Our FAQ’s cover all the basics you need to know about Dentures, plus some fun facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a denturist?

Denturists are denture specialists.

Denturists have a professional designation of Registered Denturist (RD). A registered denturist has gone through intensive schooling and a subsequent internship focused exclusively on the art of fabricating dentures and providing a quality denture service.

The word “denturist” means “a person licensed to fabricate and fit dentures to the public.”

In British Columbia, the scope of practice for a Registered Denturist includes the fabrication of the following:

  • Complete (full) and partial dentures
  • Immediate complete and partial dentures
  • Implant retained dentures

(The above three can be made both standard and precision)

  • Relining
  • Rebasing
  • Repairing

How do I take care of my dentures?

Caring for your denture is an important part of denture wearing. Proper care will assist in prolonging the life and fit of your denture, preserving its appearance, freshness, and maintaining your overall oral health.

Much like brushing natural teeth, your denture should be brushed and rinsed after every meal. Your mouth and any remaining natural teeth should also be rinsed and brushed at this time.

How to Brush Your Denture:

  • While cleaning, always hold your denture a few inches over a folded towel, a basin of water, or another soft surface. Dentures can be slippery when wet and are very fragile. This simple practice can reduce your chance of accidentally dropping and breaking your denture.
  • Use a brush specifically designed for cleaning dentures. One will be provided to you in your gift package when you receive your denture from Renew Denture Clinic. Replacements are available for a nominal fee from our clinic. Please note that non-denture specific brushes can be damaging to your denture and should be avoided. Please contact our clinic if you require assistance in this area.
  • Use a denture cleaner such as Renew Denture Cleaner or Polident to assist in removing any impurities. Renew Denture Cleaner will be provided to you in your gift package when you receive your denture from Renew Denture Clinic. Additional bottles are available for a nominal fee from our clinic. Please note that non-denture specific cleaners such as toothpaste or some household cleaners can be abrasive or unsafe for the mouth and can cause damage. Bleach is also unsafe and may cause unsightly whitening to the pink acrylic. Please contact our clinic if you require assistance in this area.

These are the easy steps you can follow:

AFTER EACH MEAL

  1. Thoroughly rinse your denture to remove any large food particles.
  2. Moisten your denture brush with water alone, or with a small amount of dish soap or hand soap.
  3. Gently brush every surface including the teeth, the pink acrylic, and the junctions in between. Use light pressure to avoid damage.
  4. Rinse the denture before inserting back into your mouth.

EACH NIGHT BEFORE BED

  1. Add a small amount of denture cleaner to a cup, or in your denture bath provided to you in your gift package from Renew Denture Clinic.
  2. Follow steps 1-3 outlined in ‘AFTER EACH MEAL’ each night before bed, and then place your denture in the cup, or denture bath prepared in the step above.

We are very committed to helping you maintain your oral health and keeping a healthy, clean denture. We will clean your denture free of charge whether or not you received your denture from us. Additionally, we will demonstrate proper cleaning techniques in a way that you can replicate at home. Caregivers or family members are welcome to attend as well. Simply contact us to arrange a time to visit, or drop in and we will happily assist you as soon as we are able.

When do I need a new denture?

Many factors can contribute to the life of your denture/partial. However, most dentures will need to be replaced every 5-7 years.

Some factors that contribute to wear-and-tear can include the following:

  • Quality of teeth used
  • Quality of acrylic and other materials used
  • Chewing patterns or diet
  • Teeth grinding
  • Health of remaining natural teeth
  • Frequency of checkups
  • Relines

At Renew Denture Clinic, we know every mouth changes over time, and it can, in fact, be harmful to your health to wear an ill-fitting denture/partial denture. In order to offer the best possible care to our patients, we offer annual checkups to ensure that your denture is fitting and functioning well. It is our hope that during your annual checkup, we can determine that your denture/partial denture is fitting and functioning well and that there is no need for adjustment. However, if there is a fit or function issue, we will be available to offer treatment options to keep your denture/partial denture working well for you as long as possible.

