Dentures and Partial Dentures in Kitchener

Dentures replace missing teeth with a removable appliance that’s made to fit your mouth and look like natural teeth. At Highland Kitchener Dentist in west Kitchener we make complete dentures for people who have lost all their teeth in an arch, partial dentures for people who still have some healthy teeth, and we can talk through implant supported options for patients who want something steadier. A good denture is a custom piece of work. It takes a few visits to get right, and the fit is worth the patience.

Why replacing missing teeth matters

Losing teeth affects more than your smile. Chewing gets harder, so people quietly drop foods they used to enjoy. Speech can change. The remaining teeth tip and drift into the spaces, which can throw your bite off and make those teeth harder to clean. Over time the jawbone where teeth used to be shrinks, and the lower face can start to look sunken. A well made denture supports the lips and cheeks, gives you something to chew with, and helps keep the teeth you still have in place.

Types of dentures we offer

Complete dentures

A complete denture replaces every tooth in the upper or lower jaw. It sits on the gums, held by suction and a close fit. Upper dentures tend to feel more secure than lowers because they cover the roof of the mouth. Lower dentures have less to hold onto and can move when you talk or chew, which is one reason some patients look at implants for the lower jaw.

Partial dentures

A partial denture fills gaps when some natural teeth remain. It usually has a frame with small clasps that hook around nearby teeth. Some partials have a thin metal framework, which makes them strong and less bulky. Others are mostly acrylic. We’ll explain which design suits the teeth you have and how they’ll be cleaned. If you have a single gap with strong teeth on each side, a fixed bridge may be another choice.

Immediate dentures

If teeth need to come out, an immediate denture can be made ahead of time and placed the same day the teeth are removed, so you’re never without teeth. Gums change shape a great deal while they heal, so an immediate denture usually needs relining or remaking once healing is complete.

Implant supported dentures

Implant treatment is available case by case after an assessment, and some patients may be referred for part of the work. A small number of implants placed in the jaw can snap into a denture and hold it firmly, which many people find makes a big difference with a lower denture. Not everyone has enough bone for implants, and the treatment takes longer. We’ll go over whether it’s realistic for you. Our blog post Implants or dentures? covers the trade-offs in more detail.

How your dentures are made

Making dentures at our Kitchener office usually takes several short appointments spread over a few weeks:

1. Exam and planning. We check your gums, any remaining teeth and the bone underneath, take x-rays and talk about what you want from the new teeth.
2. Impressions. Detailed impressions record the shape of your gums and the roof of your mouth.
3. Bite and tooth selection. We record how your jaws meet and choose the size, shape and shade of the teeth with you. Bringing an old photo of your smile can help.
4. Try-in. You try a wax version with the teeth set in place. This is the time to speak up about how they look and feel, because changes are easy at this stage.
5. Delivery. The finished denture is fitted and adjusted, and we show you how to put it in, take it out and clean it.

Getting used to new dentures

The first few weeks are an adjustment for everyone. Your mouth may produce extra saliva, the denture will feel bulky, and some words will sound odd at first. Reading out loud helps speech settle quickly. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, chew on both sides at once to keep the denture stable, and work up to firmer foods as you get comfortable.

Sore spots are common in the first days. Don’t try to file or bend the denture yourself. Book a quick adjustment instead. Most people need one or two follow up visits before everything feels right.

Caring for your dentures

• Rinse after meals and brush the denture daily with a soft brush and a denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive.
• Take dentures out at night unless we’ve told you otherwise. Your gums need time to rest.
• Store them in water or a soaking solution so they don’t dry out and warp. Never use hot water.
• Clean over a folded towel or a sink of water, since a drop onto a hard floor can crack them.
• Brush your gums, tongue and any natural teeth every day.

Even with no natural teeth, keep coming in for checkups. We look at the fit, check your gums and do an oral cancer screening. As the jawbone changes, dentures loosen, and a reline every few years keeps them fitting well. Most dentures need replacing eventually as the teeth wear down.

Signs your denture needs a check

Plenty of people in Kitchener wear the same denture for years without realizing how far the fit has drifted. Book a visit if you notice any of these:

• You need more and more adhesive to keep it in place
• It clicks when you talk or slips when you laugh
• Sore spots keep coming back in the same place
• The corners of your mouth are cracked or red
• The teeth look flat and worn, or your face looks more collapsed than it used to

A loose denture rubs and rocks, and that constant movement can irritate the gums and speed up bone loss underneath. Catching it early often means a simple reline instead of a new set.

Insurance, direct billing and CDCP

Many dental plans cover part of a denture, often with limits on how often one can be replaced. We bill most plans directly, though some specialist work may be billed differently. We’ll explain the fees before treatment, and we can send an estimate to your insurer so you know what’s covered before anything is made. Dentures are among the services the Canadian Dental Care Plan can help with for eligible patients; some services need approval first, so check the current rules on canada.ca. For anything your plan doesn’t cover, we accept credit cards and cash.

Denture questions

How long do dentures last?

Many last several years with good care, but the fit changes as your gums and bone change. Relines in between help, and we’ll tell you when a new denture makes more sense than another adjustment.

Can I eat normally with dentures?

Most foods, yes, once you’ve adjusted. Very sticky or hard foods are still tricky. Implant supported dentures usually let people chew with more force.

What if my denture breaks?

Call us. Cracked dentures and broken teeth can often be repaired. Don’t use household glue, which can damage the material and irritate your gums.

Talk to us about dentures in Kitchener

If your current denture is loose or uncomfortable, or you’re facing tooth loss and want to understand your choices, we’d be glad to see you at 140 Highland Rd W, close to Forest Heights and Westmount. Call 519-885-1598 or ask about same day appointments for a denture repair or sore spot.

Related treatments

• Fixed bridges
• Dental crowns
• Canadian Dental Care Plan

Questions or ready to book? Contact our Kitchener office or call 519-885-1598.