by Megan Skarsen | May 9, 2019 | Denture
Dentures come in many different forms, from design to materials used. One of the goals as a denturist is to provide the client with an appliance that can function well, while also being aesthetically pleasing. The aim in creating a denture, is for the teeth to look natural, where no one would guess the client is wearing a denture. The balance between aesthetics and function is different for everyone. As a practitioner, the function is very important and in some cases, the aesthetics may need to be compromised. As a client, the aesthetics may be more important, since their smile is what people see, and sometimes that means compromising function. Although certain aspects of aesthetics cannot be changed, like the position of a clasp or the position of certain teeth, there are some components of the denture that can be easily changed to be more aesthetically pleasing.
Traditionally dentures are made with pink acrylic. There are usually different shades of pink used and some incorporate red fibers into the acrylic to provide some contrast. Although pink acrylic is traditionally used, it does not portray the realism of natural gums. When designing dentures, the denturist tries to expose only minimal amounts of pink acrylic because it may not look like natural gums. This all depends on the patient’s smile and how much gums are exposed naturally. So, what can be done to make a denture look more aesthetically real?
In dentures, there are usually two parts that can be visibly seen, the gums around the front teeth and the palate on the upper dentures at certain angles. When it comes to gums around the front teeth, a couple of techniques can be used to give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile:
- Adding anatomy – The gums are artistically sculpted to have realistic anatomy; giving the denture gums a more natural appearance. This is done in the wax denture before processing it into pink acrylic, the sculpted anatomy help disperse the reflection of light on bare polished acrylic for a more realistic look to the dentures.
- Gingival toning – This technique can give your gums a more natural look through a different variety of natural colour tones and shades to mimic your gums. Usually combined with adding anatomy to create a natural-looking smile, even if the acrylic of the denture base is exposed.
When it comes to aesthetics with the palate, many denture wearers don’t like the big surface area of visible pink acrylic that covers the roof of the mouth. At the right angle, the palate can be visible to many people. Unfortunately, acrylic needs to be there as it the main support for the upper denture. If that is the case, what can be done to have the palate be more aesthetically pleasing? The remedy would be to use clear acrylic. Instead of pink acrylic, transparent clear acrylic would be used in the palate area so your own gums will show through. Even though the denture still covers the palate, having a clear palate denture gives the illusion of not having a denture present.
So, if this clear acrylic can show your natural gums, you may ask “Why can’t we use it to make the full denture?” The transparency is only great for thinner flat surfaces, having it as the gums around the teeth creates dark shadows which makes it seem like you have black gums. Clear acrylic can also be an alternative for people that have allergies to the pink acrylic but need dentures. To properly make a denture with a clear palate, it must be done in new dentures. If you are interested, notify the denturist that you want a clear palate and don’t hesitate to also ask about all the possible aesthetic upgrades you can get when getting new dentures.
If you are interested in these aesthetic upgrades, contact Woodside Denture Centre for a Free Consultation at 403-948-0954
by Megan Skarsen | Dec 1, 2018 | Denture
When it comes to dentures, they do more than help chew food. Dentures are also framed by a smile and is usually what other people notice first. Media puts a lot of pressure on the aesthetics of a perfect smile. So, what happens when one is embarrassed with their teeth or smile? One may be embarrassed because the denture is too big, teeth are too big, too small, teeth are misaligned, teeth are stained, chip on a tooth, missing a tooth, or Denture is Loose and fear it will fall out, etc. Whatever the reason, it can affect one’s confidence and can be debilitating for many. The impact one’s confidence regarding their teeth or dentures esthetically and functionally can influence the emotional and physical health dramatically, it can also affect one’s relationship with friends and family.
