

If you want to know if you are eligible for implants, contact the expert denturists at 403-254-5000 for a consultation today!

Like any medical procedure, dentures have been the subject of many stories. These stories, however, may not exactly be true. As experienced denturists, we’ve heard all of the myths that surround our craft. On this week’s blog we are going to put some of those stories to rest, and share some honest-to-goodness truths along the way.

Dentures Last Forever

Dentures are seen as the Timex of teeth—they take a licking and keep on ticking. But dentures are subject to the same wear and tear that your natural teeth would face. Our mouths change over time, no matter how old we are. Retirement doesn’t mean everything stands still! In fact, our mouths change so much as we age that the fit and bite of dentures will absolutely be affected. In most cases, our patients need to have their dentures replaced every five to seven years.

Dentures Are Very Obvious

There was a time where this was absolutely true. But today’s dentures aren’t your grandma’s dentures. Dental professionals have worked for years to develop natural looking teeth that provide function, comfort, and a pleasing aesthetic. The only time someone may be able to tell that you have fake teeth is if you’re due for a refitting and your dentures aren’t sitting properly. As long as you keep on top of your cleanings and checkups, no one will be able to tell!

I Don’t Need Follow Up Appointments After Getting Dentures

Would you stop seeing your optometrist after you got your glasses? Would you stop seeing your doctor after they prescribed you cholesterol pills? Of course not! As we mentioned above, your mouth is constantly changing and your denturist needs to be able to make adjustments to your prosthetics along the way! If you have dentures, plan on seeing us at least once a year for checkups.

Dentures allow people who suffer from tooth loss live their best lives. It can be easy to get caught up in the myths, but luckily you have experts on your side! Contact us today to see how dentures can change your life!

Valentine’s Day is a time where we pay a little bit more attention to the people we love around us. We find more moments to appreciate others and to show that appreciation. Some of us make grand gestures, while others prefer the more subtle acts of affection. Whatever you do is sure to make you and your loved one smile. However you choose to express yourself, don’t forget about what keeps you smiling: your dentures.

Be Gentle

Your dentures need their fair share of love too, and they don’t handle neglect well. Start off by being gentle when you handle them. This means keeping them out of harm’s way, for example. When handling them outside of your mouth for cleaning or storage, hold them over a folded towel or a full sink of water in case they drop. Also make sure to choose non-abrasive denture cleaners that won’t cause microscopic scratches where food and plaque can build up.

Be Hygienic

Even if you have a complete denture, plaque and tartar can still build up on your false teeth. As long as you have gums you can get gum disease, so make sure that you clean your dentures, and your mouth, every single day. By using a soft toothbrush and specially formulated cleansers, you can ensure that your dentures will be in tip top shape for a long time to come.

Be Attentive

Just like people, over time your dentures will change. Maybe they aren’t fitting quite right or maybe they are making your mouth sore. These changes are normal, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. In addition to attending regular appointments with your denturist, you should be calling us as soon as something feels wrong. These appointments will ensure that your dentures are adjusted properly and your mouth is receiving the best quality of care possible.

While you’re two-stepping with your loved one this Valentine’s Day, don’t let your denture health slip off the dance floor. In fact, this is the perfect time of year to come in for a routine appointment. You want to make sure that your pearly whites are in good shape for your valentine, don’t you? Contact the denture specialists at South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic to book an appointment today!

It’s a new year, but chances are that you still have some bad habits you picked up over the break. The holiday season may have been hard on your dentures, but all hope is not lost! Follow these simple tips to get your smile back into shape, keeping your mouth happy and healthy for 2019.

Indulge In Denture-Friendly Foods

It’s no surprise that you should probably avoid that toffee left over from Christmas day. But aside from all the sticky, hard-to-chew, and tough foods you should be avoiding, what can you eat? This year, choose healthy foods that won’t only fuel your fire but keep you smiling. Raw vegetables, assorted cheeses, or mixed nuts are all great tooth-friendly snacking alternatives.

Snack Smart

Speaking of snacks, there are a few other factors that will help maintain your dentures. It’s downright silly to suggest cutting out sweets altogether, so instead form some habits around your sweet-tooth. Sugar can break down your dentures, so pair your treats with a meal and drink lots of water. This will help to neutralize acids and wash away food particles.

Keep Your Dentures Merry and Bright

At the end of the day, one of the most important parts of denture care is cleaning. If you’ve been slacking over the holidays, reinstate your oral care routine. Keep your teeth and gums brushed and rinsed at least twice a day.

Don’t Neglect Your Tune-Ups

Finally, make sure to book denture check-ups for the new year. Not only do we miss your smiling face, but your dentures need the love too. Many of our patients find that their dentures will loosen over the holidays due to all the delicious foods that they get to enjoy with family. It’s important to pay attention to these signs and keep up with your adjustments so that you can avoid any pain or discomfort from ill-fitting or broken dentures.

Start 2019 off on the right foot and give us a call for a denture tune-up today!

There are several different types of instruments that denture specialists can use to ensure the perfect fit for your dental prosthesis. This is because each face is different, and ensuring symmetry, comfort, and esthetic appeal comes down to the smallest of details. One tool that many denturists use is a facebow. In fact, pretty much every dentist, orthodontist, and prosthodontist receives one in dental school. But what exactly is a facebow and how does it work?

Humble Beginnings

The facebow as a dental instrument was first introduced by George Snow in 1899. George needed a way to transfer the rotation axis of the lower jaw and transfer it to a dental articulator, a device used to reproduce positions between jaws within your mouth. The record that this produces may then be used for fabrication of various prostheses such as complete dentures, occlusal splints, and full arch fixed crown and bridge work.

