What to Expect with Complete & Partial Denture Services in Calgary

Dentures are one of the most preferred teeth restoration options because the process is generally non-invasive and more affordable than implants. They’re easy to use, simple to clean, and can improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Most patients know of complete dentures, whether it’s the bottom or top jaw, or both. However, partial dentures are also available to fill a gap between existing natural teeth.

If you’re considering dentures, you’ve come to the right place. This article will equip you with what you need to know about complete and partial denture services in Calgary, including what to expect with the process and where to book your first consultation.

The different types of dentures

While this article focuses on complete and partial dentures, there are other denture types to be aware of. During your first appointment, your dentist will assess your mouth, the health of your surrounding teeth and gums, take X-rays and impressions, and recommend the best course of action.

Full/complete dentures - As the name implies, complete dentures are a full set of customized teeth for the upper or lower jaw, or both. Your dentist may recommend removing any existing natural teeth that are decayed or damaged to preserve the health of your gums and offer a full set of dentures instead.

Complete dentures are made on a gum-coloured base and measured to fit comfortably in your mouth. Unlike dentures of the past, today’s innovations have improved the function and feel of complete dentures - they are sturdy and look incredibly natural!

Implant-supported dentures - Depending on your preference and budget, your dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures. These are a full set of dentures that are secured on implants, artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into your jawbone. The result is a set of dentures that won’t slip or move like traditional dentures. Implant-supported dentures are also an alternative for patients who are a candidate for dental implants but want a more affordable option.

Partial dentures - Partial dentures are designed to fill in the gap where a few consecutive teeth are missing. Your dentist will recommend going this route if the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy and can provide strong support for partial dentures. These appliances are secured on a metal frame and can easily snap on and off for cleaning.

The benefits of complete and partial dentures

While dentures improve the look of your smile, allow you to chew the food you enjoy, and boost your confidence when talking or eating, replacing missing teeth is not only for aesthetic purposes. When we have missing teeth, over time the surrounding teeth shift and try to accommodate for that gap. What can eventually happen is that further dental issues arise, such as bite issues, crowding, jawbone loss, a sunken face, headaches, discomfort, and more.

This highlights the importance of replacing missing teeth - whether it be with complete or partial dentures, bridges, or dental implants. If you choose partial or complete dentures as your restoration option, the benefits include:

• A simple, minimally-invasive process
• Comfortable and easy to remove
• Can last years or a lifetime with proper care
• Prevents jawbone issues
• Facial structure support
• Cost-effective

The process for fitting partial or complete dentures

Dentures are completely customized to comfortably fit your mouth, which requires a few different appointments to achieve. While each case is different and may have different requirements, such as the removal of existing teeth or consultations on other dental restoration treatments, your dentist will:

• Take measurements and impressions of your mouth. Thanks to new digital dental technology, these measurements are very accurate. Measurements will be done on the upper and lower arches, gaps in the teeth, and all of the surrounding existing teeth.
• Send your measurements and information to a lab that will make a set of temporary dentures. At your next appointment, you will have a trial run with the temporary dentures and your dentist will make any adjustments until they feel comfortable.
• Schedule a final appointment after your permanent dentures are made. During this final fitting, your dentist will assess your comfort, test out your speech, and evaluate the functionality of the dentures. Further adjustments are made to ensure that your dentures fit well and no discomfort is present.

Where to book complete and partial denture services in Calgary

Book your initial denture consultation with us at Pro Grace Dentistry. Our dentists take the time to walk you through the process, offer other teeth restoration options available to you, and provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision with no pressure. We make sure you receive adequate support and guidance when choosing the best teeth restoration option that will help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!