Dental prosthesis is among the top dental treatments in Canada today. Of the approximately $12 billion that Canadians spend annually on dental services and treatments, an incredible $80 million is spent on dental implants — and that doesn’t even take spending on dentures into account.

However, many people throughout the country are still skeptical of dentures and aren’t sure if they’re the right choice for replacing missing teeth or not.

Still undecided on whether or not you should get dentures? Find out more about this form of dental prosthesis by reading through this list of the most common FAQs surrounding dentures today:

Q: Who is eligible to get dentures?
A: Everyone! While many people view dentures as a treatment exclusive to seniors, there is no age limit on who can wear dentures. Severe accidents that result in the permanent loss of one’s teeth can happen at any age. In addition, severe tooth decay and disease can mean it’s more affordable to remove the teeth and replace them with dentures than repairing the teeth. Seven out of 10 Canadians will have gum disease at some point in their lives — conditions like these are what lead to dentures.

Q: Why should I care about replacing missing teeth?
A: Having missing teeth is much more than an aesthetic concern — it can be detrimental to your overall oral health, as well. Missing teeth make speaking and chewing a challenge, and can also lead to a weakening of your facial bones. When you choose to get dentures, you can have a more beautiful, healthy smile every day.

Q: Will wearing permanent dentures cause me to lose all my teeth?
A: Not always. For individuals who have only lost one or a few of their teeth, permanent partial dentures are available that fit between the remaining teeth. Whether it’s an implant, crown or bridge, these dentures can look, feel and function just like your natural teeth.

An astounding 12% of Canadians this past year avoided specific foods due to dental problems. Of that percentage, the majority of those probably need dentures due to the severity of their dental hygiene conditions.

What are dentures? Originally invented in Japan in the early 16th century, wooden dentures were all the rage until technological advancements were made, and materials like ivory became more popular. Dentures are a set of fake teeth and gums (for stability and retention) that are manually inserted into the mouth. People can either opt for permanent dentures of removable dentures depending on needs and preferences.

Types of dentures: Those who need dentures but are reluctant to purchase them due to cost may not realize that dentures are relatively inexpensive compared to other alternatives, such as dental implants — an industry valued at $80 million in 2012. Canadians spent nearly $12.5 billion on dental services in 2013, but that doesn’t mean one has to shell out. Before you buy dentures, it is best to determine which type you need.

Complete dentures: Complete dentures mean that the individual has lost all or most of their teeth on either their upper or lower jaw. This type can be split into conventional dentures and immediate dentures.

The immediate ones are affordable dentures that are made in advance and the cosmetic dentist can position and fit the denture to the mouth right away. The benefits of immediate dentures is that the patient doesn’t have to go a day without a set of teeth. It is important to note, however, that the gums and jawbones will shrink over time and the dentures will need to be refitted a few times.
Conventional dentures are made after the patient has undergone surgery to remove their remaining teeth. This type allows for the gums to heal first before inserting and fitting the denture. Overall, the new set of teeth will be ready to wear in about eight to 12 weeks post surgery.

Partial dentures: Those looking for more affordable dentures rather than complete dentures should opt for these — as long as the remaining teeth are healthy and will not need to be removed in the future.

These dental bridges are used to replace only a few missing teeth and are attached to a gum-colored plastic that helps them stay in the mouth. Within the plastic gums are metal wires that support the framework. When inserted, there are crowns placed on the remaining real teeth on either side of the missing ones. The crown and bridge is then cemented in order to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting over time.

Depending on the materials used and personal preferences, affordable dentures are attainable and many people prefer them over other options.

Just like most North Americans, Canadians love their teeth and are committed to maintaining proper oral health. Did you know that the majority — 73% — of Canadians brush twice a day as recommended? Furthermore, Canadians spent an impressive $12.5 billion on dental services in 2013.

