Denturists specialize in removable oral prostheses. Student Denturists study for a minimum of three years, focusing on the clinical and laboratory skills necessary to design and fabricate custom made, removable oral prostheses. Denturists are thoroughly educated in the theoretical and practical aspects of both intra-oral and laboratory procedures. Along with the diagnostic and treatment expertise, Denturists must also employ creative manual skills.
No, a Denturist is not a Dentist. A license to practice Denturism in Canada is typically obtained after completing three years of study at one of six colleges of Denturism in Canada.
Making dentures is both an art and a science. Denturists are thoroughly educated in the theoretical and practical aspects of both intra-oral and laboratory procedures or the ‘science’ involved in designing removable oral prostheses. Along with diagnostic and treatment expertise, Denturists must also perform a complete visual/digital oral examination and evaluation of the patient. The ‘art’ of making dentures involves the practitioner’s ability to design a denture that is both functionally effective as well as esthetically pleasing. Aesthetic restoration, or the ability to make dentures look as natural as possible, is a skill that varies among practitioners since it requires artistic ability and often advanced training.
Choosing an experienced Denturist often means that they are familiar with the many challenges facing denture patients. Since everyone’s oral anatomy and oral environment is unique, fabricating dentures that take into account the multitude of variables that can affect the function and the fit of the denture, is a complex skill set that definitely improves with experience and exposure to many different denture challenges. Continuing education in the field over a number of years also provides many benefits that are passed on to patients.
All dentures are not created equal. In addition to the experience, skill set, and training of the Denturist, there can be significant differences in the quality of teeth and materials used, the procedures utilized to ensure fit and function (and to check and double check), and the fabricating technology employed. All of these factors contribute to the variability in prices. At the Westshore Denture Clinic we don’t try to be the cheapest denture clinic on the block- that is not our goal. Instead, we offer our patients the most natural-looking, best-fitting denture that delivers maximum chewing efficiency.
The best way to make a decision is to meet with a qualified Denturist. The Denturist should be able to explain the options available to you including cost, materials, procedures and fabricating methods, whether the work is done onsite or sent to an outside lab, as well as provide you with a individual treatment plan. Since consults are usually provided at no charge, it is always a good idea to meet with a few Denturists to determine which one is the right “fit” for you.
Unfortunately, no. In order to make a denture that is esthetically pleasing, fits comfortably, and has effective chewing function, there are a number of important procedures that must be completed and then rechecked. This typically occurs over 4-6 appointments. Models and try-ins are also provided in order to ensure proper fit, function and appearance throughout various stages of the process. For people with scheduling difficulties or those who require their denture sooner, block appointments are often possible.
Yes! Cole’s main practice is located at #114-582 Goldstream Avenue (St. Anthony’s Professional Building) in Langford, BC and in Sooke, BC at Otter Point Dental (formerly Academy Dental) at 6689 Sooke Rd. You can book an appointment with Cole for either location by calling (250) 474-2114.
Like any prosthetic device, it will take some time to get used to your new dentures. With patience and perseverance, your dentures will eventually begin to feel like they are your new real teeth. Initially you may experience some discomfort, gagging, sore spots in your mouth, extra saliva, and awkwardness (until your cheek muscles and tongue learn to keep your dentures in place).
Yes, unfortunately, it is common to develop a sore spot especially with new dentures. These sore spots are normal and can be relieved by a few small adjustments. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, and your dentures are fitted properly, the sore spots should gradually lessen. It is important that you do not try to adjust your denture by yourself. You may jeopardize the fit, and function of your dentures.
Becoming comfortable with eating may take some practice but in time, you will be able to chew normally with your dentures. When first wearing new dentures, avoid hard foods in favour of softer and non-fibrous foods. Try taking smaller bites, keeping the food on both sides of your mouth to balance the dentures until you develop a preference. Gradually introduce more solid foods to your diet in order to avoid discomfort and sore spots. With practice and patience, you will soon be able to enjoy the foods that you did before.
At first you may notice subtle differences in your speech. By practicing reading out loud and enunciating clearly, you will learn how to speak clearly with your new dentures.
Lower dentures generally require more time to get used to. This is because your tongue, cheeks and lower jaw muscles must all learn to work with your new appliance. As well, there is much less bone structure to support your lower denture which makes them feel looser than the upper denture.
