West Kelowna
Dentures

A denture is a removable dental prosthesis that is designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. The two main types of dentures are complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are for those who are missing all of their teeth, while partial dentures are designed for when you're missing only some of your natural teeth.

It’s normal for dentures to take a little time to adjust to your mouth and for you to feel accustomed to their presence. It might seem strange at first… they could feel too big, and your mouth’s natural reaction could be to create more saliva. Soon enough, however, you’ll get used to the dentures – your oral tissue and facial muscle will help you adjust.

This could take a week or two, and in some cases could be a bit longer. Eventually you won’t really notice the dentures’ presence, and you’ll be back to chewing, eating, talking and singing normally!

We want to be on the level with you: It’s all going to take some getting used to. The adjustment period can vary from person to person, and patience & time are your best friends! Eating could seem rather unnatural at first; speaking could also take a little added effort and might sound and/or feel unusual.

In a short while, however, you’ll get back to looking, feeling and sounding like your normal self. If you experience any discomfort or other challenges during the initial days or weeks, we welcome you to discus these issues with us. We’re here to support you!

Denture cleaning solutions are available across the market, from your local grocery store or drug store to warehouse stores and e-commerce sites like Amazon that could save you a little money by buying in bulk. Find the brand and type that works best for you. Use the solution with a denture brush and wash gently with lukewarm water.

Take care when cleaning your dentures; don’t scrub too vigorously and wash them over a towel to avoid damage.

Typically, the usable lifespan of dentures ranges from five to seven years. If you think about it, dentures are subjected to the same conditions that regular teeth are. They can get worn down with chewing, grinding, etc. – and they can get stained over time with the same things that stain our teeth (particularly susceptible to staining from tea, coffee, tobacco, etc.).

Dentures also generally require some adjustment over the duration of their use. If you are in for a tooth cleaning every six months and a checkup on annual basis, your dental hygienist and dentist will make observations and suggestions about your dentures and adjust as needed.

We recommend that you remove your dentures at night. This will give your jaw and gums an opportunity to relax and will relieve the pressure that your dentures exert on them throughout the day. Should you want to keep them in, you are definitely able to do so but make sure to consult with us just in case that it might not be optimal for your particular circumstances.

With modern advancements in technology and denture fabrication processes, dentures are no longer those clunky dental prothesis' that often come first to mind. Dentures are now commonly made from acrylic resin, which is less expensive and lighter than conventional dentures made out of porcelain.