Some signs that your denture/partial should be checked include the following:

    • Constant or worsening sore spots
    • Constant biting of cheeks or tongue
    • Loose, or falling out
    • Difficulty chewing
    • Indigestion
    • Consistently finding food stuck in your denture
    • Aesthetics changed since denture was new
    • Change in facial features since denture was new i.e. Lips, mouth, or jaw appearing thinner, sagging, etc.
    • Difficulty cleaning/freshening denture
    • Bone loss or tissue softening
    • Headaches, neck, joint or ear pain
    • Worn teeth
    • Any damage or noticeable changes to denture such as a break, crack, chip, or loose tooth
    • Removing denture when eating or doing any normal activities
    • You resist wearing your denture whenever possible
    • It has been longer than two years since you’ve had a checkup

    Please note: You can seriously damage your dentures and harm your health by trying to adjust, reline, or repair your denture yourself. We understand that it may be tempting to attempt to find a quick solution to avoid the financial stress of dental care, and we are committed to helping our patients maintain their oral health while finding financially feasible solutions. Please visit our Affordability section on our Services page for more information.

    Both the ageing process and any loss of natural teeth can cause vast changes for any mouth – many of which are unseen by the untrained eye. One of the changes denturists focus on the most is the amount of pressure against the bones. When this pressure is reduced or not applied correctly, bone loss can occur quickly. Even when pressure is applied properly by a well-fitting denture, bone loss will still occur slowly, and may not be obvious until after the denture is adjusted or replaced.

Should I use denture adhesive?

If you find yourself searching for a denture adhesive, we suggest that you first visit our clinic for your FREE Consultation to determine if you are using an ill-fitting denture. If that is the case, a simple reline may be enough to remedy your denture fit.

At Renew Denture Clinic, we strive to craft beautiful, well-fitting dentures that do not need the aid of a denture adhesive.

We do not recommend the use of denture adhesives for the following reasons:

  • They are a mild inflammatory, which can have negative effects on your health if not prescribed by a qualified professional
  • They can cause irritation to the skin
  • They are extremely messy, causing discomfort and frustration
  • They can encourage the wearer to use an ill-fitting denture well beyond its intended life-span

If you currently use, or are considering using a denture adhesive to improve the stability of your denture, please contact us at Renew Denture Clinic for your FREE Consultation to discuss options to help you achieve a stable fit with a well-fitting denture.

Should I wear my dentures all the time?

At Renew Denture Clinic, we advise most of our patients to wear their dentures all day every day, and remove them only for cleaning (see “How do I Take Care of My Dentures”) and at night before bed. Some exceptions may occur for certain types of dentures. Removing your denture at night can allow your gum tissue to rest and promotes oral health and hygiene.

As always, we commit to answering questions and educating our patients and their family or caregivers thoroughly regarding all aspects of their denture care. If you find that you are wanting to remove your denture during the day due to discomfort, or are having difficulty being able to remove it from your mouth, please contact us so we can assist you and make any necessary adjustments.

How much will dentures cost me?

Denture solutions vary in price depending on the treatment. At Renew Denture Clinic, we are committed to finding economical solutions for our patients. If the cost of a denture is intimidating for you, please contact us to discuss possible options. We are happy to answer your questions to the best of our ability during your FREE consultation. We will always be upfront and honest about any and all costs before assisting you in choosing your treatment plan. For more information regarding cost, please see the Affordability section on our Denture Services page.

What can I expect when wearing dentures for the first time?

Every person experiences different sensations when wearing a denture for the first time. Depending on a number of variables, it’s possible that a patient may experience some pain and discomfort at first. This is not uncommon, and also does not mean that the denture was made poorly, or will not work in the end.

At Renew Denture Clinic, we work closely with our patients after giving them their denture to ensure that we are doing everything we can to alleviate any painful or uncomfortable spots at no additional cost to our patients. We have several helpful techniques to help our patients adjust to the new sensations associated with wearing dentures, as well as techniques to adjust the denture whenever necessary to achieve a comfortable end result.

Our goal is for each one of our patients to have an end product which gives them the function, comfort, and aesthetic value that they deserve so that they can live their lives with confidence. If you do not feel that your current dentures offer you these same qualities, then please contact us to book your FREE Consultation.

Do I need a referral to see a denturist?

No, you do not need a referral to see a denturist. If you feel like you need a denture or partial, contact us at Renew Denture Clinic, and we will happily assist you in determining your needs. Denturists are fully qualified to determine your denture needs based on what they see during your consultation.

Will I be able to eat with my dentures?

