Frequently
Asked Questions

General FAQs

What happens at my first appointment?

When you arrive, our front desk staff will welcome you and help you get started with paperwork. New patients should arrive 10–15 minutes early, or you can complete the New Patient Forms online ahead of time. If you need help, our team is happy to assist.

 

  • Meeting your denturist

    After the forms are done, you’ll meet your denturist. We’ll review your medical history, examine your mouth and any existing dentures, and discuss your needs and concerns. Based on this, we’ll explain your treatment options and recommend what’s best for you.

 

  • Your questions & insurance

    We’ll take the time to answer all your questions and, if you have dental benefits, we’ll submit insurance estimates to see what may be covered.

 

  • Starting the treatment

    In most cases, we can start treatment at the same visit by taking preliminary measurements or scans. This helps reduce the number of appointments and speeds up your care.

How much do dentures cost?

This is one of the most common questions we get. Because every mouth is different, it’s not possible to give an accurate price over the phone without an in-person assessment by a denturist.

Denture costs can range from about $520 to $25,000, depending on the type of denture, materials used, and your specific oral condition.

That’s why we offer complimentary consultations. During your visit, a denturist will assess your mouth, discuss your needs and goals, and then present the treatment options and exact pricing that best suit you.

How often should dentures be replaced?

Dentures are typically replaced every 5 to 8 years. To help maintain a proper fit, a reline is usually recommended every 2 to 3 years.

Dentures tend to fit, function, and look their best during the first few years. Over time, natural changes in your gums and jawbone can cause them to feel loose—this is normal and unavoidable after tooth loss. Wear on denture teeth can also affect your bite, leading to jaw soreness, headaches, or even denture breakage.

An annual check-up with your denturist at Apple Denture & Implant Solutions helps monitor the condition of your dentures and address issues early, keeping you comfortable and avoiding bigger problems later.

Will my dental insurance cover the cost of my dentures?

After your oral assessment and once you choose the type of denture you need, we will submit insurance estimates to determine what your dental benefits may cover.

If your plan includes denture coverage, repairs and relines are typically covered at about 60–90%, while new or replacement dentures are usually covered at 50–70% of the basic denture cost. If your insurance only covers a basic denture, that amount can still be applied toward a higher-level treatment option if you choose.

Why does my Lower denture fit looser than my Upper one?

This is very common and comes down to anatomy. Upper dentures rely on suction against the roof of the mouth, and since there are no active muscles there, they tend to feel more stable.

Lower dentures sit on a much smaller surface—about one-third the size of the upper—and are surrounded by constantly moving muscles such as the tongue, floor of the mouth, and facial muscles. These movements naturally work against the denture, making it feel looser.

We offer Suction Lower Dentures (SEMCD), which are designed to work with your natural muscle movements rather than against them, improving stability as much as your anatomy allows. About 80% of patients are candidates.
Contact us to book a complimentary consultation to see if SEMCD is right for you.

Why do I need a lower denture? I have been missing my lower posterior teeth for a long time.

A full set of teeth normally includes 28 teeth – 14 on the upper jaw and 14 on the lower (wisdom teeth are extra). Each group has an important role. Front teeth are designed to cut and tear food, while back teeth are wider and meant to grind and chew.

When lower back teeth are missing, chewing force shifts to the front teeth, which can cause them to wear out or be lost more quickly. Replacing missing lower teeth helps restore proper chewing, reduces strain on remaining teeth, and supports better digestion. In the long term, it also helps protect the rest of your natural teeth and maintain overall oral health.

How long will it take to make my new dentures?

Making custom dentures usually takes about 2–4 weeks and 3 main appointments.

Step 1: Preliminary impressions / scans
We take general scans of your mouth and create customized measuring devices or a trial denture to prepare for precise final measurements.

Step 2: Final impressions & try-in (combined visit)
Using the customized devices, we record detailed impressions of your gums along with your jaw and muscle movements to ensure a comfortable fit. At this visit, you’ll also choose the tooth shade that best matches your natural smile.
You will then try a 3D-printed prototype of your denture to see how it looks and feels. We check appearance, bite, speech, and function. Once you approve, we move to the final step.

Step 3: Finish
Your final dentures are made based on the approved prototype and are ready to take home. A short follow-up visit is scheduled after insertion to make any final adjustments and ensure everything feels just right.

At Apple Denture & Implant Solutions, our goal is to provide comfortable, natural-looking dentures that help you feel confident and keep you smiling.

How do I keep my dentures clean?

