One common question we receive at our dental clinic in Calgary is, should I choose dentures, or dental implants?

As with any important health care decision, the right choice depends very much on your unique needs. However, there are a few reasons that people opt for dentures instead of implants. In addition to health-related concerns, the cost of each treatment option may play a role in your final decision.

• Dentures are simply less costly than implants, which is one reason for their popularity. Insurance benefits vary by policy, but some companies may be more likely to pay for dentures over implants, depending on the circumstances.
• The health of your jaw and gums is also an important factor. Implants require a healthy jaw and gums, because the artificial root of an implant needs to be firmly anchored. Dentures aren’t as dependent on jaw and gum health.
• If you play a sport or work in a career where the risk of tooth loss is common, dentures allow you to replace missing teeth temporarily, without the worry of exposing implants to potential damage.
• Dentures and implants aren’t the only options for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. Crowns are a good choice for repairing a single damaged tooth, while bridges allow you to replace multiple teeth in the same area.
• There’s not necessary a wrong answer when choosing between implants or dentures, especially if your mouth is otherwise healthy. Your dentist will walk you through the process, and help you make the best choice.

Taking Great Care of Your Dentures Is Easier than You Think

Dentures have a reputation for being difficult to maintain, but in truth good upkeep will simply require a few small adjustments to your daily routine. In many ways, cleaning your dentures is similar to cleaning your natural teeth.

• Your custom fitting actually serves as a tidy bit of preventive maintenance, too. With an accurate fit, your dentures will be easier to clean and have less risk of causing irritation.
• To clean your dentures, brush as you normally would for your natural teeth. Rinse your dentures first, then brush the whole device, not just the artificial teeth. Brush gently, to avoid damaging your dentures.
• Always use a toothbrush and cleaner made for dentures to avoid scratching the surface.  
• Wearing dentures will sometimes cause plaque build-up in areas where you may not normally brush thoroughly. The roof of your mouth, your tongue, and even your cheeks should be part of your brushing routine.
• Clean your dentures separately over the sink with some water to cushion your denture should you drop it during cleaning.  
• If you use adhesives to secure your dentures, speak with your dentist before choosing a brand. The same goes for cleaning products. There are tons of choices for both items, and your dentist will help you identify the best options.
• Storing your dentures properly will extend their lifespan, and minimize the chance of warping. When you remove your dentures, store them in water that’s deep enough to cover the whole device.
• It’s also highly recommended that you bring your appliance in when you get your cleaning and check up so it can be cleaned properly while you’re here. Your dentist can also check for any problems with fit and comfort.

Taking the necessary steps to maintain your dentures only requires a few minutes of your day, and it makes a big difference in your overall comfort. The key is to make it a habit. When you clean your dentures thoroughly each day, it makes the next day’s maintenance that much easier. The steps fit neatly into your normal oral hygiene routine, so it should be a smooth adjustment.

Dental implants, dentures, crowns and bridges are just a few of the many dental services you’ll find at our dental clinic in downtown Calgary. The team at Loreen Wong Dentistry is here to answer your questions, and provide the quality dental care you deserve.