Frequently Asked Questions

In your initial consultation we will gather information such as your medical and dental history, insurance information and your specific needs. We also gather preliminary measurements to be able to intelligently plan and recommend a treatment for your unique circumstances. Through this, we strive to inform you about all types of treatment options that would cater to your prosthetic needs! We will send off predeterminations to your insurance so that there is no surprise to you about what your cost will be. At this appointment we may also explain the procedures involved with your treatment and the length of time before your treatment will be complete. .

• In short, every 5-7 years is recommended. If you want to know why, this is because as the years go by the dentures undergo wear and tear from daily use and the structures in your mouth resorb. Unfortunately, the denture doesn’t grow where your mouth shrinks which leaves the denture feeling loose.
• What we take into account when recommending a new denture is how much your gums have changed compared to the shape of your denture, as well as the condition of the teeth as they wear down. We can learn a great deal about your jaw by studying the wear patterns in your old denture and if you are biting properly in your current dentures. Having or acquiring an improper bite can damage your jaw and increase the shrinkage rate of your gums.  You also need to be aware, acrylic is porous and can accumulate bacteria thus, 5-7 years is recommended to replace any type of denture.

• Relines are recommented every 2 years. As time goes by our gums shrink causing the dentures to become loose. A reline helps refit the dentures to your gums to minimize the looseness and rubbing of the denture.
• Relines are also recommended if you notice your dentures have become looser than usual, if you are getting more sore spots or if you are using more adhesive to keep it in place.
• Regularly relined dentures will also minimize the rate of your gum shrinkage because the stability of the denture is maximized
• Relining a denture is usually a same day service so you won’t have to worry about being without your dentures for too long.

• The lower gums tend to shrink much quicker than the upper gums. Also, the arch of the roof of the mouth adds support to the upper denture and suction can be achieved. Whereas the lower denture does not have the same kind of support like the roof of the mouth, the lower denture fit is compromised by lack of support with the pooling of saliva, the movement of the the tongue and movement from the floor of the mouth.
• Alternative treatment options such as the “Suction Effective Mandibular Complete Denture” or Implant retained dentures can be more effective than the traditional ill fitting lower denture.

• Yes, given the specific coverage that your insurance offers. There is a provincial program available to Alberta Seniors called Dental Assistance for Seniors Program (DASP). The program provides basic dental coverage up to a maximum of $5000 every 5 years from the date of your first paid dental procedure.
• If you have already applied for the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) program, you are automatically enrolled for DASP and do not need to re-apply.
• If you have not applied for the ASB program please visit our link to help you get started
• -You must be 65 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen living in Alberta for 3 or more months and have an income within the program’s financial thresholds.

• Don’t ever try to repair a denture yourself and never try to superglue it back together.
• If it can be repaired, we will repair it in our in-house laboratory using proper procedures, materials and equipment.
• Depending on the complexity of the breakage we can usually return the denture to its original form and it can usually be returned to you the same day.

• A Denturist is someone who specializes and works with dentures everyday and will work with you from start to finish.
• Denturists are specially trained to be proficient in both clinical and laboratory skills and procedures specific to creating dentures.
• Denturists undergo years of training in the art of fabricating dentures that are made specifically for you!

• If you have never had dentures before, it can be a drastic change. Dentures are a prosthesis that is made to mimic natural teeth but depending the level or treatment the level of fit and biting strength will vary.
• A standard convetional denture may only provide you approximately 15% biting strength vs implant retained that can provide you with 35% -90% biting strength.
• You will have to relearn how to eat when it comes to dentures. Taking smaller bites and practicing the chewing capability that dentures offer. We educate our patients with tips and tricks that will enhance their denture wearing experience

• The denture may feel different when speaking at first but with practice you will be able to speak like your normal self in no time. This is because your tongue is not used to its environment yet, it usually takes about 2 weeks for your speech to normalize.

• Your mouth may be accustomed to how your old dentures feel, but your denture may be worn down and loose.
• Your new denture(s) will have new material and teeth with a more recent fit to how the gums are shaped. There is an adjustment period with any new prosthesis you receive but with great patience and practice, comfort is achievable.