You absolutely should be able to eat with your dentures. Having said that, eating with a new denture may take some practice. We recommend that you start with soft, easy to eat foods, and slowly progress, adding more complex and tougher textures until you return to your normal diet. It can be helpful to remember to chew your food slowly and thoroughly using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot, hard, or sharp foods – especially foods containing bones or shells.

If you find you are not able to return to your normal diet within four weeks of receiving your new denture, please contact us so we can assist you and make any necessary adjustments. As always, our goal at Renew Denture Clinic is to help each of our patients live quality lives!

Is it painful to get or wear dentures?

A well-made, well-fitting denture should not cause the wearer any pain. At Renew Denture Clinic, we go out of our way to employ the most modern technology, tools, and techniques available to fabricate quality, comfortable, beautiful dentures for each of our patients. We work closely with our patients during and after the fabrication process to make sure that we are providing them with the best-fitting, most comfortable denture we possibly can.

It is not uncommon for a new denture to cause some discomfort or sore spots for the first few weeks. During this time, we will be available to make any necessary adjustments to reduce or avoid pain altogether. Patients should experience a steady reduction in pain over the first 2-3 weeks, and all pain should subside completely within the first month of wearing a new denture.

As always, our goal at Renew Denture Clinic is to help each of our patients live quality lives! If you are wearing a denture that causes you pain and doesn’t help you, please contact us to book your FREE Consultation.

Should I be nervous for my first appointment?

The easy answer is absolutely not! However, we understand that there are many factors that influence each person’s comfort and anxiety level while accessing dental care. If you feel nervous before your first appointment, please contact us, and we will take every necessary measure to provide you with as much comfort during your appointment as we can. We have carefully crafted the atmosphere of our clinic and our staff procedures so that each patient may have the opportunity to access their denture services in comfort. Just some of the things we do for patients who experience nervousness are the following:

  • Book a longer appointment to allow for a slower pace, and breaks dictated by the patient’s needs
  • Book an appointment during a quiet part of the day when the patient may enjoy a quieter atmosphere
  • Give extra attention to our “tell, show, do” policy, which states that we first tell our patient what we will do, show them what we will do, and then – only with their permission – we do what we need to do
  • Provide comfortable blankets
  • Offer a peaceful environment assisted by calming music and diffusing essential oils which are known for their calming properties
  • Ask the patient before-hand if there are any additional efforts we may employ to assist them in their comfort during their appointment
  • As always, we strive to offer home visits whenever possible to assist patients who might need to be cared for in the comfort of their own home

How long will it take to obtain my new denture?

On average, dentures require 5 appointments and 2-3 weeks to make. Some factors may include the following:

  • Lab availability
  • Patient availability
  • Treatment complexity

At Renew Denture Clinic, we do our best to accommodate requests for rush orders. In certain situations, some types of dentures may be made in as little as 2-3 days. Additionally, we do same-day repairs whenever possible. Please contact us to book your FREE Consultation so we can provide you with an estimate on your soonest possible delivery date.

What should I look for when choosing a denturist?

As in every profession, there can be a great deal of variety between individual and business practices.

We recommend that when looking for a denturist, you keep the following questions in mind:

  • Do I feel in control and safe when in the presence of the denturist and their staff?
  • Does the denturist inform me of my treatment options, or just dictate what they think I need? An excellent denturist will offer you more than one treatment option, and explain the pros and cons of each. They may offer their recommendation, but should always empower you to make the choice that you feel is best.
  • Does the denturist take the time to educate me regarding my oral health and denture care?
  • Do I feel like the denturist and staff authentically care about me?
  • Does the denturist help me accomplish my goals? Do I love the end result, or do I secretly wish things were a little bit different?
  • Are the denturist and the staff approachable, and do I feel like they are truly listening?
  • Does the denturist come with excellent recommendations? An excellent denturist will come with excellent recommendations. This can easily be found on Google, Facebook, and other public sites.

It is likely that you will know when you’ve found the denturist that is right for you. At Renew Denture Clinic, we commit ourselves to creating a safe, empowering environment for each and every patient in our care. Each of our patients is viewed as an individual with goals, dreams, and needs. Our purpose is to help each patient realize these desires, and feel and look their best so they can live the life they want to live. We give each of our patients a personalised CARE plan which you can read more about here.

We would be honoured if you would contact us to book your FREE Consultation today, so we can determine if we are the best fit for you.

Why did we choose the name ``Renew Denture Clinic``?