Self confidence can be affected by problematic natural teeth to dentures, esthetically or how they fit and function. These problems can lead to one or more of the following:
- Hiding one’s smile
- Proven to lead to sadness and depression
- If not functioning properly, one may not eat properly or enough
- This can lead to malnutrition and health issues or causing further health issues and slower recovery rates
- Malnutrition also plays a huge factor in one’s emotional health
- Less inclined to be in public, eat out, social activities and friend/family functions
- Self hate
- Stress and Anxiety
- Relationship problems
So how can someone remedy their situation and these issues if rooted from their teeth or dentures?
When it comes to dentures, 
a lot of these issues are easier to address compared to natural teeth. If you are experiencing issues from the aesthetics or fit of your dentures contact a denturist. Compared to a dentist, Denturists specialize in dentures and are usually equipped in house to address your needs instead of sending it out to a lab.
Some solutions from a denturist may include:
- If dentures are feeling loose and unstable
- A reline can help this issue depending on age or condition of denture
- A new denture, if reline is not recommended
- If Chipped or broken tooth
- A repair can replace the tooth or space
- If the esthetics or the denture design is the issue
- Usually fixed with new dentures
- Dentures can be customized to enhance esthetics
- Options in choosing tooth shade, sizing and how they are set
- Wax try ins are available to see how they look before finishing (Unless it is a surgical denture)
- If the function of the denture is the issue
- Will need to be assessed by the denturist to identify the problem and how it can be resolved
- If you have problematic natural teeth
- Seeing a dentist will be involved for treatment planning
- Treatments can be done by dentist regarding natural teeth
- Dentist and denturist will treatment plan together for
- Removable Partial Dentures
- Surgical dentures if natural teeth need extractions
- Implant dentures if indicated
Many clients don’t realize how much a new smile can affect their confidence until they experience having a new denture, it is life changing for many. If you feel like your lifestyle or confidence is affected by your current dentures or you have natural teeth considering a denture, Contact Woodside Denture Centre for a free consultation @ 403-948-0954
by Megan Skarsen | Nov 20, 2018 | Denture
Every wonder why your denturist recommends getting a new set of dentures every 5-7 years, even though you feel like your dentures are fine? You get relines routinely every 2 years already to help the fit, so why bother with new dentures? Here are some reasons why denturists recommend new dentures routinely every 5 -7 years.
1. Bone Shrinkage
- When dentures are made the teeth are set directly on top of the supporting boney ridge, this maximizes biting force and the stability of the denture. As years go by the supporting boney ridge shrinks away vertically & horizontally, causing the dentures to be loose and unstable. Relining the denture may help with the fit of the dentures by filling in the space that has resorbed away but does accommodate the position of the teeth and supporting ridge.
- After 5 years the bone may shrink away from where the teeth were set, this means the teeth are no longer directly over the bone.
- When chewing, the forces are now directed off the bone with creates a teetering effect with the dentures, causing the dentures to dislodge easier
- The constant teetering can also accelerate the shrinkage of the supporting ridge
2. Worn down teeth
- The teeth on the denture may have worn down and chewing is less efficient
- Worn down teeth means you will have to work harder to chew foods, which can over time overwork and damage your TMJ (temporal mandibular joint). This is similar to problems with the knee joint
- Chewing harder may continue to wear the teeth down, and the extra forces may cause the denture to fracture
3. Quality of overall Denture
- With the layers of relines over the years and the teeth
wearing down the space between the upper denture and lower denture may have changed.
- Either space has increased, or space has decreased due to a bulky reline. Every Millimetre makes a difference when it comes to dentures
- Too much space – will subtly wear down your jaw joint (TMJ) while losing chewing & biting strength
- Not enough space – will make your jaw feel tired and sore, which also causes damage to your TMJ. One may feel like they are constantly clenching their teeth together.
- Acrylic is porous
- The oral cavity is full of bacteria and with the denture constantly in your mouth every day, the denture harbors bacteria over the years that cannot be cleaned
- Harboring bacteria is especially concerning with neglected hygiene and Soft/temporary liners
- Constant exposure to bacteria may cause health issues if immunity is low or affect your immunity in the long run
- This also affects the quality of the acrylic as the years go by, depending on many different factors from the ph level of your saliva to how the dentures are cleaned etc.
