Will Wearing Dentures Change Your Face Shape?

Will Wearing Dentures Change Your Face Shape?

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Blog

When some people get new dentures, they are surprised by how different they look. Each denture-wearer is different—and their reasons for needing dentures vary. But a common outcome for everyone who wears dentures is that it will change the shape of your face—here’s why!

Realigns Your Jaw

For patients wearing full or partial dentures, they may have previously gone through a long period of time without some or all of their teeth. This lack of oral structure may have caused their jaw to become misaligned to compensate for the missing teeth. New dentures give your mouth structure again—and puts your jaw back into a more natural position. This readjustment will likely cause some positive cosmetic changes to your face, like symmetry and more prominent jaw position.

Fullness in Cheeks

Upper and lower teeth give your mouth substance and create a fullness in your cheeks. If you haven’t had full teeth for a while, your new dentures can make it feel like your cheeks are “puffy”—but they are returning your face to a more natural shape. It can be hard for patients to notice their cheeks are slightly sunken near the areas of their mouth that don’t have teeth, but the fullness is noticeable again once those gaps are filled by a set of dentures.

Sagging Jowls

Some older denture patients notice a change in their face shape that isn’t so desirable. Their lack of teeth, bone reabsorption, and receding gums can cause a sallow or sunken appearance along the jawline. Dentures add back some of the volume to give the mouth a fuller look, but they don’t replace the muscle, fat, and tissue that may have been lost during tooth extraction.

Improved Appearance

Many denture patients experience an improvement in their appearance because they have more structure in their mouth, increased fullness in their face, and a bright, beautiful smile. It just takes some getting used to. At Community Denture Centre, we work with you to properly align your dentures and find your perfect fit!
Portrait elderly man with candid wide smile looking

Book Your Free Consultation

Community Denture Centre specializes in precision dentures designed for performance and comfort. We proudly serve the South Okanagan Region with offices in Oliver and Penticton. Contact us today to book your appointment or free consultation.
Tips to Quickly Get Used to Wearing Dentures

Tips to Quickly Get Used to Wearing Dentures

by | Jun 9, 2022 | Blog

Adjusting to new dentures can take some getting used to. Even though they look natural and give you back your smile after tooth damage or loss, they’re not your original teeth. For most new denture-wearers, it can take up to a month to become comfortable wearing them. In addition to adapting to a new way of smiling, eating, speaking, and drinking, your mouth is also getting used to the feeling and functionality of dentures. Community Denture Centre understands this period of adjustment—we’ve created this quick guide to help you quickly adapt!

Prepare for Initial Discomfort

For most people new to wearing dentures, there is an initial period of discomfort—usually lasting around 30 days. Being prepared can help you get through this period and understand that any pain or irritation you may feel is just temporary. Tricks like wearing denture soft liners will provide some cushion between your dentures and your soft gum tissue. Keep in mind that you may also experience some minor jaw pain as your mouth adjusts to no longer having natural teeth.

Eat Soft Foods

Learning to bite and chew with your new dentures may feel a bit different too. To help with your new set of teeth, start with softer foods. Foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal can help you adapt to your new smile without causing additional irritation. Softer foods can also prevent your dentures from shifting during eating, which may cause gum soreness during the first few weeks.
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Avoid Sticky Foods

Certain foods can stick to dentures and cause increased movement of your dental appliance as you chew or try to remove the stuck-on bits with your tongue. Chewing on sticky foods like caramel and hard candies can cause your dentures to move or shift in your mouth and increase gum inflammation. In addition, sticky foods can also make it hard to clean your dentures properly.

Book A Free Consultation

Community Denture Centre specializes in custom dentures designed for comfort and performance. If you are thinking it’s time to replace a tooth, or upgrade your current dentures, give us a call. We have 2 offices to serve the South Okanagan Region in Penticton and Oliver. Contact us today to book your appointment or free consultation.

Can You Wear Dentures Overnight?

