Frequently Asked Questions
Common Denture Questions and Concerns
How often should I replace my dentures?
Many dentures are recommended for replacement approximately every 5 years, but there is no single timeline that is right for everyone. Over time, denture teeth can wear, materials can deteriorate, and changes to your gums and underlying bone can affect the fit, bite, and function of your dentures.
Some patients may need new dentures sooner, while others may continue to use their dentures longer with proper care and maintenance.
During your regular examinations, your denturist will assess the condition, fit, function, and wear of your dentures and let you know when replacement may be appropriate.
Is it necessary to have a partial denture?
In many cases, a partial denture can help replace missing teeth, improve chewing, and support the stability and position of your remaining natural teeth. Replacing missing lower teeth may also help provide better contact and support for an upper denture, which can improve overall denture stability and chewing function.
However, every patient is different. Your denturist will assess your remaining teeth, bite, oral health, and overall denture needs to determine whether a lower partial denture is appropriate for you.
What does a reline do and how often should my dentures be relined?
A denture reline adapts the inside surface of your existing denture to better match the current shape of your gums and oral tissues.
Over time, the gums and underlying bone can naturally change and shrink, causing a denture to become loose, unstable, or less comfortable. During a reline, your denturist takes a new impression of your mouth and adds new material to the inside of the existing denture so it fits more closely to the tissues.
A reline can help improve:
- Fit and comfort
- Stability and retention
- Chewing function
- Speech
- Confidence when wearing your dentures
A reline does not replace worn denture teeth or change the overall appearance of your denture. It is most appropriate when the existing teeth and denture base are still in good condition.
As a general guideline, dentures may need to be relined approximately every two years, but this can vary from patient to patient. Changes in your gums and underlying bone, as well as changes in the fit and condition of your dentures, can affect when a reline is needed.
The best way to determine whether your dentures would benefit from a reline is to have them assessed by your denturist. Come see us for a check-up, and we can evaluate the fit, comfort, and function of your dentures and determine whether an adjustment, reline, or other treatment is recommended.
How can I make chewing with new dentures easier?
Learning to chew with new dentures takes time and practice. When you first receive your dentures, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods and avoid hard, sticky, or fibrous foods until you become more comfortable.
Try taking small bites and chewing slowly, using both sides of your mouth at the same time. This helps distribute chewing forces more evenly and can reduce the chance of your dentures becoming loose.
As your mouth and muscles adapt, gradually reintroduce firmer foods into your diet. It is normal to experience some initial tenderness or sore spots, and your denturist can make adjustments if needed.
With patience, practice, and proper adjustments, most patients can return to enjoying a wide variety of foods with their new dentures.
How many adjustments are normal with new dentures?
Adjustments are completely normal with new dentures. Your mouth needs time to adapt, and small areas of pressure or movement may become noticeable as you begin eating, speaking, and wearing your dentures throughout the day.
There is no set number of adjustments that every patient should expect. The number can vary depending on your oral anatomy, the type of denture, your bite, and how quickly your tissues and muscles adapt.
If you experience sore spots, discomfort, or difficulty chewing, contact your denturist for an adjustment. Do not try to adjust your dentures yourself, as this may void your warranty and could damage your dentures.
With proper follow-up and adjustments, your dentures can become more comfortable and functional as you adapt to wearing them.
What is a BPS® denture?
BPS® stands for Biofunctional Prosthetic System. It is a specialized denture system that combines carefully selected materials, anatomically designed denture teeth, and precise clinical and laboratory techniques to create dentures with an emphasis on fit, function, comfort, and natural-looking aesthetics.
What Makes BPS® Different?
BPS® dentures are designed around the way the mouth and jaws function. The system uses anatomically shaped denture teeth available in a variety of tooth forms, sizes, and shades. This gives your denturist more options when creating a natural-looking smile that is appropriate for your individual appearance.
The BPS® system also incorporates precise impression and jaw-recording techniques to help establish an accurate relationship between the upper and lower dentures. This attention to detail helps your denturist create a denture that is designed not only to look natural, but also to function comfortably when eating and speaking.
BPS® also uses high-quality denture materials selected for their strength, durability, and resistance to wear. The combination of the tooth design, materials, and fabrication techniques is intended to provide a long-lasting, comfortable denture.
The BPS® Difference
With BPS®, the goal is to bring together:
- Natural-looking tooth shapes, sizes, and shades
- Precise impressions and jaw measurements
- An anatomically designed tooth arrangement
- Quality, durable denture materials
- Careful attention to fit, function, comfort, and aesthetics
Your denturist will determine whether BPS® is appropriate for your individual needs and explain how it compares with the other denture options available at Pacific Denture Centre.
BPS®—where precision, comfort, function, and natural-looking aesthetics come together.
What should I use to clean my dentures?
We recommend using a regular soft toothbrush which we have provided to gently remove food particles from your dentures before and after soaking them in Renew® Denture Cleaner for 20-30 minutes each day. You can also use other denture specific denture cleaners such a Polident Tablets. Never use boiling water or bleach to clean your dentures.
After soaking, rinse your dentures thoroughly under cool water before placing them back in your mouth.