Over the years, we have been listening to patients discuss their own needs and desires. One resounding word that has come up again and again is this small, yet powerful word, Renew.

Patients would use this word to describe not only their desires, but also to describe the way they felt after getting a quality denture service. When a patient comes to us, it’s because they have experienced a loss; a loss of teeth, a loss of comfort, a loss of function, a loss of confidence, a loss of pride, and a loss of their natural smile.

At Renew Denture Clinic, we desire to help you RENEW what was lost.

Definition of RENEW:

verb

  1. To become new or as new
  2. To make like new: restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection. As we renew our strength in sleep.
  3. To make new spiritually: regenerate
    1. To restore to existence: revive
    2. To make extensive changes in: rebuild
  4. To begin again: resume
  5. Replace, replenish
  6. Renew water in a tank.

If you feel like you or your loved one has experienced a loss and are looking for RENEWAL, please contact us to book your FREE Consultation today.

When should my denture/partial get a reline or rebase?

Many factors can contribute to the life of your denture. However, most dentures will need to have a reline or rebase on average every 2-3 years.

Whether or not you received your denture from Renew Denture Clinic, our denturist is happy to assess your denture and recommend and perform a reline if needed. (Alternatively, our denturist will always be honest if he finds that your denture does not yet need a reline.)

Your mouth changes slowly over time, and relines and rebases both address these changes to re-fit your denture to your new mouth shape. This can assist in renewing your denture’s fit and function.

Both the ageing process and any loss of natural teeth can cause vast changes in any mouth – changes that are unseen by the untrained eye. One of the changes denturists focus on the most, is the amount of pressure against the bones. When this pressure is reduced or not applied correctly, bone loss can occur quickly. Even when pressure is applied properly by a well-fitting denture, bone loss will still occur slowly, and may not be obvious until after a reline or rebase is completed.

A reline is a process that “gives your denture a new fit against your changed gum tissue.” A reline is often recommended for a patient with a 3+ year old denture or whose denture is not fitting as well as it used to. To determine whether a reline is needed, our denturist will usually take a special impression inside the existing denture. This process alone can show the patient how well their denture should fit. The denturist will then refit the denture by adding acrylic to the spaces between the denture and the tissue that was created by the years of bone or tissue loss.

A rebase is similar to a reline in that it is used to refit your denture. A rebase is often recommended for a patient with an ill-fitting or 3+ year old denture where the acrylic has become too porous to function well. If acrylic is too porous, it can absorb bacteria and saliva, which can impact the integrity of the denture and can be hazardous to your health. A rebase differs from a reline in that the denturist replaces almost all of the pink acrylic.

Some signs that your denture/partial should be checked for a reline or rebase include the following:

  • Constant or worsening sore spots
  • Constant biting of cheeks or tongue
  • Loose, or falling out
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Indigestion
  • Consistently finding food stuck in your denture
  • Aesthetics changed since denture was new
  • Change in facial features since denture was new
  • Difficulty cleaning/freshening denture
  • Bone loss or tissue softening
  • Headaches, neck, joint or ear pain
  • Worn teeth
  • Any damage or noticeable changes to denture such as a break, crack, chip, or loose tooth
  • Removing denture when eating or doing any normal activities
  • You resist wearing your denture whenever possible
  • It has been longer than two years since you’ve had a checkup

How will I look with dentures?

At Renew Denture Clinic, we believe that you will live your best life when you are confident with your appearance. Many of our patients tell us that our professionally fitted dentures significantly improve their appearance and confidence. They often see a softening or reduction in facial lines, fuller lips, and a younger profile. Many patients claim that they and their loved ones notice that they look and feel younger. Our denturist may even take inspiration from a photo from your youth to help you RENEW the smile you once loved.

If years of ageing, or changes in your facial appearance have started to affect how you feel about yourself, contact us for your FREE Consultation so that we can assist you in addressing each point that is important to you.

Additionally, it may be helpful to know that during the denture fabrication process, you will have an important appointment called a “try-in.” This appointment is a valuable time for you, and any loved one you may choose to accompany you, to give input regarding the appearance of your new denture. Your denturist will insert a wax denture into your mouth which closely models what your end product denture will look like. At this time, you will be encouraged to share your favourite and least favourite parts of the aesthetic of a wax denture so that we can make the necessary alterations and have every opportunity to ensure an end product that you love and gives you the confidence you deserve!

