People who get their dentures fitted for the first time are a bit apprehensive about the whole process. We understand that this process can be a little daunting, so you might feel a bit anxious, but not to worry as we are here to help you!
Postings Denture Clinics Ltd. has been offering a wide range of services including denture fabrication, Denture Maintenance, and Denture Repairs & Additions in Victoria, Sidney and surrounding areas for over 40 years. Just to make the experience easier for you, we have compiled a list of questions which you should ask your denturist before undergoing any procedure.
1. What Are the Different Kinds of Dentures Available
There are many types of dentures available, but the simplest two categorizations are complete dentures and partial dentures. The former replaces all the teeth while the latter replaces only some. The type of denture that is best for you will depend on the number of teeth you want replaced.
2. What is the Pricing Structure?
The pricing structure depends on the complexity of your treatment, the tools, the technology and the type of dentures used. The Denturist Association of British Columbia distributes a Fee Schedule at the beginning of each year, which our office follows very closely. It is best to clarify all associated costs with your denturist before starting with treatment, in order to avoid confusion later.
3. How to Take Care of the Dentures Once They Are Inserted
You need to clean and care for your dentures, as they are prone to staining and plaque build-up just like natural teeth. Our office recommends brushing your dentures with a liquid soap, as well as soaking in a special denture-cleaning solutions for at least 20 minutes a day. Toothpastes are quite abrasive and will scratch the acrylic, so we do not recommend the use of toothpaste on your dentures. We have a few different kinds of denture cleaners available in our office and our staff will be happy to recommend one to you. We are also happy to supply you with a denture brush or denture bath for soaking your dentures.
4. Does Getting Dentures Fitted Hurt?
The discomfort level differs from person to person and also depends on the severity of your situation. You might experience some irritation or swelling around your gums that will go away in a few days, depending on how well your mouth gets accustomed to the denture. Adjustments are normal and expected for the first little while after having new dentures placed.
5. Will I Experience Problems Eating with My Dentures?
Initially, you might feel a bit strange eating with dentures. Everyone has a different learning curve, but you will eventually adjust to them. Our team recommends chewing on both sides of your mouth, using your back teeth.
6. How Often Should I Visit My Denturist for Checkups?
You might have to visit your denturist quite frequently after first getting your dentures fitted. Later, when you are comfortable, you can reduce the frequency to once a year (our office will send you a letter to remind you that it is time to come in for your annual visit).
7. What Precautions Do I Need to Take Once I Start Wearing Dentures?
Our office advises against chewing gum, which can get stick to the appliance and dislodge it. You also want to make sure that you are still seeing your dentist on a regular basis, for inspection of your oral tissues and any natural teeth you still have.
8. Is It Okay to Sleep in Dentures?
You can sleep in your dentures but it is often advisable that you remove them. Placing them in water or a denture-cleaning solution at night will give your oral tissues a chance to rest for a while. If you wish to sleep with your dentures in, we do recommend taking them out for at least 20 minutes at another time of day, to allow the tissues to rest. To know more about the process of cleaning and taking care of dentures, read our blog: How to Care for & Clean Your Dentures The above list is not exhaustive by any means; you can always add your own questions to this list and we will be happy to answer them to the best of our ability! All your questions will only help you to understand your individual situation and plan things accordingly. You can also contact us for any questions related to dentures and for any information that you might need when initially getting started!