Dentures are a common dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. Dentures can help restore function and aesthetics to the mouth, allowing patients to smile, eat, and speak normally.

Removable Dental Appliances

Tooth loss due to tooth decay or injury or trauma can severely impact the overall dental health of patients. In many cases, dentists or prosthodontists will recommend dental appliances such as dentures to replace the teeth.

Comparable Options for Tooth Replacement

There are many options for tooth replacement. The solution recommended by your dentist may vary based on your level of tooth loss, your budget, and your lifestyle and needs. Dentures are often an affordable option when tooth loss is severe. There are several types of dentures available, as well as several other tooth replacement options.

Fixed bridges may be an option for tooth replacement if only some of the natural teeth are missing. Bridges are false teeth permanently attached to crowns on the teeth on either side of the empty socket. Bridges are permanent.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Removable partial dentures are another option for partial tooth loss. These dentures can be removed easily and are fixed in place by clamps attached to the remaining teeth.

Full dentures (or complete dentures) are used in cases of complete or near-complete tooth loss. If most of the teeth are missing, a dentist may recommend that the remaining teeth are removed to allow for full dentures. Conventional dentures are removable dental appliances that suction to the gums.

Dental implants can be used as a permanent solution for partial or full tooth loss. Implants are surgically placed in the jaw using metal posts.

Learn More About Dental Implants

Permanent dentures are dentures that are permanently affixed to several dental implants in the mouth. One type of permanent dentures is known as “All-On-4.”

Learn More About All-On-4

The Benefits of Dentures

Many patients choose dentures because they are an effective solution that can restore the look, feel, and function of the teeth. They are also an affordable solution that can usually be removed easily from the mouth.

Denture FAQs

Are dentures uncomfortable?

Dentures have been used as teeth replacements for a long time. Many people think of dentists as uncomfortable, awkward additions to the mouth. However, the technology used to create dentures has advanced greatly over the past few decades, making them far more comfortable. If you’re concerned about how your dentures will fit, be sure to ask your dentist about your tooth replacement options.

Should I wear my dentures at night?

Most dentists and prosthodontists recommend removing dentures at night. This gives you an opportunity to clean and soak your dentures. It also allows your gums to be free of the pressure of the dentures for some time each day.

How do I care for my dentures?

It’s important to clean your dentures every day. Many of the same issues that can harm natural teeth (such as plaque buildup) can also harm your dentures. Be sure to soak them in a denture cleaner overnight while you aren’t wearing them. In the morning, remove them from the denture cleanser and brush the surfaces of the dentures as you would brush natural teeth.

You’ll also need to brush your remaining natural teeth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean cloth soaked in warm water.

How long do dentures last?

Dentures typically last anywhere between 5 and 8 years, depending on the type of dentures and how well they’re cleaned. Dentures may also need to be “relined” or “rebased” to adjust the fit over time.

What if my dentures are causing me pain?

Poorly fitted dentures can cause pain and discomfort. This can also indicate gum disease. If you feel pain in your gums, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to have the fit checked and your soft tissues examined. You may need to have your dentures relined for a better fit.

My dentures are broken. Can I repair them?

If your dentures are broken, it’s best to book an appointment with your dentist or prosthodontist. Repairs done on your own could cause your dentures to fit improperly, which can cause pain and discomfort.

Will dentures affect my speech?

Dentures can impact speech, especially during the first few days of wearing them. However, speech changes can typically be overcome with time and practice.

Find a Local Dentist

The 123Dentist network of dental professionals includes dental offices across Canada. If you would like to learn more about dentures or other options for tooth replacements, search our network to find a dentist near you.