Everyone that is missing teeth to a varying degree should wear a denture. Complete dentures for those people who are edentulous (have no natural teeth remaining); or a partial denture for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A partial is important to prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting, which will occur if the spaces are not filled. 

Dentures not only improve chewing and speech, they can provide facial support which can dramatically improve your appearance and smile.

Typically with standard dentures, it takes a few weeks and 3 to 5 appointments which include: 

Impressions: a mould is taken of your gums and/or teeth;

Bite registration: we measure how you bite and work with you to select your new teeth;

Wax try-in: you get to see your new denture and try them on before they are actually finished;

Finish: you get to wear your new teeth!

Most repairs can be done easily while you wait. In most cases, we can restore an existing broken or cracked denture to its original state. 

Repairs may be required when breakage or chipping occurs or when one or more teeth need to be added to an existing denture as a result of a tooth extraction.

If your denture requires a repair, it may indicate an underlying problem such as the age of the denture, worn teeth or a poor fit. Be sure to see your Denturist if your dentures break, crack, chip or if one of the teeth becomes loose.

Denture adhesives can provide additional retention even for well-fitting dentures, especially for lower dentures. However, denture adhesives are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of bone loss and sores. These dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with your Denturist immediately.

Studies show that denture adhesives contain zinc and so using too much adhesive can lead to excess zinc intake which can result in copper deficiency and lead to hypocupremia and profound neurologic disease.

Your denture should be reviewed by a Denturist every year to check for wear and to maintain a proper fit. A denture can get worn down by eating and cleaning but the base will not adjust to the ridges in your gums which change constantly. Even if your denture feels fine, you should have your mouth checked every year to guard against any permanent damage and to check for infection or other conditions.

Dentures should always be replaced or relined by your Denturist if they become loose.

Dentures can be fabricated to match your natural teeth so that changes to your appearance are minimal. Dentures may even enhance the look of your smile and can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. This is why a try-in is so important, it allows you to see yourself in the mirror before the denture is finished.

There will be an adjustment period as you learn to chew with your new dentures. Start with soft foods, cut into small pieces, while avoiding hot and hard foods. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you get used to chewing, gradually add other foods until you are back to your normal diet.

Be cautious with hot or hard foods as well as sharp-edged bones or shells. Your upper denture covers your palate so be very careful with hot liquids and food.

The pronunciation of some words may require a little practice but reading out loud and repeating words that are giving you trouble will help. If you find that your dentures click when you are speaking, try speaking more slowly.  

You may also discover that occasionally your dentures may slip when you laugh, smile or cough. If this happens, you can reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. However, if you continue to have trouble speaking, consult your Denturist.

New dentures do lots of settling in your mouth as tissues and muscles get used to the shape of your new dentures. This means that you will probably develop sore spots very quickly which is completely normal. However, if the sore spot persists more than a day or two, call Halstead Denture Clinic to make an appointment for an adjustment. We can usually book you in within a day or two. 

In addition, if you experience excessive lifting of the lower dentures (some lifting is normal); cheek biting; or uneven contact of the back teeth when you close them together (heavier pressure on one side) you may need an adjustment.

Please call Halstead Denture Clinic for all appointments.

As the years' pass, the tissue and bone may shrink slightly which can cause your dentures to loosen. In addition, your dentures may also become loose as you lose or gain weight. Dentures can be relined to help them fit snugly again. If your denture is more than a year or two old and you are using Fixodent every day, your dentures are too loose and you could benefit from a reline.

Ill-fitting dentures can also cause dull pain in or about the ears; a clicking or snapping noise when chewing; headaches; and/or cracked or constantly sore corners of the mouth.

A reline is a simple procedure where we re-fit the inside surfaces of your dentures to ensure they fit properly. Relines can usually be done in a day.  

Everyone should have their dentures relined every 2 to 3 years to ensure a proper fit. You should never wear a loose, ill-fitting denture for extended periods of time because doing so can cause tremendous damage to your mouth, often with little to no pain. Your dentures should be checked every two years to ensure your best oral health.

Drugs can cause changes to the shape of your mouth, causing the dentures to not fit properly. Taking certain drugs can cause a dry mouth which does not allow a denture to hold in place due to loss of suction and can cause excessive soreness due to the lack of lubrication. 

Medical conditions can cause a change to your body weight and bone structure which will have an effect on the shape of your mouth. Your gums will change their shape as your body weight changes.

When natural teeth are lost, all that is left are bony ridges which used to hold teeth. Your new dentures have to rest on these ridges. The shrinking of these ridges, also known as resorption, is an inevitable process that begins with tooth loss and continues throughout your life. This is a highly variable process and is the main reason why people have difficulty wearing dentures. 

Bone loss can cause the ridges to change shape, size, and can also change how they align together.

Halstead Denture Clinic is a one-floor, fully wheelchair accessible building. Our treatment rooms are spacious, allowing easy access for patients who use walkers or wheelchairs.