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It's more than a denture, it's your smile!
    • Ivoclar Vivadent
    • Ivoclar Vivadent is a global leader in innovative materials and processes for quality, esthetic dentistry. The company employs more than 3,200 people and operates in over 120 countries throughout the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to some of the most frequently ask questions select from the dropdown list below. If you can not find the answer to your question, feel free to send us a message in the Contact Section.

  • I want dentures. Where do I start?
    • The best starting point to see if dentures are an option for you is to see a dental professional that specializes in dentures. You can also click on resources to search for a specialist in your area.
  • What is a prosthodontist?
    • A prosthodontist is a specialist with additional years of training after dental school who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, including dentures for even the most complex cases.
  • Can I get dentures from Ivoclar Vivadent?
    • Ivoclar Vivadent is a manufacturer of high quality dental products available for purchase by dental professionals. These products are used in the fabrication of all types of dental restorations including dentures. Ivoclar Vivadent is not a dental clinic or a dental lab, but we can help you locate a dental professional that uses our products. Simply click on resources to search for a specialist in your area.
  • What is a Denturist?
    • Denturists are licensed to fabricate, repair and adjust complete dentures, partial dentures and removable implant retained dentures. Their professional designation is DD, which stands for Diploma in Denturism. A Denturist's practice is devoted to the fabrication and repair of dentures. You can go directly to a Denturist for treatment without a referral from another health care practitioner. Unlike other health care practitioners who provide dentures, most Denturists' laboratory work is done in-house on the premises and by the Denturist who sees the patient chairside. Denturists are uniquely qualified to provide quality, custom dentures.
  • What types of dentures are there?
    • Dentures may replace all the teeth or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing.
  • What is the average cost of dentures?
    • Denture fees vary widely based on what type and the quality of denture you receive. The best way to determine fees for service is to visit with your dental professional or prosthodontist and discuss the care you may need. You may also contact your state or local dental society to find out if the organization has any resources for the public related to the cost of dental services.
  • How long will dentures last?
    • Your dentures will not last indefinitely. The average life of a denture is about five to seven years. Natural teeth wear down and stain over the years and your dentures will too. The tissue in your mouth undergoes constant change, therefore your dentures will require adjusting and relining periodically in order to continue to fit correctly. This time will vary and depend upon such factors as individual tolerances, habits and the length of time you have had dentures. It is wise to see your dental professional at least once every year so that needed corrective measures may be taken and serious problems avoided. And be sure to see your dental professional at the first sign of irritation or frequent sore spots, no matter how minor you may feel it to be.
  • Can you brush your dentures with toothpaste?
    • No, toothpastes are designed to be used on teeth, and they often contain materials and chemicals that help whiten and strengthen teeth, but may harm dentures, which are made of a very durable plastic. Even though the plastic is strong, it is not as strong as the enamel of teeth and may be scratched by using toothpaste to clean your dentures. You should use a special denture brush to clean your dentures by hand every day. After rinsing them thoroughly, soak your dentures in water-based cleaning solution overnight. Do not use bleach on your dentures unless your dental professional gives you special instructions on using bleach.
  • How should I clean my dentures?
    • Ideally, your dentures should be cleaned after every meal. If this is impractical, clean them as soon after eating as possible. Plaque is an invisible bacterial film that forms gradually, not only on natural teeth, but on dentures as well. Once it hardens, plaque turns into calculus, which is an open invitation to bacteria, irritations, gum disease, digestive problems, bacterial stomatitis, to name but a few of the harmful consequences of inadequate denture hygiene. To minimize staining, properly clean your dentures daily to remove food and plaque bacteria. Brushing with a denture brush will prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and keep your mouth healthy. Moisten the brush and apply a non-abrasive denture paste (regular toothpaste is too abrasive). Brush every surface, inside and out, scrubbing gently. A variety of over-the-counter denture cleanser products may be safely used (by following the manufacturer's instructions) to remove most stains. However, more stubborn stains may require removal by your dental professional. It is also recommended that you gently brush your tongue, gums and the roof of your mouth with a moistened, soft-bristle brush. This daily one-minute massage stimulates your circulation and tones your gum tissue, while ridding your mouth of bacteria.
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