Clean your dentures daily to prevent plaque, stains, bad breath, and gum irritation.

  • Remove and brush your dentures after each meal, then rinse with water.
  • Use a denture brush and liquid dish or hand soap.
  • Never use toothpaste on dentures—it is abrasive and can cause scratches.
  • Use a separate toothbrush and regular toothpaste to clean your natural teeth, tongue, and gums.
  • At night, remove your dentures and soak them in a denture cleaner.

Never use bleach—it can weaken and discolor your dentures. Always follow the cleaner’s instructions and make sure it’s suitable for your dentures. We also offer professional cleaning solutions at our clinic for tougher stains.

Is it painful to get dental implants to secure my dentures?

Short answer: no.

Dental implant placement is a minor surgical procedure performed by your dentist, usually under local freezing. Once the area is numb, you should not feel pain or discomfort. In fact, placing an implant is often less painful than a tooth extraction, since bone itself has no nerve endings.

If you feel anxious, medication can be prescribed to help you relax. For more complex or full-mouth cases, general chairside anesthesia may be used under the care of a licensed anesthesiologist.

Once healing is complete and the implants have integrated, we will proceed with making your final, secure denture.

Can I make one denture now and the other later if I need both upper and lower dentures?

Short answer: no.

Think of it like buying shoes—you wouldn’t replace just one when both are worn out. Your bite needs to be balanced, with matching teeth on both the upper and lower jaws.

Making both dentures at the same time ensures they work together properly, restoring your comfort, chewing ability, and smile. This balanced approach leads to better function and a higher quality of life.

Digital Dentures FAQs

What are Digital dentures?

Digital dentures use advanced technology to create dentures with an improved fit, comfort, and appearance. They are designed using computer software and made with 3D printing and CAD/CAM milling, allowing for very precise results.

Because the process is computer-controlled, Digital dentures can be made faster and often at a similar cost to conventional dentures, while offering greater accuracy and consistency.
Contact us to learn more about whether Digital dentures are right for you.

Are Digital dentures more expensive than Conventional dentures?

No. Our pricing follows the provincial fee guide, which means Digital dentures are priced similarly to conventional (analog) dentures.

For you, this means you can get more accurate, better-fitting dentures – made with advanced Digital technology – at the same affordable price.

How long will it take to get Digital dentures?

If you already have dentures, we can use them as a reference, which can speed things up. In many cases, your Digital dentures can be ready in as little as 10 days with just 2 appointments.

If you’ve never worn dentures before, the process usually takes 3–4 appointments and can still be completed in about 2 weeks, depending on the clinic’s schedule.

What if I lose my dentures?

If your dentures are lost, we can make a replacement quickly – often within 1 day or even overnight. Partial dentures require more time since we need to fabricate special components.

If you have APPLE NeatFit™ Digital dentures, we keep a digital file of your dentures on record. This allows us to recreate your dentures fast in an emergency, without starting the process from scratch.

Partial Dentures FAQs

What is a Partial denture?

A Partial denture is used when you’re missing some teeth but still have natural teeth remaining. It replaces the missing teeth while fitting securely around your existing ones.

Partial dentures can be made with acrylic, metal, or thermoplastic frameworks and include natural-looking replacement teeth. They attach to your natural teeth with small, discreet clips and are custom-made to provide proper support, comfort, and a natural appearance.

Do Partial dentures need to be removed at night?

Yes. Removable Partial dentures should be taken out at night, cleaned, and stored properly.

Removing them allows your gums and jawbone to rest and recover from the pressure of wearing the denture during the day, helping maintain long-term oral health.

What is the best type of Partial denture?

The most commonly recommended option is a Cast Partial denture. It has a strong metal framework that provides excellent support, durability, and a longer lifespan compared to Acrylic Partial dentures.

At Apple Denture & Implant Solutions, we also offer Hybrid Cast Partial Dentures, which combine the strength and precision of metal with added comfort and durability – giving you the best of both worlds.

Can you eat normally with Partial dentures?

Yes – absolutely. With properly designed, custom-made Partial dentures, you can enjoy all the foods you love.

There may be a short adjustment period as you get used to wearing them, but once adapted, eating should feel comfortable and natural.

What is the difference between Full and Partial dentures?

Full dentures are for people who are missing all of their natural teeth on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They restore your ability to chew, improve speech, and bring back a natural-looking smile and confidence.

Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They replace only the missing teeth and fit around your existing ones. Partial dentures improve chewing and speaking while maintaining a natural appearance.

Are Partial dentures noticeable?