Can You Wear Dentures Overnight?

by | May 26, 2022 | Blog

Wearing dentures for extended periods can be beneficial for the wearer because it makes your false teeth feel more natural and second nature. Wearing dentures overnight, however, is not recommended. We wrote this article to help you understand the risks associated:
  • Potential bone loss: Wearing your dentures while you sleep can put additional pressure on your gums and accelerate bone loss and gum resorption. Putting your dentures away for the night relieves gum pressure and allows the bone underneath time to strengthen.
  • Loose fit and misalignment: With the added pressure on your gums and resulting bone loss, wearing your dentures overnight can cause your dentures to fit loosely during the day. A loose fit can cause irritated gums, abrasions, and difficulty biting or chewing.
  • Increased bacterial growth: Taking your dentures out at night gives you a chance to clean and sanitize them properly. It also allows you to properly clean your mouth with a sanitizing rinse. Wearing dentures overnight can lead to bacterial overgrowth and gum infections.
  • Promotes gum inflammation: Wearing dentures at night can block the natural flow of saliva and make your mouth dry. This lack of moisture can lead to oral thrush and swollen, inflamed gums. The denture itself can also shift and rub against your gums as you sleep, leading to abrasions, sores, and potential infection.
  • It might damage your dentures: Wearing dentures while you sleep may cause damage to them. Since the inside of the mouth is acidic, it can cause premature deterioration if you wear them all the time. You should remove your dentures for at least 6 hours each day—they should be cleaned or placed in an anti-bacterial solution.
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Contact Us for An Appointment Today!

Thinking it’s time to consider dentures? Community Denture Centre specializes in making custom dentures designed for long-lasting performance and comfort. We proudly serve the South Okanagan with offices in Oliver and Penticton. Contact us today for a free consultation or to book an appointment.

Tips to Help Your Denture Implants Heal

Tips to Help Your Denture Implants Heal

by | Apr 18, 2022 | Blog

It takes time for your gums to heal when you get denture implants. It’s common for the tissue around each implant to be sore and inflamed for a few days after the procedure, while full recovery can take several months. The following tips can help make your healing process more comfortable and help reduce the risk of infection.

Relax and Recharge

One of the most effective ways to let your body heal is to rest. Resting allows your body time to regenerate cells and heal damaged tissues. After your procedure, take time off and listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired or sore, take a nap and get plenty of sleep.

Eat Healthy, Soft Food

After your procedure, your denturist will likely give you a list of recommended foods to eat. It’s not surprising that most of the foods on that list are nutritious and don’t require much chewing. Foods like smoothies, soup, and broth are ideal for post-procedure because there’s no risk of sharp food particles jabbing into your tender gum tissues. Cold foods like frozen yogurt can also soothe your gums.

Drink Lots of Water

To help with the healing process, it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Water keeps your mouth moist and fresh and helps keep it clean by removing food particles and harmful bacteria. Water also helps your cells to function so that they can heal more quickly.
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Use a Saltwater Rinse

If you’ve ever had a tooth extraction before, you might remember your dentist recommending a saltwater rinse. Salt helps to keep your mouth clean and reduces bacteria around your incisions. Salt water can reduce irritation and inflammation and soothe any gum soreness. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and swish in your mouth for 20 seconds before spitting out. It is safe to use saltwater rinses several times per day.

Keep Your Teeth and Mouth Clean

Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush and using antiseptic mouthwash are essential during the healing process. Keeping your teeth and mouth as clean as possible in the days following your procedure will help reduce the risk of infection.

Your Denture Experts – Just a Phone Call Away!

With offices in Oliver and Penticton, Community Denture Centre specializes in precision dentures designed for performance and comfort. We proudly serve the South Okanagan region for custom dentures, repairs, and replacement. Call us with any questions or to arrange a free consultation.