We do not recommend using toothpaste or traditional firm denture brushes, as they can be abrasive and may create microscopic scratches on the denture teeth and pink acrylic. These scratches can make the surface more likely to retain plaque and become stained.
For best results, clean your dentures daily and follow the cleaning instructions recommended by your denturist.
Where do I purchase Renew® Denture Cleaner?
Renew® Denture Cleaner is available at most denture clinics. At Pacific Denture Centre, we always keep Renew® in stock for your convenience.
If you would like to try it before purchasing a full package, we also offer sample packages so you can experience the cleaner for yourself.
Ask your denturist about Renew® Denture Cleaner at your next visit.
What does it feel like to wear dentures?
Dentures will feel different from your natural teeth at first, and it is normal to need some time to adjust. When your dentures are first inserted, they may feel unfamiliar, slightly uncomfortable, or even a little loose as your cheek muscles, tongue, and facial muscles learn to work with them.
You may also notice increased saliva, a slight gagging sensation, or changes in how you speak. These are common during the initial adjustment period and usually improve as you become accustomed to wearing your dentures.
With time, practice, and any necessary adjustments, your dentures should become more comfortable and feel more natural. Immediate dentures may require several adjustments as your gums and underlying tissues heal and change following your extractions.
Your denturist will guide you through the adjustment period and make any necessary changes to help improve your comfort, fit, and function.
Can I get dentures without a referral from my dentist?
Yes. You do not need a referral from your dentist or another health professional to see a denturist.
Denturists are denture specialists who are trained to assess, design, fabricate, fit, and maintain removable dentures. You can contact Pacific Denture Centre directly to book a consultation and discuss your denture needs.
During your consultation, your denturist will assess your individual situation, answer your questions, and explain the denture options that may be appropriate for you.
When additional dental care is needed, we work collaboratively with dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, and other dental professionals to ensure you receive the care that is right for you.
Your journey to better denture care can start with a conversation—no referral required.
Why do immediate dentures become loose during healing?
It is normal for immediate dentures to become loose during the healing process. Your dentures are made before your teeth are removed, so they are fitted to the shape of your mouth before your gums and underlying bone begin to heal and change.
After extractions, your gums and bone naturally shrink and change shape as the tissues heal. As these changes occur, the shape of your mouth can become different from the original fit of your immediate dentures, which may cause them to feel looser or less stable.
Your denturist can make adjustments and may use temporary liners or tissue conditioners to improve the fit and comfort of your dentures as healing progresses.
This is one of the reasons immediate dentures are often considered a transitional denture. Once your mouth has healed and stabilized, your final dentures can be made to fit the new shape of your oral tissues more accurately.
If your immediate dentures become uncomfortable, excessively loose, or difficult to keep in place, contact your denturist for an adjustment rather than trying to modify them yourself.
How are implant dentures different from regular dentures?
Both regular dentures and implant dentures can replace missing teeth, but the main difference is how the denture is supported and retained.
Regular dentures rest directly on the gums and oral tissues. They rely on the shape of your mouth, the fit of the denture, and natural muscle control to stay in position. While well-fitting regular dentures can provide good function, some movement—particularly with lower dentures—can occur during eating or speaking.
Implant dentures are supported by dental implants that are placed into the jawbone. Depending on the type of implant denture, the denture may snap onto the implants or be securely attached to them. This can provide greater retention and stability than a conventional denture.
Implant dentures help:
- Reduce denture movement
- Improve stability when eating and speaking
- Increase chewing confidence
- Provide a more secure feeling when wearing your dentures
Implant dentures are not right for everyone. Your denturist will assess your oral health, bone levels, denture needs, and treatment goals and can work with your dentist or implant specialist when necessary to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate.
For some patients, implants can provide an additional level of support and stability that conventional dentures cannot.
Am I a candidate for implant-supported dentures?
Many people who wear or need dentures may be candidates for implant-supported dentures, but suitability depends on your individual oral health, jawbone, denture needs, and treatment goals.
Your denturist plays an important role in assessing your denture needs, planning the prosthetic treatment, and designing the denture to work with the planned implant positions. When implants are being considered, your denturist works closely with an implant specialist, who evaluates the surgical aspects of implant placement and the health and volume of the supporting bone.
Together, your dental team may consider:
- The amount and quality of bone available to support dental implants
- The health of your gums and oral tissues
- Your existing teeth and current denture situation
- Your bite and jaw relationship
- Your ability to maintain good oral hygiene
- Your overall health and any factors that may affect healing
- Your expectations for stability, function, comfort, and appearance
Some patients may have experienced significant bone loss over time, which can make implant placement more challenging. An implant specialist can assess your bone and determine whether implants can be placed successfully and whether additional procedures may be required.
Your denturist then works with the implant specialist to plan and provide the denture that will attach to and function with the implants. This coordinated approach helps ensure that both the surgical and prosthetic aspects of your treatment are carefully considered.
Implant dentures can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty keeping conventional dentures stable, especially lower dentures.
The best way to determine whether implant-supported dentures are right for you is through an individualized assessment. Your denturist can explain your denture options, coordinate with the appropriate dental professionals, and guide you through the treatment process from planning through to the final denture.
Every patient is different, and our goal is to create a treatment plan that best suits your oral health, needs, and goals.