Answers to Common Denture Questions

No. Patients can contact Atrium Denture Clinic directly to arrange a consultation. We also work collaboratively with dentists and dental specialists when treatment requires extractions, implants or other dental procedures.

Yes. A free consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, have your denture needs assessed and learn about treatment options appropriate for your situation.

Yes. Atrium incorporates modern digital scanning and fabrication methods where appropriate while continuing to use proven traditional techniques. The method selected depends on the individual patient and treatment requirements.

Michael Watson DD has been a practising denturist for 26 years and continues his education in areas related to dentures and patient care.

Yes. Atrium coordinates with dentists and dental specialists when required. For example, immediate denture treatment can involve coordination with a dentist for tooth extractions, while implant-supported treatment involves dental professionals who place the implants before Atrium creates or modifies the denture that connects to them.

Yes. Atrium Denture Clinic accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) as well as major private insurance plans. Coverage can vary significantly depending on your plan, treatment and applicable fee schedules, so we recommend discussing your individual coverage with us before beginning treatment.

Even when a plan indicates 100% coverage, it may refer to 100% of the amount recognized by the plan rather than the complete treatment cost. Our team can help you understand what may be covered and what portion, if any, may remain your responsibility.

There is no single cost for denture treatment. Pricing depends on the type of denture, materials, fabrication method, oral health, treatment complexity and other individual factors. A free consultation allows us to assess your needs and discuss appropriate options.

Well-designed dentures can look very natural. Tooth size, shape, shade, position and facial support are all considered during the design process to create a result that suits you.

Your gums and supporting bone naturally change over time, while your dentures remain the same shape. These changes can eventually affect fit, stability and comfort. A reline or replacement may be recommended depending on the condition of the denture and the amount of change in your mouth.

Dentures should generally be removed for several hours each day to allow the gums and supporting tissues to rest.

Atrium's patient information notes that adapting to new dentures typically takes approximately six to eight weeks. Some patients may experience soreness, speech changes, increased saliva or difficulty eating as their mouth adapts.

Dentures can be customized through the selection and arrangement of tooth size, shape and shade. Michael encourages patient feedback during the try-in process so you can participate in determining the appearance of your new smile.

No. Complete dentures are artificial replacements that rest on the gums and cannot completely reproduce the stability, sensation or function of healthy natural teeth. Individual results also vary depending on factors such as supporting bone and gums, muscle control, oral health and personal tolerance.

The supporting bone and gums naturally change following tooth loss. Because the denture itself does not change shape with your mouth, gaps can gradually develop underneath it and affect retention and stability. A reline or replacement may eventually be recommended.

For patients who have difficulty with denture movement, implant-supported dentures may provide another option. Dental implants act as anchors that allow attachments within the denture to connect securely to them. Atrium works with local dental specialists who place the implants and provides the denture component of the treatment.

There is no one-size-fits-all price. Cost can vary based on factors such as the type of partial denture, materials, fabrication method, oral health and complexity of treatment. A free consultation allows Michael to assess your individual needs and discuss the options available to you.

Careful attention can be given to the size, shade and arrangement of denture teeth to help them work aesthetically with your natural smile. Michael's background as an award-winning artist and photographer also brings an artistic perspective to denture design.

Your gums and supporting bone can change over time, and natural teeth can gradually shift. Because your partial denture does not automatically change with them, its original fit can eventually be affected.

Atrium's patient care information notes that natural teeth continually shift. If a partial denture is left out for even a few weeks, its fit may change.

Clean your denture after meals and at bedtime using an appropriate denture brush or toothbrush. Good brushing and flossing of your natural teeth are also important because food and plaque can accumulate around partial denture components.

Atrium works with local dental specialists who place the implants. Atrium provides the denture treatment that connects with those implants. Implant-related dental treatment is billed separately by the dental provider.

They can be. Atrium's patient information notes that implant dentures may be designed as fixed non-removable solutions or as dentures that remain removable by the patient. The appropriate approach depends on the individual treatment plan.

Yes. The denture, implant attachments and surrounding tissues require regular cleaning and professional assessment. Retentive clips can wear over time and may need to be replaced.

