Denturists study the clinical and technical aspects of removable dentures and general health longer than any other oral health-care practitioner. The College of Denturists of Ontario acknowledges that Denturists are “Denture Specialists”.

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth.

Complete dentures are dentures that replace a complete set of missing teeth.

Partial dentures are dentures that replace only a few missing teeth. 

Conventional dentures are dentures that are made and placed after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. Immediate dentures are dentures that are placed immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth.

An over-denture is a denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants.

Dentures do take some time to become accustomed with, usually up to a few weeks. They might feel loose until the cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in position. It is not unusual to feel minor irritation or soreness with your new dentures. Patients need to schedule an appointment for regular fit adjustments to relieve any sore areas.

Dentures will need to be remade due to normal wear over a period of time, when normal shrinkage of your gums and bones occurs.  Usually a denture will last between 4 to 5 years.

Eating with dentures will take a little practice but you should begin with soft foods that are cut into small pieces and as you become more used to chewing, you can return to your normal diet.

There are only a few eating restrictions for denture wearers. Avoid biting down directly on crunchy or hard foods, like whole apples, hard pretzels, crusty bread, or large sandwiches. They can break because of the angle where the denture comes into contact with the hard surface.

Biting is limited only by the stability of the dentures themselves. Insufficient bone structure (shrunken bone ridges covered by gum tissue), old or worn dentures, and a dry mouth decrease stability.

Today's dentures have been significantly improved through advances in both dental and materials technologies. As a result, dentures that fit properly usually do not require adhesives to secure the dentures. When you are just getting used to dentures, adhesives may be advised.

A loose denture is a sign that it doesn't fit your mouth correctly. When first getting used to dentures, you may notice them slipping when you laugh, smile, or cough, which is caused by air getting under the base and moving it. The more you wear dentures, the better you will be able to control their movements in these situations.

If your mouth has insufficient bone structure, dentures will be more difficult to retain. Your dentist may advise the placement of implants or new mini implants made specifically for those patients with resorbed bone. These are placed in the bone and retain the denture with small, precision attachments.  These attachments will make a full denture clip in place like a partial denture.

Removable partial dentures are attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments, or new flexible hidden gum coloured clasps.

Your partial denture may feel awkward or bulky for the first few weeks, but your mouth will eventually get used to it. It's not unusual to feel minor irritation or soreness.  You need to schedule an appointment at the Denture Center for regular fit adjustments to relieve any soreness.

 You should be able to wear your partial denture all day long.  Generally, your mouth tissues need to rest at some point.  Either take them out when you go to sleep or twice a day for 30 minutes.

 When cleaning your dentures, you should first rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Then moisten your toothbrush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.

The denture needs to be cleaned two to three times daily.

In addition to taking care of your dentures, taking care of your mouth also is vital if you wear full dentures. This includes brushing your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before inserting your dentures. This stimulates your tissues and helps remove plaque.

Call your denturist immediately.  Normally, dentures can be repaired quickly.  Damaged dentures can cause additional oral health problems, so see your denturist right away. Never attempt to repair dentures yourself. They require professional repair and adjustment.

Glues often contain harmful chemicals and are not effective in the proper repair of dentures.