No. Removable Partial dentures are designed to be discreet and natural-looking.

Because they are custom-made for each patient, they fit comfortably, blend in with your existing teeth, and are designed to closely match your natural smile, making them hardly noticeable.

Suction Lower Dentures FAQs

Do Lower Suction Dentures need adhesive to stay in place?

No. Lower suction dentures do not require adhesive.

They stay in place by creating a vacuum seal between the denture and your gums, which helps hold the denture securely without the need for creams or glues.

Are Lower Suction Dentures comfortable?

Yes. Lower Suction dentures are considered the most comfortable type of denture.

Because they rely on suction instead of adhesives, there’s no irritation from over- or under-using denture glue. While the suction feeling may take a short time to get used to, once your mouth adjusts, the denture feels very natural and comfortable.

What are SEMCD (Lower Suction Dentures) and am I a candidate?

SEMCD, or Suction Effective Mandibular Complete Dentures, are a type of Full Lower denture made using specialized Japanese techniques. They are designed to use your remaining bone and natural soft-tissue movement to create suction, helping the denture stay stable and secure. This often reduces or eliminates the need for denture adhesive and can even be an alternative to dental implants.

About 80% of patients are candidates for Lower Suction dentures. Even if full suction isn’t possible, many patients still benefit from Partial suction, which greatly improves stability.

The main reason someone may not be eligible right away is recent lower tooth extractions. The gums need time to heal before suction can be applied safely. Once healing is complete and confirmed by your dentist or denturist, you may become eligible.

Book a complimentary consultation so we can assess your mouth and confirm whether Lower Suction dentures are right for you.

How long do Lower Suction dentures last?

Like all dentures, Lower Suction dentures will eventually need to be replaced. Typically, they last about 5 to 8 years.

With proper daily cleaning and good denture care, their lifespan can often be maximized.

Can food get under Lower Suction dentures?

It’s less likely for food to get trapped under Lower Suction dentures compared to Conventional dentures. The suction seal helps keep the denture more stable, allowing you to eat a wider variety of foods.

That said, food can still occasionally get underneath, so it’s important to remove and clean your dentures and gums daily to maintain comfort and oral health.

Implant Dentures FAQs

Can you sleep with Removable Implant Supported dentures?

In most cases, no. Removable Implant-supported dentures should be taken out daily, cleaned, and soaked in a denture-cleaning solution to remove bacteria and help them last longer.

Sleeping with them in is not recommended unless your dentist or denturist specifically advises that it’s safe for you.

When can I wear dentures after implant surgery?

During the healing period after implant surgery – usually 3 to 6 months – the implants stay covered while they integrate with the bone. During this time, you will wear a Temporary or modified denture.

Once healing is complete, your final Implant-supported dentures will be fitted and attached to the implants.

How do you care for Removable Implant Supported dentures?

Clean them every day to keep them in good condition.

  • Remove your dentures and brush them gently with a denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
  • Soak them daily in a denture cleaning solution.
  • Clean your gums and the areas around the implant posts each day.

Proper daily care helps extend the life of your dentures and keeps your smile healthy and bright.

What foods or drinks should I avoid after dental implant surgery?

During the healing period, avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the area or interfere with implant healing, including:

  • Sugary or acidic items (soft drinks, candy, citrus fruits, tomatoes)
  • Crunchy foods (chips, nuts, cookies, hard fruits)
  • Sticky or chewy foods (gum, raisins, peanut butter)
  • Very hot or very cold foods and drinks
  • Spicy foods
  • Alcohol

These can increase the risk of infection, gum inflammation, or cause the implants to shift before they properly fuse with the jawbone.

How often should Implant dentures be replaced?

Dental implants themselves are designed to last a long time—often 20 to 25 years with proper care. Regular check-ups every few years help ensure they remain healthy and stable.

The Implant-supported dentures that attach to them usually need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years, depending on the type of denture and how much the teeth have worn.

Did Digital dentures change the way Implant dentures are made?

Yes. Digital denture technology has greatly improved how Implant dentures are designed and made.

Using computer-based design, we can create highly accurate, precise restorations. This allows for a wide range of options – from Temporary Acrylic Implant bridges to Full-contour Zirconia bridges – to reliably replace all missing teeth with excellent fit and function.

Denture Reline & Rebase FAQs

What is the difference between a reline and a rebase?

A reline replaces only the inner lining of the denture that touches your gums to improve fit.

A rebase is more extensive. It replaces all of the acrylic base of the denture while keeping the existing teeth. A rebase is used when the teeth are still in good shape, but the denture base needs a major adjustment that a reline alone can’t fix.

