Full, partial and implant-supported dentures — fitted properly so they stay put.
Dentures have improved considerably. Modern materials look more natural than they used to, and the fitting process is far more precise. A well-made denture lets you eat normally and speak without thinking about it.
The difference between a denture people are happy with and one that lives in a drawer almost always comes down to fit. That is worth taking time over.
Types of Dentures
Complete dentures
For patients who have lost all teeth in an arch. The denture rests directly on the gum and is held by suction and fit. Upper dentures generally hold better than lower ones, because the palate provides more surface area.
Partial dentures
For patients with some natural teeth remaining. The partial fills the gaps and clasps onto existing teeth for stability, which also stops the remaining teeth drifting into the spaces.
Implant-supported dentures
A small number of dental implants anchor the denture in place. No adhesive, no slipping, and substantially more chewing force than a conventional denture.
This is the option most worth considering if a lower denture has been the problem. Lower complete dentures are the hardest to keep stable, and implants solve that in a way nothing else does. It costs more upfront and the difference in daily life is considerable.
Immediate dentures
Placed the same day teeth are extracted, so you are never without. The gums reshape as they heal, so an immediate denture needs relining or replacing after a few months — worth knowing before you start rather than being surprised by a second cost.
Denturist or Dentist?
A reasonable question, and the terms get used interchangeably when they should not be.
A denturist is licensed to make and fit dentures directly. A dentist can do the same, and can also treat the teeth and gums underneath, perform extractions, and place implants if you want implant support.
If you need teeth removed, existing teeth assessed, or are considering implant support, seeing a dentist keeps everything under one roof. If you simply need a replacement for a denture you have had for years and your remaining oral health is sound, a denturist is a perfectly sensible route.
The Fitting Process
Getting a denture made properly takes several appointments over a few weeks. There is no shortcut, and practices that promise one tend to produce dentures that do not fit.
- Assessment — examining your gums, any remaining teeth, and your bite
- Impressions — detailed moulds of your gums and jaw
- Wax try-in — a trial denture you can see and test before it is finished, where shape, shade and bite get adjusted
- Fitting — the finished denture placed and adjusted
- Review — follow-up appointments to relieve sore spots as you settle in
Expect some adjustment appointments. That is normal, not a sign something went wrong.
Living With Dentures
The first few weeks are an adjustment. Speech feels odd, eating takes practice, and there may be sore spots — come in and let us adjust rather than enduring them.
Start with soft food cut small, chew on both sides at once for stability, and read aloud for a few days to get your speech back to normal. Clean the denture daily, and take it out at night to let your gums recover.
Come in yearly even with no natural teeth. Your jaw changes shape over time, dentures need relining, and we still screen for oral cancer.
What Dentures Cost
Cost depends on the type — partial, complete, or implant-supported — and the materials. Implant-supported dentures cost the most upfront because of the implant surgery, and they last longest.
See our fee ranges. Dentures are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients, with frequency limits, and by most private plans. We submit a predetermination first so you know your out-of-pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dentures last?
Typically five to ten years. Your jaw reshapes over time, so a relining is usually needed before full replacement.
Will people be able to tell?
A well-fitted modern denture is difficult to spot. Shade and tooth shape are chosen to suit your face and age.
Can I eat normally?
Most foods, yes, after an adjustment period. Very hard or sticky items remain awkward with conventional dentures. Implant-supported dentures handle far more.
Do I sleep in them?
No. Take them out overnight so your gums can recover, and store them in water or cleaning solution.
My old dentures are loose. Do I need new ones?
Not necessarily — a reline often fixes it. Come in and we will check before recommending replacement.
Are dentures covered by CDCP?
Yes, for eligible patients, with limits on how often. See our CDCP page.
Book a Denture Consultation
Book online or get in touch to talk through your options.