How to Get Replacement Dentures Fast

How to Get Replacement Dentures Fast

by | Mar 30, 2022 | Blog

When properly taken care of, a pair of dentures usually lasts from seven to ten years. To make sure that your dentures perform properly and aren’t causing painful sore spots they should be replaced regularly. The typical wait time for new dentures to be made is three to six months. But it is possible to get dentures more quickly or to have “immediate” or temporary dentures made.

Do I need to replace my dentures?

Dentures should be replaced at least every ten years to make sure they stay in proper alignment and to make sure the gums underneath aren’t becoming sore or damaged. If dentures get lost or are stolen, we are happy to help!

How quickly can I get a new set of dentures?

Give us a call and we can tell you when you will need to book an appointment for a regular replacement. It’s best to book ahead at either of our locations. We will ensure your replacement dentures are ready before your old set wears out.

What if I need replacement dentures right away?

If your dentures break or are lost or stolen, we offer a pair of temporary or “immediate” dentures. Also known as “same-day” dentures, they are crafted using a mould and 3-D printed to match the shape of your mouth. Although they aren’t intended to be used long-term, they can be useful to wear until your permanent replacement dentures are ready.
If your dentures break or are lost or stolen, we offer a pair of temporary or “immediate” dentures. Also known as “same-day” dentures, they are crafted using a mould and 3-D printed to match the shape of your mouth. Although they aren’t intended to be used long-term, they can be useful to wear until your permanent replacement dentures are ready.

Give us a call!

Since dentures need to be replaced regularly, it is important to speak to your denturist when you are nearing the 7-year mark. Being prepared to replace your dentures can help ensure that you have functioning teeth and a bright smile without any interruption.

Community Denture Centre is the South Okanagan’s first choice for custom dentures, repairs, and replacement. With offices in Oliver and Penticton, we specialize in precision dentures designed for performance and comfort. Contact us today to arrange a visit!

Do Celebrities Wear Dentures?

Do Celebrities Wear Dentures?

by | Mar 16, 2022 | Blog

When most people think of their favourite celebrity, they see a beautiful face and a big, bright smile. To succeed in Hollywood, celebrities need to have the “It Factor.” A big part of what makes them stars is how they use their smile to connect with audiences. Cosmetic dental work is widespread in the entertainment industry. More celebrities than you think have full or partial dentures.
  • Tom Cruise: Known for his “megawatt” smile, Tom Cruise is arguably the most famous celebrity to wear dentures. In his early career (remember The Outsiders?), his teeth were very crooked, and there was a pronounced gap between his two front teeth. He began wearing dentures in the early 2000s at the height of his fame.
  • Miley Cyrus: It’s not surprising that Miley’s nickname when she was younger was “Smiley” because her smile is one of her best features. She started wearing dentures midway through her Hannah Montana series because her adult teeth were growing in crooked with pronounced canines.
  • Ben Affleck: When Ben got his early start in films like School Ties and Good Will Hunting, he had a boyish smile with moderate gaps between his front teeth. In the late 1990s, Ben began wearing dentures to give his teeth a consistent shape and bright white appearance.
  • Emma Watson: During the filming of the first Harry Potter film, Emma wore dentures for cosmetic reasons—to conceal the gaps between her baby teeth.
  • Keith Richards: The Rolling Stones guitarist began wearing a partial set of dentures in his 70s. His teeth and gums suffered damage from years of hard drinking and drug use, but recent pictures of the star show how dentures restored his smile.
Celebrities are paid to entertain and look their best. A big part of that is ensuring they have bright, attractive smiles. But celebrities aren’t the only people who can benefit from personalized dentures—anyone can get a boost of confidence and functionality with custom dentures.
Mirthful senior citizen smiling during a dental treatment

Chat With Us About the Possibilities

With offices in Oliver and Penticton, Community Denture Centre is South Okanagan’s top choice for custom dentures, repairs, and replacement. We specialize in custom dentures built with precision for performance and comfort. To arrange a free consultation, contact us today.