There are many reasons why patients from all walks of life require dentures at some point in their lifetimes. For some, dentures are part of the natural aging process, while many others who experience various medical conditions will also require artificial teeth to maintain a healthy jaw.
If you are considering dentures, you likely have numerous questions: are affordable dentures a possibility for you? Do you need removable partial dentures or complete dentures? What will the transition experience be like?
At Oak Denture Centre, our commitment is in answering our patients’ most important questions, and offering personalized support at every step in their journey towards bright and beautiful smiles.
Partial Dentures in Oakville – Book an Appointment
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are non-invasive dentures that are popular among patients with some missing teeth.
Even if you only have a few teeth missing, you are at significantly higher risk of health issues such as loss of bone and gum tissue, speech difficulties and shifting teeth as the result of remaining teeth attempting to compensate for the gaps in your gum line.
Removable partial dentures are custom-made to fit the exact measurements of your mouth, and allow you speak, eat, smile and drink without the health issues associated with missing teeth.
Caring For Your Dentures
Caring for your dentures is a fairly easy and straightforward process, but one that will require a daily routine.
Although removable partial dentures (and complete dentures for that matter) can protect you from a number of oral health issues, dentures that are not properly cared for can also cause a number of unfortunate consequences ranging from bad breath to potentially serious infections.
Throughout the day, it is possible for tiny food particles to build up around your dentures, even if they fit well. This is why daily cleaning is an important aspect of caring for your dentures– and brushing and flossing your natural teeth is important for good hygiene as well.
You might also need to make adjustments to your diet as you transition to dentures. In the beginning, patients should typically stick to soft or even liquid foods (especially if healing from an extraction or implant surgery). With time, many patients are easily able to reincorporate their favourite foods into their diet. That said, some particularly hard, crunchy or chewy foods might cause damage or discomfort, even after a transition period.
One of the most important rules to remember is that broken dentures do not help anyone. If you feel any discomfort, worry that your dentures are ill-fitting, or notice signs of damage and wear and tear, do not try to solve the issue on your own.
Instead, call your denturist as soon as possible. In almost every case, repairs can be done quickly and efficiently to get you back to your usual smiling self.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is completely normal to have questions before, during and after your transition to dentures. Here are the answers to some of our patients’ most commonly asked questions:
Are Partial Dentures Worth It?
Patients who are missing all or many of their teeth are often aware of the benefits of complete dentures. However, patients who are able to keep many of their natural teeth may feel as though dentures might be unnecessary.
For some, it may feel like a disproportionate response to just a few missing teeth. For those who are strongly concerned with options that are, dentures might feel like a luxury that the average person cannot afford.
In reality, both of these ideas could not be farther from the truth. There are plenty of options for affordable dentures available to patients, and there are few better investments a person could make when it comes to their benefits in terms of health, appearance and comfort.
First and foremost, removable partial dentures prevent any further damages caused by missing teeth. Even a few missing teeth can leave your remaining teeth struggling to overcompensate, and over time, your remaining teeth may shift in your mouth.
Ignoring this problem cannot make it go away, but addressing it quickly with custom-fit, comfortable removable partial dentures can.
Along with posing a health threat, missing teeth often leave patients feeling insecure about their physical appearance, and missing the way they used to look. All of our denture options offer a natural appearance, leaving patients with a bright and stunning smile. Plus, the appearance of our partial and complete dentures is so natural that no one will know you have artificial teeth unless you choose to tell them.
Given the plentitude of benefits associated with even removable partial dentures, it is obvious that any patient with multiple missing teeth should consider this option– and speak to us about any barriers that they may be facing, as we may be able to help.
What Is The Average Cost For Partial Dentures?
While partial dentures tend to be a lower cost option than complete dentures, the final price of your dentures will depend on a variety of factors, including the number of missing teeth you need to replace and the technology used to create your dentures.
We understand that for many, high costs can turn away patients who deserve their smiles as much as anybody else. Our commitment is to provide dentures to all of our patients, without ever sacrificing quality, comfort or longevity.
During your consultation, we offer each of our patients an accurate and fair description of our pricing, and discuss payment options, including any health insurance coverage you may have or public support programs you may be eligible for.
How Do Partial Dentures Stay In?
Removable partial dentures will be supported in your mouth by your remaining teeth and the tissues.
In many cases, patients with partial dentures will have enough healthy natural teeth in their jaw to support partial dentures. In these situations, dentures will be custom fitted to comfortably clasp onto natural teeth.
Before getting started, your denturist will discuss which option is best for you, and whether surgical implants will be required before you can go home with your dentures.
Is It Okay To Sleep With Partial Dentures In?
Historically, it has always been recommended that patients remove their dentures before going to sleep. One core reason behind this recommendation has been the idea that your gums benefit from occasional rest. Dentures keep your jaw and gum line active, but many find a few hours of rest at night can improve the overall health of your oral tissues.
Additionally, people cannot control various factors when they are asleep, such as moving into uncomfortable or possibly even dangerous positions, or bruxism (also known as teeth grinding). Taking our dentures out at night will ensure that your dentures do not suffer any wear and tear as the result of unusual sleep positions or disorders.
Finally, many patients find it helpful to set a routine of removing dentures at night in order to clean them. Without that structure, many patients would be likely to forget to keep up with their daily maintenance. For these reasons, we do suggest that most patients remove their dentures before bedtime.
Of course, it is very important to follow your dentist’s careful and detailed instructions for caring for your dentures and your jaw.
How long does it take to get used to wearing dentures?
While we wish we could offer patients a clear answer, the reality is everyone will adjust to dentures at their own pace.
Typically, patients with removable partial dentures will adjust a little easier than those with complete dentures, as they will have support from their remaining natural teeth, and not need to heal from a full extraction procedure.
However, the adjustment process will depend on a variety of factors. Those who require extraction surgeries or have struggled with missing teeth for a long time may have a slower transition than other patients.
The best way to ensure a smooth, hassle-free adjustment to dentures is to follow your denturist’s instructions for proper care, and quickly bring attention to any issues that may arise so that you can get the adjustments you need in a timely manner.
Can you eat with partial dentures?
In general, yes!
For many patients, being able to eat again without difficulties or discomfort is a major reason why they were drawn to dentures in the first place. That being said, learning to eat with your dentures might be a challenge for some patients.
With time and practice, many patients will be able to once again enjoy the foods they love, without worrying about missing teeth slowing them down.
Getting Started
If you are sick and tired of your missing teeth getting in the way of your daily life and causing you pain, it might be time to get partial dentures. To find out more about our services, pricing, and how we can help you address your unique medical needs, book a consultation today.