Dentures in Aurora

What it is

A full (complete) denture replaces every tooth in the upper or lower jaw. It rests on your gums and is held by a thin layer of saliva and suction. Upper dentures usually stay put better than lower ones, because the palate gives a large surface to grip. A lower denture sits on a narrow ridge and moves more with your tongue.

A partial denture replaces some teeth when others remain. It has replacement teeth set in a gum-coloured base, often on a thin metal frame. Small clasps hold it to your natural teeth. You take it out to clean it and at night. A partial also helps stop your remaining teeth from shifting into the gaps.

Full dentures can be immediate or conventional. An immediate denture goes in the same day the last teeth are removed, so you are not without teeth while you heal. Your gums and bone shrink as they heal, so it will need relines. A conventional denture is made after healing, which can take a few months. Your dentist will talk through the trade-offs.

Dr. Ali Karimi, one of our dentists, is an instructor in prosthodontics at the University of Toronto. Prosthodontics is the area of dentistry focused on replacing missing teeth, including with dentures.

Is it right for me?

• You are missing all or most of your teeth in one jaw.
• Several teeth in different spots are missing and chewing is hard.
• Your remaining teeth cannot be saved and need to come out.
• Your current denture is loose, cracked or many years old.
• You prefer to avoid surgery, or implants are not right for you now.
• You want a replacement you can take out and clean.

Step by step

1. Exam and planYour dentist checks your gums, any remaining teeth and the bone under them. Teeth that need fillings or removal are planned first.
2. ImpressionsMoulds of your mouth record the shape of your gums. A second, more detailed impression is often taken with a tray made just for you.
3. Bite recordWax blocks help your dentist set how your jaws meet, how much tooth shows and the height of your face.
4. Try-inYou try a wax version with the teeth set in. You can see the shape and colour and ask for changes before it is finished.
5. DeliveryYour finished denture is fitted and checked. You learn how to put it in, take it out and clean it.
6. AdjustmentsSore spots are common in the first weeks. Short follow-up visits smooth these areas until the denture feels settled.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

A denture's cost depends on the type, the materials and how many steps it takes to fit well. Fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide and include the dental lab that builds the denture. Insurance plans usually class dentures as major services and may limit how often they will pay for a new set. CDCP covers complete and partial dentures for eligible people, and some cases need approval first. We also accept IFHP and direct bill all insurance plans. You get a written estimate before work begins, and it lists any extractions, relines or follow-ups that are part of the plan.

What shapes your estimate

• Full or partial, and one jaw or both
• Immediate or conventional denture
• Base material: all acrylic, or a metal framework for a partial
• Extractions or fillings needed first
• Whether implants are planned for added support
• Your insurance or CDCP coverage for dentures

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Take your dentures out at night and keep them in water or a soaking solution so they do not dry out and warp. Use warm, never hot, water.
• Brush them daily with a denture brush and denture cleaner or mild soap. Regular toothpaste is too rough.
• Handle them over a folded towel or a sink of water so they do not break if dropped.
• Brush your gums, tongue and any natural teeth every day.
• See your dentist at least once a year, even with a full denture, to check the fit and your mouth.

Questions