How often should you have dentures relined?

It depends on the type of reline and individual factors.

  • Soft relines usually last 1–2 years
  • Hard relines typically last 2–3 years

How long a reline lasts can also depend on denture care, oral hygiene, and natural changes in your gums and jawbone. Regular check-ups help determine when a reline is needed.

Why is denture relining necessary?

Denture relining is a common procedure that helps keep your dentures comfortable and properly fitting as your mouth changes over time.

You may need a reline if:

  • Your dentures feel loose
  • You notice pinching or rubbing on your gums
  • You’ve had teeth extracted
  • Your dentures were recently repaired
  • You’re experiencing ongoing discomfort

Relining improves fit, comfort, and helps prevent further problems.

What is the difference between a hard reline and a soft reline?

The main difference is the material used.

  • A hard reline uses firm acrylic materials similar to the original denture base.
  • A soft reline uses softer, cushioned materials that can feel more comfortable, especially for sensitive gums.

Your denturist will recommend the best option based on your comfort and oral condition.

Why would I need to get my dentures rebased?

A denture rebase is recommended when the denture teeth are still in good condition, but the acrylic base needs major adjustment or replacement.

You may need a rebase if:

  • The denture base is weak or worn
  • Your dentures no longer fit comfortably
  • Your dentures have been damaged or broken
  • You want to convert Immediate dentures into a Permanent set

Rebasing helps restore strength, fit, and comfort without replacing the denture teeth.

Can I reline my dentures myself?

Short answer: no.

Relining dentures on your own often leads to a poor fit, which can irritate your gums and speed up bone and tissue changes. In many cases, it ends up causing more damage, meaning the denture needs extra professional repairs – or in the worst case, complete replacement.

Denture relines should always be done by a qualified denturist to ensure proper fit, comfort, and long-term results.

Full Dentures FAQs

I need Full dentures - where do I start?

The first step is to contact us and book a consultation. Our experienced denturists and licensed denture technicians will assess your mouth and discuss your needs.

Based on how many teeth are missing, jaw health, appearance goals, and budget, we’ll explain your options and recommend the best solution for you. We always start by educating you about your oral health so you can make a confident, informed decision about the denture treatment that fits your lifestyle.

When are Full dentures recommended over Partial dentures?

Full dentures are recommended when most or all natural teeth are missing. If only a few teeth remain and they cannot support a Partial denture, they are usually removed before Full dentures are placed.

Partial dentures are used when some healthy natural teeth remain, as they attach to those teeth for support.

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, contact us for a consultation and we’ll guide you.

Is it possible to get Full dentures the same day as tooth removal?

Yes. These are called Immediate dentures. They are placed the same day your teeth are removed, so you don’t have to go without teeth while your gums and jawbone heal.

Immediate dentures also help you maintain appearance and adjust to speaking more easily during healing. Contact us to learn if Immediate dentures are right for you.

Will my eating habits be affected by my dentures?

There is usually a short adjustment period with any new dentures. You’ll need to learn how to chew properly, and your denturist will guide you through this.

You’ll also receive advice on foods that are comfortable and safe for your dentures. With time and practice, most patients return to eating normally. If you have specific concerns, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Immediate Dentures FAQs

How long does it take to make Immediate dentures?

Immediate dentures are usually made in 1 to 2 weeks. The exact timeline can vary depending on the patient and the clinic.

The process may require several visits to ensure the dentures are properly designed and ready to be placed on the day of tooth removal.

How long do Immediate dentures last?

Immediate dentures are intended as a temporary solution after tooth removal. They are typically worn for 6–8 months while your gums and jawbone heal.

They are not as precise as Permanent dentures, but in some cases, patients choose to have them relined to extend their use until a final set of dentures is made.

Do Immediate dentures look natural?

Yes. Immediate dentures are custom-made from impressions of your mouth and are designed to closely match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth.

They are created to look natural and help maintain your appearance right after tooth removal.

When can I take my Immediate dentures out?

You should not remove your Immediate dentures for the first 24 hours after they are placed. This helps control swelling and supports proper healing.

After the first 24 hours, you may remove them daily for cleaning. After about 1–2 weeks, you can usually begin removing them overnight to allow your gums to rest, unless your denturist advises otherwise.

How much do Immediate dentures cost?

The cost of Immediate dentures varies depending on the design, materials used, and the clinic. In most cases, prices range from about $1,000 to $3,000, though this can vary.

Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.

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