Unfortunately, despite being so diligent about their oral health, it’s been reported that seven out of ten Canadians will develop gum disease at some point in their life. Also known as gingivitis, gum disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque build up. While the body’s immune system fights to keep infection at bay, the gums can become inflamed and may even bleed during brushing.
If left untreated gingivitis can eventually lead to periodontitis, a condition in which the bacteria found in plaque eventually break down the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss, in which case wearing partial or full dentures is required. Full dentures may not always be necessary, as partial dentures may be sufficient in some cases.
Many people are reluctant to wear dentures, and understandably so. After all, the wooden dentures worn generations ago have given dentures a bad reputation. Luckily, dentures today have a come long, long way, and are much different — and more comfortable — than their predecessors.

Today, there are a number of different types of dentures available. A dental professional, such as a dentist or prosthodontist, can help determine which kind of denture is best for the patient’s needs, though a denturist will be responsible for making them.

In addition to being more comfortable, modern dentures are also far more natural looking than those worn by previous generations. In fact, many people aren’t even able to tell when someone is wearing dentures unless they are told! All they can see is a beautiful, radiant, and natural looking smile.

Canada and its residents are known for a lot of great things. From the regal beauty of Niagara Falls, to the indulgent taste of poutine, Canada has earned quite a reputation. But did you know Canadians are very serious about their teeth as well?

More than half — 73% — of Canadians brush twice a day and in 2013, Canadians spent approximately $12.5 billion on dental services. However, despite being proactive in regards to dental care, it’s estimated that seven out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some point in their life. Gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss, which in turn may require the use of cosmetic dentures.
The term “dentures” is enough to make most people run for the hills. Unlike wooden dentures from hundreds of years ago, dentures today are not manufactured to be one size fits all. There are a number of different types of dentures. While some people may need a full set of dentures, others may only require a portion. Today’s dentures are custom fitted by a professional denturist to ensure a comfortable, snug fit.

Wooden dentures may have served their purpose back in the day, but today’s dentures offer wearers several benefits. Aside from serving a cosmetic purpose, modern dentures serve other important functions. Here are just a few.

Digestions
Did you know that digestion begins in your mouth? Your teeth break down your food and mix it with saliva before it moves down to your stomach for further digestion. If this critical step in the digestive process is missing, it may interrupt nutrient absorption and may even cause an upset stomach.

Speech
Your teeth, along with your tongue and lips, help you to form certain words and sounds. If your front teeth are missing, your speech will be impaired. When pronouncing the “s” sound in the word “sugar” or the “t” in “tomato,” the tongue moves into specific positions around the teeth. Without them there, it can be difficult to pronounce words correctly.

Structure
Missing teeth can change your facial profile over time, causing the jaw to move forward or the chin to stick out further. In addition, the lips may appear thinner, the sides of the mouth may droop, and cheeks may appear hollowed out. Wearing dentures can prevent all of these changes from happening by providing structure to the face.

A 102 year old woman, Maude Boone, is happily smiling again, thanks to her new dentures. A Newfoundland native, Boone was admitted to Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook in November 2014. She misplaced her dentures during her stay. Boone’s family mashed up all of her meals for the remainder of the year, unable to book an appointment at the beginning of the busy holiday season.

However, that all changed when the family contacted a nearby denture clinic in Deer Lake. Denturists specialize in every step of the tooth replacement process; consumers can visit denturists to get dentures fixed, purchase new dentures, or to clean, care for, and/or whiten dentures. What’s more, denturists may have greater availability, given that they hone in on one specific area of dental treatment.

Local denturist Jamie Fitzgerald went out of his way to help Boone, doing a rare house call to come to the aid of the kindly elderly woman. After six visits to ascertain Boone’s new dentures fit comfortably and to her exact specifications, Boone can now enjoy her favorite foods again, and in their solid form. Boone told CBC News that she was especially looking forward to eating salt beef (also known as “corned beef” in the United States) with cabbage and turnip.

