Dentures in North York

About dentures

A complete denture is a set of artificial teeth held in a pink, gum-coloured acrylic base. An upper denture covers the roof of your mouth and is held by suction against your gums. A lower denture sits on the ridge of your jaw and is often less stable, because the tongue and cheeks move it more. Your dentist will explain how each one is likely to feel for you.

Making a denture is a step-by-step process. We take impressions of your gums, record how your jaws line up and help you choose the shape and shade of your new teeth. You then try a wax version in your mouth so we can check the look, your bite and how you speak before the final denture is made in a dental lab.

If you still have a few teeth that cannot be saved, they may be removed first. Some people get an immediate denture placed on the same day, which is then relined or remade once the gums heal. Over the years your jawbone slowly changes shape, so dentures need regular checks to keep them fitting well and to protect the tissues underneath.

Signs a complete denture may suit you

• You are missing all or nearly all of your teeth in one or both jaws
• Your remaining teeth are badly decayed, loose or cannot be repaired
• You avoid many foods because chewing is difficult
• Your old denture is loose, cracked or more than several years old
• Your face looks sunken around the mouth and cheeks

Benefits

• Helps you chew a wider range of foods
• Supports your lips and cheeks for a fuller look
• Can make some words easier to say clearly
• Removable for easy cleaning at home

What to expect

1. Exam and planningYour dentist checks your gums, jawbone and any remaining teeth, and may take X-rays to plan your denture.
2. Impressions and bite recordWe take moulds of your mouth and record how your upper and lower jaws meet.
3. Wax try-inYou try a wax model of your new teeth so we can adjust the look and bite before it is finished.
4. Fitting dayYour finished denture is placed, checked for sore spots and adjusted for comfort.
5. Follow-up adjustmentsOver the next few weeks we smooth any pressure points as your mouth gets used to the denture.

Aftercare

• Take your denture out at night unless your dentist tells you otherwise, and keep it in water or a soaking solution so it does not dry out.
• Brush your denture daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner, and gently brush your gums and tongue too.
• Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, chewing on both sides at once to keep the denture steady.

Other options

If a loose lower denture is your main concern, implant-supported dentures may give more stability by clipping onto a few implants. If you still have several healthy teeth, a partial denture or a bridge may be a better fit. Your dentist will go over what suits your mouth and budget.

Cost and coverage

The cost of a complete denture depends on the materials, the number of visits and whether any teeth need to be removed first. Our fees are based on the ODA suggested fee guide, and many dental insurance plans pay part of the cost of dentures. If you have CDCP coverage, please ask our team how it may apply to your treatment. We can give you a written estimate before you begin, and payment plans through LendCare may help spread out the cost.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for seniors (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Dentures near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.