Practical and Esthetic

Due to the very nature of your mouth, any treatments or prosthetics that go inside must not only be functional, but esthetically-pleasing as well. The absence of a facebow risks inaccurate measurements which leads to an extended process of denture adjustments. X-rays and other 2D imaging software cannot exactly replicate the human mouth, making 3D registrations with instruments like facebow is in fact key to denture success.

Facebow Components

• Frame – This u-shaped frame sits 2-3 inches in front of the patients face. All of the other components are clamped onto the frame.

• Rods – The condylar rods are on either side of the frame, they are used to locate the hinge axis and then transfer it to the articulator.
• Bite fork – Consisting of a stem and prongs, the bite fork is held in contact with maxillary jaw or mandibular jaw.

• Orbital Pointer – This is used to orient the facebow to an anatomical reference point on the face.

Denture specialists who do not use facebow registration run the risk of less accurate prosthetics, affecting the appearance and function of their patients’ dentures. See how the experts at the South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic ensure that your dentures are the perfect fit by booking a consultation today!

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2017, 4700 Canadians were diagnosed with oral cancer. Over a quarter of those cases were fatal. Luckily, screening for oral cancer is a relatively simple process, and early detection can save lives. At South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic, we use VELscope oral screening to detect abnormal tissues in our patients.

Why Screen for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is difficult to see with the naked eye because it does not manifest in the same way that other cancers do. In the early stages, lumps or colour changes may not be visible and therefore do not offer visual cues. Because of this, oral cancer is usually not detected until it has metastasized to other areas of the body. We use the most advanced screening technology on our patients to find potential cancer concerns early.

How Does it Work?

VELscope is a light-based detection system. It works by providing fluorescent visualization to highlight cancerous and precancerous cells. The blue light stimulates the epithelial cells and stoma in your mouth, making abnormal tissue appear a different colour. Think of it like the black lights that investigators use to examine crime scenes. In this scenario, the perpetrator is oral cancer and the incriminating evidence is abnormal tissue. This makes this noninvasive system a simple way for clinicians to see what is going on in your mouth.

Who Should Be Screened?

While all people should undergo regular screenings, there are some factors that indicate a higher risk level of oral cancer and therefore require annual checks. These factors include:

• Age.
• Use of tobacco products currently or in the past ten years.
• Consumption of at least one alcoholic drink per day.
• Previous diagnosis of cancer in any form.

It only takes a few minutes to complete a full screening of your mouth. That vital scan can result in early detection which may stop oral cancer in its tracks. For questions or concerns about regular screening, contact us today at 403-254-5000. Let us help you keep living your best life with your best smile!

After a period of time wearing dentures, patients often experience lingering odours coming from their mouth. Try as they might, no amount of mouthwash will alleviate the problem. The good news is that you’re not alone in suffering from “denture breath.” The even better news is that this condition is entirely preventable. Here’s what you should know if you suddenly start experiencing denture halitosis.

The Root of the Problem

When in your mouth, dentures function like your natural teeth, grinding your food as you chew. Because of this, your dentures are subject to the same conditions such as lodged food and plaque. This bacteria and debris loves to build up in the tiny cracks and crevices of your mouth. If left unchecked, the plaque will form a layer around your dentures that gives off an unpleasant smell.

Brush Your Gums Underneath Dentures

We often forget that cleaning and brushing your gums is required even after loss of teeth. Using a soft toothbrush helps to achieve this objective. It helps to dislodge any left over food particles and also massages your gums to maintain their health. This makes it hard for bacteria to settle underneath your dentures and develop into plaque.

Keep it Clean

The most effective way to avoid bad breath is to keep your dentures clean. By creating a routine that involves soaking, brushing, and rinsing, you can break down the bacteria before it becomes a problem. Basic mouthwash will not be as effective, so it’s important to use a cleanser specifically designed for dentures.

Give Your Mouth a Break

In addition to adhesive and proper cleaning, make sure to take out your dentures at night. The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, you will inhibit the ability of bacteria to grow overnight. Secondly, it will give your mouth and gums a much needed rest. While you are sleeping, it’s always a good idea to put your dentures in a solution overnight.

Bad breath from dentures can be uncomfortable and troublesome. Avoid this by following a proper care routine and talking with your denture specialist about how you can keep your dentures clean.

Dentures made from acrylic resin are great at replicating the look and feel of real teeth, but they are by no means indestructible. A simple fall can easily crack the prosthetics and impact the wearer’s ability to use them properly. Sometimes, a particularly forceful bite can also cause a crack. Whatever the reason, cracks in dentures should be addressed right away.

No Reason to Panic, No Reason to Ignore

A denture that has been cracked is not a 911 emergency, but it does require due attention. Cracks can cause your dentures to shift in your mouth so that it is difficult to chew and may even put the rest of the prosthetic at risk for breakage. A crack left for too long is a great place for bacteria to hide, meaning that your gums are at risk of contact to those harmful germs.

DIY Danger

It may be your first instinct to pull out the superglue and fix the problem yourself, but resist the urge. Superglue is toxic, the last place you want a toxic substance is sitting in your mouth. Aside from this, superglue can render your dentures irreparable. This is because your denturist will need to repair the crack with acrylic, and acrylic won’t bond to the superglue.

Get it Fixed

Temporary repairs are possible and sometimes necessary. Most drug stores in Calgary will have denture repair kits. As long as the kit is FDA approved, it is safe to use. That being said, this is not a long-term solution. The bonding material will only last long enough for you to get into a skilled denturist. At South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic, we offer Repairs While You Wait. With this service, we can repair simple cracks and fractures without you needing to spend hours in our clinic.

Cracks need to be addressed as soon as possible in order to preserve the integrity of your dentures. Luckily, we make it easy by offering quick repairs! Just give us a call and we’ll help get your dentures back to normal!