Losing teeth can affect your confidence, how you eat, and how you speak. But you’re not stuck that way. Dentures can help. They’re a common, effective way to replace missing teeth and get your smile back.
In Ottawa, there are many options for dentures. Some are removable. Some stay in place. What you choose depends on your mouth, your health, and what your dentist thinks will work best.
If you’re looking for a trusted dentist in Ottawa, ON, they’ll walk you through the whole process. You won’t have to figure everything out on your own.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are false teeth. They fit in your mouth and help you chew, talk, and smile like normal. There are two main kinds:
- Full dentures replace all your teeth.
- Partial dentures replace only a few teeth.
They can be taken out and cleaned every day. Some are held in place with suction. Others use metal clips or even implants.
Who Needs Dentures?
You might need dentures if:
- You’re missing a lot of teeth
- You have trouble eating certain foods
- You avoid smiling
- Your gums or jaw hurt from missing teeth
- Your speech has changed
It’s not just older people who wear dentures. Young adults with injuries or health problems might need them too.
Types of Dentures
Here are the main types you’ll hear about:
Full Dentures
These are for people who’ve lost all their teeth. They sit on top of your gums and are usually made of acrylic. They may feel weird at first, but most people get used to them after a few weeks.
Partial Dentures
If you still have some healthy teeth, a partial denture fills in the gaps. It clips onto nearby teeth. The base matches the color of your gums, and the teeth match your natural ones.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These connect to metal posts in your jaw. The posts are called implants. These dentures stay in place better than the regular ones. They also feel more like real teeth.
But not everyone can get them. You need enough bone in your jaw. Your dentist will take X-rays to check.
What’s the Process Like?
Getting dentures takes a few steps. It’s not a one-day thing. Here’s what to expect:
1. Dental Exam
Your dentist will check your mouth. They’ll look at your teeth, gums, and jaw. You might need X-rays or impressions (molds of your mouth).
2. Tooth Removal (If Needed)
If you still have damaged teeth that need to go, your dentist may pull them. You might need to heal before the next step.
3. Impressions
The dentist makes molds of your mouth. These help shape the dentures so they fit right.
4. Fitting
You’ll try on a model of the denture. The dentist checks the fit, bite, and look. If something’s off, they’ll adjust it.
5. Final Dentures
Once everything looks good, the lab makes the final set. Your dentist will show you how to put them in, take them out, and clean them.
How Long Does It Take?
It depends. If you don’t need teeth pulled, it could take just a few weeks. If you do need extractions, it could take a couple months for your gums to heal. Some people get immediate dentures, but they may need more adjustments.
Do Dentures Hurt?
They shouldn’t. But at first, they might feel tight or sore. You might have trouble talking or chewing. That goes away as your mouth adjusts. If pain lasts, go back to your dentist. They may need to make changes.
Caring for Dentures
Dentures need care just like real teeth. Here’s how:
- Take them out before bed
- Brush them with a soft brush
- Soak them in a cleaner overnight
- Rinse before putting them back in
- Don’t use hot water—it can warp them
And don’t forget to clean your gums and tongue too. Bacteria can still build up in your mouth.
How Long Do They Last?
With good care, dentures can last 5 to 10 years. But your mouth changes over time. Gums shrink, jaws shift, and dentures may start to feel loose. Your dentist might reline or replace them.
Eating With Dentures
It’s different at first. You might want to:
- Start with soft foods like eggs, mashed potatoes, or soup
- Cut food into small bites
- Avoid sticky or hard foods early on
- Chew slowly and evenly on both sides
After a while, you’ll get the hang of it. Most people go back to eating almost everything.
Talking With Dentures
You might notice a lisp or extra saliva at first. That’s normal. Try reading out loud to practice. Your mouth will adjust in time.
If your dentures click, shift, or fall out when you talk, go back to your dentist. They may not fit quite right.
Common Problems
Some people face issues like:
- Sore spots
- Gagging
- Loose fit
- Clicking sounds
- Dentures breaking or cracking
Most of these can be fixed with a visit to your dentist. Don’t try to fix them on your own. Glue and DIY fixes can cause more harm than good.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
The price varies. Full dentures cost more than partial ones. Implant-supported dentures are the most expensive. Prices also depend on the material and where you get them.
Some insurance plans cover part of the cost. Ask your dentist about payment plans if money is tight.
Dentures vs. Implants
People often ask, “Should I get dentures or implants?”
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Dentures | Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Looks | Good | Best |
| Comfort | Good | Best |
| Stability | Can move | Very stable |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 10–25 years |
If you want the most natural feel and have the budget, implants may be worth it. If you want a quicker fix, dentures work well too.
When to See a Dentist
You should visit your dentist once a year even if you wear dentures. They’ll check the fit, your gum health, and look for signs of trouble.
Call your dentist if:
- Your dentures feel loose or painful
- You notice sores or red spots
- They crack, break, or fall out
- You have bad breath that won’t go away
Catching problems early keeps your mouth healthy.
Final Thoughts
Dentures aren’t perfect, but they’re better than missing teeth. They give you a full smile, let you eat more foods, and boost your confidence. Whether you’re 30 or 70, you deserve that.
The process can feel long, but the right dentist makes it easier. Be open about your concerns. Ask questions. Make sure your dentures feel and look the way you want.
And once you get used to them? Most people say they wish they’d done it sooner.