4. Many insurance companies cover a new set of dentures
- Clients should maximize the coverages provided as insurance companies already try to prolong how often they want to cover services rendered.
Reasons why YOU should consider a new denture every 5 – 7 years
- Within the 5 to 7 years you lost a sufficient amount of weight
- If your weight has been fluctuating significantly
- There were big changes in your previous relines
- Overall health issues
- Trauma to the Jaw
- Dentures that have been fractured and repaired
- Especially if fracture or repaired multiple times
- If you have a soft liner
- If the teeth are worn down
In getting new denture every 5 -7 year, you are investing in keeping your oral cavity healthy for dentures in the long run. Routinely investing dentures can:
- Maintain a healthy environment for dentures to function efficiently, in the years to come
- Minimize bone loss, healthy bone is vital for denture wearers
- Have dentures properly designed to maximize chewing function
- Teeth set to be over the ridge
- New sharper teeth
- Dentures made from fresh impressions
- Properly measured spacing
- Fresh acrylic or liners minimizing exposure to bacteria
Unfortunately, the oral cavity is constantly changing, and usually not changing in a way that is beneficial for dentures. The Supporting ridge will continue to resorb for the rest of your life and usually does not regrow after it shrinks. Also, don’t forget that dentures are a prosthesis that relies on the quality of supporting tissue in the mouth, and at best can only provide one with 15 – 20 % biting strength. Therefore, it is important to maintain your oral health and keep out with routine relines and the routine of investing in new dentures every 5 – 7 years. In doing this, you can do your part in creating a healthy environment for your dentures while delaying the resorption of the bone. This in return will enhance your experience with dentures as the years go by. If you are past due feel free to call Woodside Denture Centre for a free consultation @ 403-948-0954
by Megan Skarsen | Oct 25, 2018 | Denture
Patients often wonder if getting dentures will affect their speech? It’s a legitimate concern and there is definitely an adjustment period where talking, chewing and normal activities will feel different. Once you’ve learned to adjust, you should be able to communicate normally. It usually takes about 2 weeks for your tongue to get use to the new environment. If not, it’s a sign that something’s not quite right with your dentures. Here are a few reasons why:
- Your Dentures Are the Wrong Height or Size
If your dentures aren’t made properly, the teeth might be too short or too long for your mouth. This can cause challenges for your tongue as it positions itself to make the sounds required to communicate. This may also cause soreness in your jaw after eating or can bring general discomfort to your mouth. There will always be an adjustment period with new dentures, but poorly made ones will prolong this period of time or make it so you can never quite communicate or chew properly.
As well, dentures can be made too big for your mouth. This changes the size of your mouth and the way sound travels through it, possibly making speech very difficult.
- Your Dentures Are Loose in Your Mouth
Sometimes dentures click during speech because they slip out while the person is talking. This is absolutely a sign your dentures are loose and ill-fitting. Another sign of loose dentures is when your tongue is working hard to keep dentures in place and doesn’t have the ability to focus on what you are saying and the sounds it needs to make. You may be mispronouncing words and finding it very difficult to coordinate all of this movement in your mouth.
- Your Dentures Don’t Fit Comfortably in Your Mouth
Dentures that are poorly made will not feel comfortable in your mouth. Even if they’re tight fitting, the thickness of the denture may affect your speech because it feels uncomfortable to talk or do anything with your tongue due to lack of space. You could return to your denturist to get them adjusted, but it’s best to have them made well in the first place.
So, we’ve determined that poorly made and ill-fitting dentures can affect your speech and shown how they do so. Dentures that are made well and fit properly in your mouth will allow you to speak clearly. They should be secure against the roof of your mouth, be sized properly with the right teeth height, and should not change the size of your mouth or the way sound will carry through it.