Attachment clips naturally wear and lose retention over time. Changes in your supporting bone and gums can also affect denture stability, while debris, implant positioning and other factors may contribute to accelerated wear.

As your remaining bone naturally changes, relining may be recommended to restore stability and reduce rocking around the implant components. Your denture should be examined to determine whether a reline is appropriate.

Immediate dentures are typically inserted by your dentist on the same day your teeth are extracted, allowing you to leave with your denture in place.

Yes. Your gums and supporting bone change significantly following extraction. As swelling decreases and healing progresses, spaces can develop beneath the denture and affect its fit. Adjustments, temporary liners or a permanent reline may eventually be required.

Usually, a traditional try-in is not possible because your natural teeth are still present. Michael uses the available information, measurements and his experience to design the new smile within the limitations of immediate denture treatment.

You should initially choose foods that require little or no chewing and gradually progress toward a soft diet as healing and comfort allow. Always follow the post-extraction instructions provided by your dentist.

Not necessarily. Depending on your treatment plan, your immediate denture may be permanently relined and adjusted once healing stabilizes, or it may serve as a temporary denture before a new permanent denture is created.

Loose or unstable dentures, changes in retention, movement while eating or speaking, and new areas of discomfort can indicate that your denture fit has changed. An examination is the best way to determine whether a reline is appropriate.

Atrium's patient information notes that dentures commonly require relining approximately every two to five years. The actual timing depends on how your mouth changes and the condition and fit of your dentures.

No. A reline updates the fitting surface of your existing denture rather than replacing the entire denture.

The bone and gums supporting a denture naturally change over time. Because the denture maintains its original shape, spaces can gradually develop underneath it and reduce its stability and retention.

Not necessarily. The denture's age, condition, bite, tooth wear and other factors need to be assessed. In some situations, replacing the denture may be more appropriate than relining it.

Many types of denture damage can be repaired, but it depends on the location and extent of the damage and the overall condition of the denture. An assessment is required to determine the appropriate solution.

Depending on the condition and design of the denture, a broken, damaged or missing denture tooth may be repairable or replaceable. Atrium can examine the denture and determine what is possible.

No. Atrium's patient care information advises against using household glue to repair a denture. It can interfere with the fit of the broken pieces and make professional repair more difficult.

Repeated damage can sometimes indicate an underlying issue with denture fit, bite or wear. Because your mouth changes over time, an older denture may no longer be supported in the same way it was when originally made.

Keep the denture and any broken pieces together and contact Atrium Denture Clinic. Avoid attempting to repair or modify the denture yourself before it can be professionally assessed.

A soft liner creates a more cushioned surface between the denture and supporting gums. It may be recommended when the oral tissues would benefit from a softer fitting surface.

Not always. Some softer lining materials are used temporarily while gums and supporting tissues heal or change. Your individual treatment plan will determine how the liner is used and when it should be reassessed.

It may help in certain circumstances, but denture soreness can have several causes. Your denture and oral tissues should first be assessed to determine why the discomfort is occurring and whether a soft liner is appropriate.

Temporary lining materials may be used as part of immediate denture treatment. As the mouth heals following extractions, these materials can help accommodate changes in the gums and supporting tissues.

No. A soft liner provides cushioning, while a traditional permanent reline updates the fitting surface of an existing denture to reflect changes in the shape of the mouth.

Your denture and the implant components in your mouth should be cleaned daily. Pay particular attention to the attachment areas where food and plaque can accumulate.

Yes. Retentive clips and inserts naturally wear with use and may eventually require replacement. If your denture feels less secure than it previously did, the attachment components should be assessed.

Yes. Attachment components can wear, and the gums and supporting bone beneath the denture continue to change. Either factor can affect denture stability and retention.

Yes, when appropriate. Changes in the supporting tissues can cause the denture to rock or lose support even though it remains connected to the implants. A professional assessment can determine whether relining is recommended.

A water flosser can be helpful for cleaning around implant components and difficult-to-reach areas. Atrium can provide guidance based on your individual implant and denture system.