I would like to first thank each and every one of you for your patience for these past months. Tough times build tough people and these times lately sure have been very odd. The College of Denturists has given us the green light to start repairing, adjusting, relining, and fabricating dentures again with a few new safety precautions.

First of all, we kindly ask every patient to wear a mask into the office. We are trying to minimize patient walk-ins as best as possible so please call ahead to book an appointment time. If you have been here before the first difference you will notice is the signage outside the front door before entry. Please read the brief notes as the door will be locked. Press the doorbell (which is disinfected after each press) to let us know you are here. Erin or I will come to the door to ask you a few questions and read your temperature with a non-contact thermometer.

Don’t worry! The same friendly smiles are here but hidden behind masks and face shields. We will enter and use the motion sensor hand sanitizer machine before passing our plexiglass reception shield to be seated in the operatory. You will perform an oral rinse before I will come into the operatory to see you. Your health and safety are our number one concern and we take pride in our responsibility to one another.

Please give us a call to book your appointment and feel free to ask any questions before your arrival. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of change.

Sincerely,
Erin and Wesley

Our new office hours starting from Oct 1st will be:

Monday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Wednesday Office open at 8:00am
12:00pm – 8:00 pm (denturist on site)
Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday-Sunday Closed

Annual Check-up (Recall)

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ANNUAL CHECK UP?

A regular check-up with your Denturist is the most effective way for you and your dentures to get the care and attention you both deserve. To ensure you are getting maximum comfort, chewing efficiency and appearance.

TISSUES AND BONE

Over time, your mouth goes through considerable changes. Tissue shrinkage and loss of underlying bone (resorption) on which your dentures rest will occur. Since your dentures do not change, they may no longer fit like they once did.

ORAL CAVITY

Having an annual oral exam may prevent or help detect the existence of oral cancer or other abnormal conditions.

MEDICAL OR DENTAL HISTORY

Updating both medical and dental history is an important step toward quality denture treatment.

FIT AND BITE OF YOUR EXISTING DENTURE

Worn out dentures can cause improper fit and bite which can lead to other problems. They can also cause changes in your ability to bite, your speech and your appearance.

THE INTEGRITY OF YOUR DENTURES

Your Denturist will check for cracks, chips, scratches and worn or loose teeth.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR ANNUAL CHECK UP

  • update your dental and medical history
  • intra-oral examination
  • check the integrity of your denture
  • check the esthetics, stability and the bite
  • discuss options available to you based on your needs
  • review of oral hygiene procedures and denture care
  • cleaning and polishing of your dentures

Every year during the holiday season we at the Wesley Shanks Hanmer Denture Clinic, enjoy giving back to our community by choosing a local charity.  This year we have chosen a charity that is very dear to our hearts, the Maison McCulloch Hospice.  We have been collecting donations all year and we are so grateful that our patients have been more than generous.  We are now selling tickets for a beautiful basket from Smith’s market, all proceeds will be donated to this wonderful organization.

 We encourage everyone to come into the Wesley Shanks Hanmer Denture Clinic in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, to purchase your tickets for your chance to win.

Cleaning Your Dentures

Partial or full dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best.

Step 1. Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Place a towel or fill the sink with water to avoid breakage in case the denture is dropped.

Step 2. Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth, tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth (palate).

Step 3. Remove and gently clean your dentures with a denture brush and non-abrasive tooth paste. (We recommend hand soap or dish soap)

Step 4. Soak dentures overnight in a denture cleanser. (NovaDent- sold here)

Step 5. Rinse your dentures before inserting them in your mouth to remove any denture cleanser.

Step 6. Enjoy your fresh, clean smile.

How much do dentures cost?

Denture prices vary widely depending on the materials used. One can expect to pay at least a couple thousand dollars for a set of dentures.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of dentures?

Most dental insurance companies cover some or all of the cost of dentures, making them very affordable. The insurance company should be contacted to determine the exact amount of coverage.

How long do dentures last?

If cared for properly, dentures should last a minimum of 5 years. Over time, the bone shrinks and causes the denture to become loose. The rate that this happens varies with each individual but can be controlled by visiting a dentist regularly to ensure that the denture is fitting properly. An ill-fitting denture causes the bone to shrink more rapidly. To prolong the life of a denture, a dentist will often use a denture liner to refit the internal surface of the denture to the oral tissues.

Minor fractures in the teeth or acrylic base can usually be repaired by a dental lab in 1 to 2 days. Denture repair kits are even sold at most drugstores and online to fix minor cracks or replace loose teeth. Repairing the denture properly can be complicated, however, so if denture problems are noticed, it is best to contact a general dentist as soon as possible to arrange the denture repair.

By: Medical Author: Steven B. Horne, DDS