Frequently Asked questions

It depends on your needs. In most cases, two to four implants are required for the lower dentures, and four to eight are implanted in the upper denture.

Often we can modify your existing dentures to work with your new implants. That decision is based upon the condition of your old dentures and your bone and gums.

Your jaw will be numbed to ensure your comfort. You may also choose to have sedation, which will make you drowsy during the procedure. Your dentist will give you pain relief medication to take home, which you may need to take for a short time.

All surgical procedures have associated risks. You could develop an infection post-surgery which might delay healing. Another risk associated with this procedure is nerve damage. Your clinical technician or dentist will advise you of the degree of risk for you. In rare instances, your body rejects the implant.

You should visit your dentist every six to 12 months for a check-up and a clean, just as you would with natural teeth. They will check the condition of the implants and fitting of the denture.

Dentures require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep germs at bay. While your dentures can’t get a cavity, plaque and tartar can still build up on them, so it’s advisable to brush your dentures daily with a soft toothbrush and gentle cleanser (NOT toothpaste or mouthwash). Keep your dentures moist when you are not wearing them by soaking them in warm water or a special solution as recommended by your denturist.

If you have removable dentures, bacteria will still build up on the gums and tongue. Brush your gums, tongue, and the sides of your mouth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Try to avoid dropping your dentures by cleaning them over a sink full of water to minimize impact if they fall. If your dentures do crack, please contact our clinic right away so we can fix them while you wait. Broken dentures can be dangerous to your mouth as well as uncomfortable to wear.

The “All-on-4” technique requires only four angled implants per arch, whereas traditional implants use a minimum of six implants in each arch. This is significant because even if bone deterioration is present, there will be enough suitable, supportive bone to hold the four implants. That’s how “All-on-4” dental implants can save you time and money, and increase the success rate of your dental implants.

No. In some cases, as few as two implants are required for the lower dentures, and sometimes up to eight can be implanted in the upper jaw. The amount and placement of implants is largely dependent upon how much viable bone remains in the jaw.

Dentures Direct does everything in-house at our onsite laboratory. Your new teeth will be crafted by certified dental technicians on-site. That means that every part of your procedure, from initial consultation to surgery, denture placement and ongoing care, happens at the same convenient location.

Yes. The “All-on-4” dental implant technique gives you permanent teeth that are matched to your mouth and facial shape. They not only look like real teeth, they also function like real teeth. No one will notice you have dental implants unless you tell them.

Yes. The “All-on-4” dental implant technique gives you permanent teeth that are matched to your mouth and facial shape. They not only look like real teeth, they also function like real teeth. No one will notice you have dental implants unless you tell them.

Patients who have had dental implant surgery need time for their gums and jaw bones to heal…but they also need teeth right away! That’s why a temporary set of teeth is placed on your implants immediately following surgery. During the healing process, however, shrinkage to the gums and bone will occur as swelling goes down. Once the healing process is complete and these changes to the jaw and gums have stopped, your permanent teeth will be correctly fitted and placed at a follow up visit several months after surgery.

It’s not always necessary to fully replace your current dentures. That decision depends on the condition of your current dentures, as well as the state of your gum tissue and bone. If only partial implants are required, we can often modify your existing dentures to work with the new implants.

Dental implants should be cared for daily just like your natural teeth. Your denturist will review oral hygiene care instructions with you when you receive your implants.

Denturists require more instruction in the clinical and technical aspects of removable dentures than any other oral health care practitioner. The College of Denturists of Ontario considers Denturists to be “Denture Specialists”. At Dentures Direct, the denturists perform much of their own lab work right on the premises, which ensures continuity in your care.

Most denturist fees are covered by dental plans and private insurance. ODSP, OW and other assistance programs may also provide coverage. The administrative staff at Dentures Direct will be able to assist you with what specific services are covered by whom. If you do not have insurance, rest assured that we do offer financing, as well as convenient and flexible payment plans.

Dentures, like any prosthetic, have a shelf life. If your dentures are old, you might not realize how advances to materials and technique have rendered dentures more comfortable and natural-feeling than ever. If you’ve had the same dentures for more than five years, contact us to talk about how replacement dentures might be able to improve your quality of life.

We understand that some patients are more sensitive to dental work than others, so we offer the option of sedation, which will make you drowsy during the procedure. Whether you opt for sedation or to be fully awake, your jaw will also be numbed before the procedure to ensure maximum comfort. Your denturist will also give you pain relief medication to take home, along with instructions for how to take it properly to relieve any pain you experience during healing.

Yes. Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to dentures. They are more expensive, but they more closely resemble the look and feel of strong, natural teeth. To find out if you are a good candidate for implant supported dentures, please schedule a free consultation.

While dental implant surgery has an extremely high success rate, any surgical procedure has associated risks, such as infection or nerve damage. Implants are made from titanium, a substance generally very well tolerated by the body. Your denturist will discuss all the applicable risks with you so you can make an informed decision on what options are best for you.

Yes. You should still visit your dentist every six to twelve months for a dental exam and cleaning. This regular contact will give your dentist the opportunity check the condition of your dentures or implants, advise on appropriate dental hygiene protocols, and examine your replacement teeth for changes to their fit as time goes on.