High River Location: 403-652-1111
(On Macleod Trail across from George Lane Park & Highwood Memorial Centre)
Claresholm Location: 403-625-1700
GERARD MERCIER GAVE ME THE TEETH I HAD BEEN DREAMING ABOUT
I don’t smile behind my hands anymore and because of Gerard Mercier, I feel like a whole new person.
- Tracey B.
COMPREHENSIVE COMPLETE DENTURES SERVING HIGH RIVER & OKOTOKS
Full dentures are used to replace teeth when no teeth are remaining. The teeth are made of prefabricated acrylic, which comes in many sizes, shapes, and shades. High River Denture Clinic provides complete dentures, serving High River and Okotoks individuals who have experienced full tooth loss in one or both arches. We specialize in making superior-quality sets of full dentures in High River.
Making a quality set of full dentures usually takes five appointments. Every patient presents with a unique shape of their oral tissue and the relationship of their upper and lower jaws. Each patient also has unique aesthetic requirements depending on the size, shape, and tone of their face and jaws. Each of these five appointments is crucial for a final denture that looks, fits, and works well. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment to discuss your complete denture requirements.
WHY CHOOSE COMPLETE DENTURES?
Complete dentures are typically recommended when a patient has lost all natural teeth in one or both arches. They serve as a practical solution for full edentulism.
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Indications:
Complete tooth loss due to decay, gum disease, or trauma.
Difficulty with chewing and speaking due to missing teeth.
Deteriorating oral structures where other restoration methods are not viable.
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Non-surgical option: Unlike implant-supported solutions, traditional complete dentures do not require surgical placement, making them accessible to a wider group of patients.
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Removability: These dentures can be taken out daily for cleaning and care, which supports oral hygiene and ease of maintenance.
At High River Denture Clinic, we strive to provide complete dentures to High River and Okotoks residents that suit the patient’s clinical requirements and daily functional needs. Call us today to learn more about all our denture services.
CONVENTIONAL DENTURES
Conventional Dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. Conventional dentures are ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
IMMEDIATE DENTURES
Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal; therefore, immediate dentures would usually require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made. The healing process is slower as it can take months for your bone and tissue to stabilize after tooth extractions.
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Restored function:
Supports basic functions such as chewing and speaking.
Helps maintain facial structure by supporting facial muscles.
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Custom fit:
Each denture is fabricated to match the patient's unique oral contours.
Multiple try-in phases allow for adjustments before final fitting.
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Improved appearance:
Artificial teeth are designed to closely resemble natural teeth in shape and colour.
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Affordable replacement option:
Compared to other dental restorations, complete dentures can be more cost-effective, especially for those requiring full-arch replacement.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMPLETE DENTURES?
Complete dentures provide several functional and aesthetic advantages for individuals experiencing total tooth loss.
Our team at High River Denture Clinic aims to provide solutions that meet clinical needs and maintain day-to-day functionality.
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Factors That Influence Lifespan:
Material wear: Acrylic bases and artificial teeth wear down over time.
Bone and gum changes: Jawbone shrinkage and gum resorption can alter fit.
Daily use: Regular chewing, cleaning, and handling contribute to wear and tear.
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Sign Replacement May Be Needed:
Persistent discomfort or sore spots.
Difficulty in speaking or chewing.
Visible cracks, chips, or discolouration.
Looseness or lack of suction.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE COMPLETE DENTURES AND WHAT AFFECTS THEIR LIFESPAN?
Complete dentures typically require replacement every 5 to 10 years, depending on several factors.
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Average lifespan:
5 to 10 years with proper maintenance.
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Maintenance tips:
Rinse and clean dentures daily with a denture-specific cleanser.
Avoid using boiling water or harsh chemicals.
Handle with care to avoid drops and fractures.
Store in clean water when not in use.
HOW LONG DO COMPLETE DENTURES LAST?
The durability of complete dentures depends on the materials used and the level of care they receive.
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Routine check-ups:
Annual visits to a denturist can help identify early issues and ensure the fit remains comfortable and functional.
GETTING USED TO YOUR DENTURES
It will take a bit of time to get used to your new denture, particularly if it is your first. Unfortunately, a full denture will not feel like your teeth did when you had them. They should, however, become comfortable and functional with time.
SPEAKING
At first, you will have some difficulty with speaking, and this is to be expected.
EATING
It is unpredictable how well you will adapt to eating. Some patients can chew just about anything, whereas others find they are limited in how well they can chew. All patients, however, do improve with practice, time, and a bit of patience.
DENTURE FIT
However, the lower denture does not develop this suction due to the different shapes of the lower jaw.
Once again, this takes time, and it is not possible to predict how well each patient will adapt. Denture adhesives can help, but we recommend you don't use them during the first few weeks of wearing your new denture.
READY TO BE FITTED FOR YOUR DENTURES?
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Initial consultation:
Comprehensive oral examination and medical history review.
Discussion of patient needs and expectations.
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Impressions and measurements:
Precise moulds are taken to create a base model for fabrication.
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Try-in and adjustments:
A wax model is used to check fit and aesthetics.
Adjustments are made as needed.
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Final fitting:
The denture is inserted and checked for comfort, suction, and alignment.
Instructions on care and cleaning are provided.
THE COMPLETE DENTURE PROCESS AT HIGH RIVER DENTURE CLINIC
Patients can expect a multi-step process that ensures accuracy and comfort.
Initial follow-up: Scheduled check-ups to address sore spots or pressure areas.
Long-term monitoring: Annual assessments to evaluate fit and condition.
Adjustments and relining: Over time, relining may be needed to restore proper fit due to oral tissue changes.
High River Denture Clinic provides ongoing care to ensure the long-term function and comfort of complete dentures, serving High River and Okotoks. Contact us today.
POST-FITTING SUPPORT AND CARE
After receiving complete dentures, patients benefit from continued support to maintain oral health and denture performance.