Boone isn’t the only patient who has suffered through periods of mashed foods and food restriction. A survey reveals that up to 12% of Canadians cannot eat certain foods owing to problems with their dentures or teeth. Another 12 million Canadians have lingering, untreated dental problems that may or may not affect what foods and drinks they enjoy. These groups ought to learn from Boone; like the 102 year old woman, Canadians can seek fast and convenient care at any of the 2,000 nationwide denturists and/or denturologistes. Denturists undergo thorough, specialized education in one of the four Canadian colleges dedicated to denturism to provide patients with the very best care.

There are many common misconceptions about dentures that may keep people from properly taking care of their dentures and staying healthy. Dentures and implants are especially prevalent in Canada, where $12 billion are spent on dental services annually! With so many people getting mini dental implants and dentures, it is important that they know how to take care of them.

Proper denture maintenance is the easiest way to prevent breakage and keep the cost of dentures down. When cleaning your dentures, it is best to do so over a sink full of water or a nice, cushy towel, in case you inadvertently drop them. Using a soft-bristle brush and denture cleaner will protect your dentures from staining and the tiny scratches that may be left by normal toothpaste. When you are not wearing your dentures, you should soak them in denture cleansing solution or water, to prevent them from drying out and cracking.

If you should happen to drop your dentures and they break, your first thought may be to fix them yourself. Depending on the type of break, however, it may be advisable to have your dentures fixed by a professional. If a tooth breaks out of your dentures, you may be able to glue it back in with a denture repair kit. Many denture repair kits claim to fix cracks in the denture as well, but those should be handled by a Calgary denture repair professional. Do not glue the denture tooth back in with superglue or other non-dental adhesive, as they may be toxic.

If you find yourself away from home and in need of denture repair, you should attempt to find a denturist to fix them, at least temporarily. At some point in their lives, 70% of Canadians will develop gum disease, and 50% visit their dentists at least once every six months, so finding a dental health professional, such as a denturist, should not be difficult. Simply look online or in the phone book for “Calgary denture repair” or “Calgary denturist,” and book your appointment whenever you need it.

Consider this: according to data from the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), it’s estimated that anywhere between $22 million and $25 million are spent per year to treat tooth loss caused by sports. Furthermore, it can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 to treat one just lost front tooth. Considering that estimates show that around 12 million Canadians have at least one untreated dental problem at any given time, wouldn’t it be great if there were some way to prevent tooth loss in sports games and refrain from adding onto this 12 million?
As a matter of fact, moldable mouth guards are around for precisely that reason. Many sports leagues already require athletes (especially young kids and teens) to wear mouth guards while playing sports, and Canadian law requires the use of mouth guards for players in minor/amateur hockey, football, rugby, and lacrosse teams (just to name a few). However, most dentists recommend that athletes in any sport should wear a moldable or custom mouth guard for protection, since studies have shown that athletes are up to two times more likely to lose a tooth if they aren’t wearing a mouth guard.
So if you’re one of the millions of Canadians who want to protect their teeth without hurting their game on the field or court, here are the three mouth guard options you can choose from:

1. 1. Stock Mouth Guards These mouth guards are certainly the cheapest option, primarily because they’re marketed as a “one size fits all” piece of equipment (i.e., they can’t be custom-fitted to your teeth) and they only offer minimal protection. Most athletes find that these mouth guards are somewhat uncomfortable and restrict air flow a bit — but in a pinch, they offer better protection for your teeth than wearing no mouth guard at all.

1. 1. Mouth-Formed / “Boil and Bite” These moldable mouth guards can be found at pretty much any athletic store, and most athletes in amateur leagues settle for these. The directions are fairly simple — you place the mouth guard into a pot of boiling water, which softens the plastic enough so that when you take it out and immediately bite onto it, the plastic creates a mold that fits your teeth. These mouth guards offer better protection than the stock guards, but many people still find that they’re a bit bulky and uncomfortable.