We would be honoured to help you RENEW your confidence and achieve your goals. Contact us for your FREE Consultation to begin this process today.

Will dentures change how I speak?

With practice, a well-made, well-fitting denture should allow you to speak fluently with your natural voice and natural speaking patterns.

Pronouncing certain words with your new denture, however, may take some practice. We recommend that you spend some time reading out loud and repeating difficult words so that you may begin to develop new muscle memory and learn how to speak fluently again with your new denture. Begin by speaking slowly, and progress to a normal speaking speed as you feel comfortable.

If your denture slips when you laugh, cough, smile, or speak, try repositioning your denture by gently biting down and swallowing. If you experience continual difficulty with any of these normal activities, please contact us so our denturist can determine if you need any adjustment made to your denture.

As always, our goal at Renew Denture Clinic is to help each of our patients live quality lives!

Is it okay to simply live without teeth or with missing teeth?

Every person is different, and while there are cases where missing teeth may not cause major harm, it is always best to consult a professional. While some function may still remain in a mouth with missing teeth, there can be some hidden risks associated with missing teeth. Some of the most common concerns follow:

  • Digestive difficulties
  • Drifting teeth
  • Super-eruption of opposing teeth
  • Bone loss
  • Strain on the joints in your mouth
  • A loss of confidence due to changed appearance

When deciding whether or not to pursue a prosthetic solution, it may be advisable to ask yourself what might be holding you back: finances, fear, discomfort, or too much uncertainty.

These are all concerns that we walk our patients through at Renew Denture Clinic. If you find yourself in a place of uncertainty, please do not hesitate to book a FREE Consultation so that we may have an opportunity to answer your questions as honestly and without bias as we can.

How do I know which type of denture or partial denture is best suited for me?

This is an important question that many patients present to our denturist during their consultation. Please see our Denture Services page to see a list of some of the main treatments offered at our clinic.

It is important to know that our denturist is fully qualified to recommend a treatment plan for you.

At Renew Denture Clinic, we do our best to provide our patients with multiple treatment options. Whenever possible, our denturist carefully crafts two or more treatment plans which are each thoroughly discussed with the patient. It is important to us that our patients know and feel that they are involved in their own treatment planning and decision making.

Some things we will take into consideration when crafting your treatment plan includes the following:

  • Your aesthetic desires
  • Your desire for durability
  • Your lifestyle (activities enjoyed, etc.)
  • Any physical sensitivities
  • Any past denture experiences and associated likes/dislikes
  • Your budget/price sensitivities
  • Any special needs/concerns you may have

During your FREE Consultation, you will have an opportunity to not only have a physical oral examination, but also a personal connection with staff who are committed to finding a quality denture solution for you. The more you share about your own needs, likes, dislikes, and overall desires, the more our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you fulfill your desire for a quality denture solution to fit your vibrant life.

What is the difference between a denturist and a dentist?

Both denturists and dentists are fully qualified to provide denture solutions to patients with missing teeth. Denturists are denture specialists. Dentists have a wide scope of practice covering all aspects of dental and oral health.

Our clinic often works alongside incredible dentists to offer the best possible treatment for our patients, effectively using the expertise of both professions. We will advise our patients whenever this is beneficial for their treatment.

You do not need your dentist’s referral to see a denturist. If you feel like you need a denture or partial, simply contact us at Renew Denture Clinic, and we will happily assist you in determining your needs during a FREE Consultation.

What makes Renew Denture Clinic the best fit for me?

At Renew Denture Clinic, we commit ourselves to creating a safe, empowering environment for each and every patient in our care. Each of our patients is viewed as an individual with goals, dreams, and needs. Our purpose is simple:

We help each patient realize their desires, and feel and look their best so they can live the life they want to live.

Our personalized CARE Plan helps us create the most excellent denture service we think you will ever have. Our CARE Plan addresses your needs and desires based on the following main points:

  • Comfort
  • Accessibility
  • Renewal Needs
  • Education

During your FREE Consultation, we will gather as much information as we can about you, our patient, and we will carefully craft the rest of your denture services to address your personal needs and desires to cater to you individually.

We take denture care seriously and have fun doing so. If you’re looking for denture services for you or your loved one, please consider contacting us to see how we can assist you.

Restore your natural smile

At Renew Denture Clinic, you’re going to walk out with a renewed smile and confidence to take on the world. Embarrassment, pain and discomfort will be something of the past!