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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Complete and Partial Dentures in Hillcrest
Missing several teeth or all of them? Hillcrest patients can compare complete and partial dentures at our Port Dover office and plan fittings and adjustments.
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Hillcrest patients are seen at our Port Dover office
Browse every service for HillcrestReplacing several teeth
The right denture depends on the teeth you still have.
A complete denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while a partial denture fills gaps between remaining natural teeth. Both can restore appearance and help with chewing and speech, though they feel different from natural teeth and take time to get used to. Understanding the choices helps you set realistic expectations before treatment begins.
Patients from Hillcrest can discuss dentures at our Port Dover office. The dentist will examine your mouth, explain which type suits your situation and outline the series of visits usually involved in making and fitting the appliance. You will also hear what adjusting to a new denture tends to feel like in the first weeks.
Assessment
Planning begins with a careful look at your mouth.
Examining remaining teeth and gums
The dentist checks the health of any remaining teeth, the condition of the gums and the shape of the jaw ridges that will support the denture. X-rays may be taken to look at roots and bone. If some teeth are decayed or loose, the dentist will discuss whether they can be kept to support a partial or whether removal is advisable.
Discussing your priorities
Tell the dentist what matters most to you, such as appearance, chewing particular foods, comfort or cost. If you have worn dentures before, describe what you liked and disliked about them. Your priorities help shape the recommendation and allow the dentist to explain trade-offs between different designs and materials honestly, including cost, comfort and upkeep.
Complete or partial
Each type has its own fit, support and care needs.
Complete dentures
Complete dentures rest on the gums and, for upper dentures, the palate. They rely on suction, muscle control and a good fit for stability. Lower complete dentures often move more than upper ones because there is less surface area. Implant-supported options may be discussed if stability is a particular concern, depending on your health and bone.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures use clasps or attachments that grip remaining teeth, along with a base that sits on the gums. They help prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting into gaps. Keeping the supporting teeth healthy is essential, since their loss can affect the denture. Ask about the metal framework and acrylic options and how each might feel.
Making and fitting
Several appointments help get the fit right.
Impressions, bite records and try-ins
The process usually involves impressions of the mouth, recording how the jaws relate to each other and choosing tooth shade and shape. A try-in with teeth set in wax may allow you to check appearance and bite before the denture is finished. Speak up during this stage if anything looks or feels wrong, because changes are easier before completion.
Delivery and early adjustments
When the denture is delivered, the dentist checks fit, bite and comfort. Sore spots are common in the first weeks, and follow-up appointments allow adjustments. Do not try to adjust the denture yourself. Speaking and eating may feel awkward at first, so start with soft foods cut into small pieces and practise reading aloud at home.
Living with dentures
Good care protects your mouth and your denture.
Cleaning and overnight care
Clean dentures daily with a soft brush and a cleaner recommended for appliances, rather than regular toothpaste, which can scratch. Handle them over a folded towel or basin of water to avoid breakage. Many people are advised to remove dentures overnight to rest the gums. Brush remaining natural teeth carefully, especially around clasps where plaque gathers.
Regular reviews
The jaw changes shape gradually after teeth are lost, so a denture that fits well today may loosen over time. Regular checkups allow the dentist to examine the gums, look for sore areas and recommend a reline when needed. Contact the office if you notice persistent sores, cracks or a change in fit between visits.
Planning your appointment
Starting denture care from Hillcrest.
Contact our Port Dover office to book an assessment. Mention whether you currently wear a denture, which teeth are missing and any problems with chewing or comfort you would like to address.
Bring your current denture if you have one, along with a medication list and notes about any past fitting difficulties.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Questions about complete and partial dentures
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
Adjustment varies from person to person. Many people need several weeks to feel comfortable speaking and eating. Follow-up adjustments help with sore spots, and practising with soft foods can make the transition noticeably easier for most people.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
Many dentists recommend removing dentures overnight to let the gums rest and to reduce the risk of irritation and infection. The dentist will give advice for your situation, including how to store the denture when it is out.
Will a partial denture damage my other teeth?
A well-designed partial denture and good hygiene help protect remaining teeth. Plaque can collect around clasps, so careful cleaning is important. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor the supporting teeth and gums closely over time.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures wear and the mouth changes over time, so they may need relining or replacing after a number of years. The dentist will monitor fit at checkups and let you know when a reline or new denture may be worth considering.
Can dentures be made right after extractions?
In some cases an immediate denture can be placed on the day teeth are removed. It usually needs adjustments or relines as the gums heal. The dentist will explain whether this option suits your situation.
Other denture services
Additional Services →Implant-Supported Dentures →
Implants can help a denture stay put while you eat and talk. Hillcrest patients can ask our Port Dover team whether this more stable option suits their mouth.
Denture Repairs and Relines →
A cracked denture or one that has grown loose can often be fixed or refitted. Hillcrest denture wearers can arrange repairs and relines in Port Dover.