1. Custom Fabricated and Pressure Laminated These two types of moldable mouth guards are the most expensive, but they offer the most protection and are necessary for high-impact sports. These mouth guards are created by professional dentists and denturists, and you can make an appointment at nearly any denture clinic or dental facility that offers dental prosthesis services. These mouth guards are perfectly fitted to your teeth, and they allow you to breathe normally and even talk normally while wearing them. Because they’re made with the highest quality materials, they’re likely to last through two to three seasons of a sport, even with constant use.

Ultimately, it really depends on the sport you’re playing and the amount of protection your need. The best thing to do is to consult your local dentist to find out which type of mouth guard is perfect for you, and for your teeth.

Receiving a set of cosmetic dentures can be a real life saver — and that’s not an exaggeration in the slightest, because good dental health is directly related to the overall health of your body. But what you may not have realized is that when you get your set of dentures or partials, that’s just the first step on the path to better oral health. Learning how to take care of dentures properly, and knowing when they need to be repaired or replaced, is the rest of the story.
Replacing Dentures
Cosmetic dentures today are usually custom-fitted by a specialized expert at a denture clinic, but it’s normal for dentures to start feeling uncomfortable or to stop fitting as properly as they initially did, because as your body grows and changes, so do your gums and your jaw. The Canadian Dental Association even suggests that dentures be replaced about every five years, although this doesn’t necessarily mean that your entire set of teeth will have to be replaced. Many denturists are able to make slight adjustments, such as replacing denture liners and replacing the base of the teeth, so that you’re able to continue wearing the same set as before.
Problems With Old Dentures
The major problem with ill-fitting cosmetic dentures is simply that they aren’t fitted closely to your mouth like they should be, and will not only be uncomfortable, but could actually cause your overall oral health to decline. It’s common for patients with loose dentures to find that they have trouble eating certain foods, they get nervous in social situations (for fear that their dentures might slip out while talking), and they can feel pain throughout the mouth, gums, neck, and forehead. If food and bacteria manages to get in between your dentures and gums, it can lead to gum disease, infection, and even more pain.
More than anything else, remember that your teeth are extremely valuable to your body’s health, and you deserve to be comfortable, healthy, and happy with whatever type of dentures you receive.

Cosmetic dentistry is quickly becoming one of the most prominent industries in the country, and considering how many dental services are offered by cosmetic dentists, it’s no wonder that the industry is so successful. In fact, you may not have realized that your local cosmetic dental clinic could have services that you’d be interested in. For starters…

• Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening is currently the most popular service provided by dentists today, and it’s estimated that Americans spend about $1.4 billion per year on products for whitening teeth. While there are plenty of reputable whitening products available over-the-counter, many people still prefer to have the procedure done by a professional, so they know they’re high-quality, safe teeth whitening services.
• Dentures Dentures today have come a long way from the wooden dentures people used to use (i.e. suffer through) just a few hundred years ago. Modern cosmetic dentures are great options for people who are dealing with severe tooth decay, and who have weakened jawbones and/or gums. Some people will argue that traditional dentures are inconvenient, uncomfortable, and likely to fall out at any given time — but as long as you have a professional denturist create cosmetic dentures to fit your mouth perfectly, and you take care of them properly, there can be little argument against them.
• Dental Implants Implants are another cosmetic dental option when someone needs to have their teeth replaced, and it’s often recommended for people who have strong, healthy jawbones. Implants require a somewhat invasive surgical procedure, unlike creating cosmetic dentures, and implants are only successful if the patient’s mouth is healthy enough to foster a full recovery after surgery.

Regardless of which service is the best one for you, cosmetic dentistry is definitely something to look into if you’ve been thinking about giving your teeth an overhaul. Plenty of procedures do focus on aesthetics, but more than that, cosmetic dental work focuses on giving patients a second chance at having a healthy mouth.