Have Questions About Your Dentures, Scarborough?

Welcome to the frequently asked questions section of the Cliffcrest Denture Clinic website. While many questions are patient-specific and require a visit with a denturist, some questions can be easily answered across the board. If you have a specific question, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation.

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Cliffcrest Denture Clinic include:
What is a denturist?
A denturist is a specialist that has received at least three years of training in denture fabrication and fitting. Our Scarborough denturist can advise you on the best type of denture to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Do I need dentures?
While we offer an online self-test, the best way to determine your need for dentures is through a consultation with a professional denturist. Initial consultations with Cliffcrest denture Clinic are always free. During your consultation, we can assess your current oral health and determine whether you are a candidate for dentures.
What are dental implants?
These days, dental implants are the preferred way to replace missing teeth. Implants closely mimic your natural tooth roots, allowing a stable foundation on which to place artificial teeth, as well as full and partial dentures. Over time, the implants fuse with the bone, creating a solid anchor for your replacement teeth.

Dental implants can also help preserve the underlying bone material by stimulating the areas that were previously done so by natural teeth roots. This action helps to maintain the integrity of your facial structure.

Dental implants are the closest possible replacement for natural teeth, and the best way to restore your natural smile. The cost of these implants has become affordable. Ask your denturist about how dental implants might be the right solution for you.

What are the benefits of dental implants?
The benefits of dental implants include:
  • Improved oral health, ability to eat, appearance and self-esteem
  • Increased denture comfort and stability
  • Bone loss prevention
  • Resorption (shrinking) of tissue is reduced
  • Your mouth is restored to a natural state, which allows superior long-term esthetics, enhancing the beauty of your natural smile and quality of your life.
Should I get precision dentures?
Standard dentures may fit comfortably and chew well, but are designed for the average patient using basic tooth shades and shapes. Every denture patient, especially those with oral tissues which have resorbed (shrunken) or those who have unusual jaw relationships (bite), may require a personalized denture that utilizes premium materials and precision techniques. With premium, personalized dentures, esthetics, comfort, fit and function all come together, allowing a more natural smile.
What type and style of partial dentures should I get?
A partial denture may be tooth-supported or tooth- and tissue-supported. There are significant differences between these two types of dentures, which can be best explained by your denturist.

The number of teeth remaining, the position and the stability of the teeth are only a few of the factors that determine what style or type of partial denture would be best for you. Partials can be made of different materials, including acrylics, a metal/acrylic combination or flexible thermoplastics.

Acrylic partials are usually used as a transitional or temporary replacement for missing teeth, depending on your personal situation.

The metal/acrylic partial, commonly called a “cast partial,” is usually a more rigid and permanent style of denture. The metal is either a highly compatible chrome cobalt alloy or titanium, both of which are very thin, light and strong.

The new flexible thermoplastics have the advantage of esthetics and flexibility.

All partials are designed to be removable and should be removed nightly to contribute to a healthy oral environment.

With newer designs, materials and techniques, partials are more comfortable than ever before. Ask your denturist about the many designs available, some of which have no visible clasps and are virtually undetectable.
Why is a recare appointment necessary?
Broken, worn or ill-fitting dentures do not always need to be replaced. We can quickly assess if you are a candidate for a rebase, reline or repair. Some of the reasons for a recare appointment include:
  • Over time, your mouth goes through considerable changes. Tissue shrinkage and loss of underlying bone (resorption) on which your dentures rest will occur. Since your dentures do not change, they may no longer fit like they once did.
  • Having an annual oral exam may prevent or help detect the existence of oral cancer or other abnormal conditions.
  • Updating both medical and dental history is an important step towards quality denture treatment.
  • Worn-out dentures can cause improper fit and bite which can lead to other problems. They can also cause changes in your ability to bite, your speech and your appearance. Your denturist will check for cracks, chips, scratches, as well as any worn or loose teeth.
What should I expect during a recall, recare visit?
You should expect your denturist to:
  • Update your dental and medical history
  • Conduct an intra-oral examination
  • Check the integrity of your denture
  • Check the esthetics, stability and the bite
  • Discuss options available to you based on your needs
  • Review oral hygiene procedures and denture care
  • Clean and polish your dentures if required.
Do quality dentures improve health?
Your health is dependent upon proper nutrition. If your diet has become limited, or you are swallowing food whole due to the condition of your teeth, then dentures can help improve your health.

You shouldn’t have to suffer when dentures could be the right solution to improving your health, smile, and self-confidence. We invite you to schedule a free consultation by calling Cliffcrest Denture Clinic at 416-267-2238.