Ask us about BPS Lower Suction Denture! If your oral anatomy is a candidate, this denture can greatly increase the amount of suction a lower denture typically provides.
A yearly check-up of your denture is recommended. This is important for your general oral health, and to monitor any changes with the fit or health of your gums and dentures. As with the rest of your body, changes that occur in the mouth are constant. The supporting bone structure in your mouth can be affected by the use of certain medications, weight loss, your general health and especially by poor fitting dentures.
The change that occurs in your mouth after your teeth are extracted is referred to as gum/bone resorption or shrinkage. As the jaw bone changes and the ridges that the dentures rest on shrink, there is less stability in the mouth. This means greater space between your teeth, a loss of lip and cheek support, and a looser fit. To counter the problem of gum/bone resorption, relines or rebases are recommended every two years. Relines and rebases can be done in as little one day.
The College of Denturists of BC recommends that you replace your denture every five to seven years. This is due to the constant physical changes that are taking place in our mouths and gums. Because your denture is a hard appliance, it cannot adjust to the changes in your mouth by itself. The artificial teeth wear down, and the denture does not support the face as it did when it was new. When your denture begins to feel too loose, becomes uncomfortable, or when you notice a visible change in your appearance, it’s time to call the Westshore Denture Clinic and have your dentures replaced!
Worn-out dentures can cause permanent damage and may compromise the health of the denture wearer. Wearing your dentures past the recommended timeframe can result in bone trauma or loss, a ‘sunken’ or prematurely aged facial structure, and a number of other health issues. Common symptoms may include: headaches, difficulty chewing, and poor digestion.
Yes – absolutely. The partial lower denture provides stability and balance for your upper denture which will also improve the upper denture’s fit. Without that balance, chewing function can be significantly compromised and when food is not adequately chewed, digestive issues become common. When you don’t have sufficient stability and function between the upper and lower teeth, teeth which were not designed to withstand the force of chewing can become repeatedly traumatized which, in turn, can lead to significant bone and even tooth loss.
At the Westshore Denture Clinic, we use Ivoclar Phonares denture teeth that are made from a highly-durable acrylic resin Nano hybrid composite. The SR Ivocap® denture base offers a number of advantages including:
Reports show many implants can last 20 years or more with proper care and regular yearly check- ups. Your general health, oral hygiene, smoking, grinding your teeth and poor-fitting dentures can reduce the life expectancy of your implants. Some parts of the implant retentive components may need replacing over time because of wear.
Cost is directly related to the quality of materials and the procedures involved in the construction of the dentures. A premium-quality, proper-fitting, and natural-looking denture takes more time to make, has better quality components and therefore costs more.
Here are some cleaning tips you can use to ensure greater comfort and longer lasting dentures:
The short answer is that the cost of a denture is directly related to the quality of materials and the procedures and processing involved in the construction of a denture. A premium quality, proper fitting, and natural-looking denture requires more procedures, takes more time to make, has better quality components, and therefore costs more.
To elaborate on this answer a bit, it is up to the individual practitioner to choose how many procedures will be used to ensure proper fit and function as well as the quality of the materials used to ensure accuracy during this process. The quality of teeth and components, and which processing systems are used to finally fabricate the dentures may also differ greatly from one practitioner to the next. Materials also range in price from cheaper, less sensitive materials to more accurate and sophisticated choices. As well, there are simple processing systems and more sophisticated systems that minimize distortion during the fabrication process.
At the Westshore Denture Clinic, we do not try to be the cheapest or the fastest. That is not our goal. Instead, the cost of our dentures is based on the quality of the materials and components used and the inclusion of several additional procedures to ensure the highest degree of accuracy possible in the subsequent fit and function of our dentures. We also use a more sophisticated processing system that minimizes distortion in the finished denture. Finally, we are always committed to ongoing training that will allow us to incorporate the ongoing advancements made in this field to the dentures we make for you. In doing so, we believe that our costs are fair and competitive and that our care and attention to detail will be reflected in a smile that you will be proud to share.
- Maurine Karagianis
- Deborah MacLeod
- Sheila Lang
- Dominick Carswell
- Kate Dufour