If you have poorly fitting dentures, please get in touch with us to see if yours can be adjusted to fit properly. If you’re looking for new dentures, carefully choose a reputable denturist with good reviews and experience. At Woodside Denture Centre, we’ll ensure we give you the best dentures money can buy, allowing you to get back your best smile while being able to speak clearly and fluently. Get in touch with us at 403-948-0954 to book your free consultation today!
by Megan Skarsen | Oct 18, 2018 | Denture
Now that you have your new dentures, what things should you know about them?
- When cleaning your dentures
- Important to set a routine for cleaning dentures
- Dentures create an environment for bacteria growth more than natural teeth
- Line the sink with a face cloth or fill the sink with some water
- Use running water that is more than lukewarm but less than hot
- ALWAYS brush using non-abrasive cleaning paste
- “Polident Daily Paste for dentures” can be purchased at Walmart or here at Woodside
- Brushing is very important to remove the “Biofilm” collected on the denture
- Biofilm is a Slimy layer of bacteria that collects on the denture
- Cleaning tablets cannot penetrate the Biofilm, that is why it is important to brush off the biofilm first
- Sleeping
- Try to sleep with your dentures out to let your gums rest and replenish
- Store your dentures in a safe spot (like your denture case)
- After dentures are properly cleaned, they do not need to be soaked in water
- If you like to soak your dentures, make sure to use fresh water nightly and clean your cup or container regularly to prevent bacterial build up
- Take care or your Gums
- Try to sleep with your dentures out or find time to have your dentures out so your gums can breathe
- Dentures can restrict circulation to the gums
- When dentures are out, massage the gums
- With a soft bristle toothbrush or finger in face cloth to promote circulation to the gums
- Keep up with recommended scheduled maintenance
- Yearly oral exams
- Relines every 2 years
- A New set every 5 – 7 years
**Recommended schedule maintenance usually covered by insurance or senior coverage
- If you have dogs
- Be sure to keep them out of reach, it will become their new chew toy
- If cracked, chipped or broken
- Never glue
- Call in to make an appointment
Usually same day service
by Megan Skarsen | Oct 14, 2018 | Denture
Surgical Denture
- Within the first year of the healing process with your surgical dentures, it is expected for the denture to become loose.
- During this year Woodside Denture Centre will make every effort to assist in your transition with adjustment and Temporary Liners. Denture adhesives are often used to help keep denture stable between temporary lining appointments.
Use of Denture Adhesives
- The use of denture adhesives can be very helpful in keeping your dentures in place and stable during your transition with surgical dentures. Adhesives are especially helpful when your surgical dentures start get loose while your oral tissue goes through the healing process.
- It also helps if used for a sense of security knowing that the denture is mechanically adhered in place
- There are many different kinds like Poligrip or Fixadent, both come in either paste form or in powder.
- Denture adhesives are recommended to be used in minimal amounts, usually the suggested amount indicated by the product used.
- Denture adhesives are considered safe if used properly according to the products instructions
Using Adhesives with a Temporary liner in place
- Only use suggested amounts of denture adhesive or less
- When you start using more or feel like you need more adhesive:
- It is an indication that there is change in your oral tissue and supportive structures are shrinking
- May indicate time to book an appointment for a new Temporary Liner
Why you don’t want to use more Denture Adhesive than indicated
- Denture Adhesives can pull Temporary liner away from dentures, Causing:
- Air Pockets, where bacteria and fluids build up (which can smell really bad….ewwww!)
- Sore spots
- Ill fitting dentures that don’t seat down properly
- Too much denture adhesive can harm your health
- Denture adhesives dissolve throughout the day and are ingested. Usually considered safe if used properly according to product indications
- Ingesting too much over time can make you feel sick or affect your health
- Can cause dentures to break
- If too much adhesive is added to fill in space, dentures may not seat properly in place and become misaligned.
- The forces from chewing with dentures that are misaligned can cause them to crack or fracture.
