A denturist in Thunder Bay is a regulated oral health professional who designs, makes, fits, and repairs removable dentures, and in Ontario you can see a denturist directly without a referral. A dentist, by contrast, manages your overall oral health, including decay, gum disease, extractions, and implants, and can also provide dentures. If you have lost all your teeth and need a complete denture, a denturist is a direct-access option. If you still have natural teeth, or are considering implants, a dental assessment is usually the right first step. This guide explains how the two roles differ, the types of dentures, the process, costs, and how to choose a dentures provider in Thunder Bay.
What Is a Denturist?
A denturist is trained in the design, fabrication, fitting, and repair of removable dentures, including complete dentures for people with no remaining teeth and partial dentures for people who still have some natural teeth.
In Ontario, denturists are regulated by the College of Denturists of Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Denturism Act. Only registrants of the College can practise denturism or use the title “Denturist” in Ontario, and you can check a denturist’s registration using the College’s Find a Denturist tool. In May 2026, the College announced that the Government of Ontario will expand denturists’ scope of practice, so check the College’s site for the latest details.
Denturist vs. Dentist: What Is the Difference?
Area | Denturist | General dentist |
Regulated by | College of Denturists of Ontario | Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario |
Main focus | Removable dentures | Overall oral health |
Complete and partial dentures | Yes | Yes |
Fillings, gum treatment | No | Yes |
Extractions | No | Yes |
Implant placement | No | Yes, where trained, or by referral |
Implant-supported denture prosthesis | Yes, working with the implant provider | Yes |
Referral needed | No | No |
The key difference for patients: a denturist works with removable prosthetics, while a dentist manages the health of your remaining teeth, gums, and bone. If you still have natural teeth with decay or gum disease, those problems should be treated by a dentist before or alongside denture care.
What Services Does a Denturist Provide?
Complete dentures
Full sets of replacement teeth for people who have lost all teeth in one or both jaws, made to fit the shape of the gum ridge.
Partial dentures
Replace one or more missing teeth while natural teeth remain. They attach to or rest against remaining teeth with clasps or precision attachments. Metal-framed partials are often more stable and durable than all-acrylic ones; the right choice depends on your mouth.
Immediate dentures
Made before teeth are removed and placed the same day as the extractions, so you are not without teeth while healing. They usually need adjustments and a reline once the gums settle.
Relines and repairs
As gums and bone change after tooth loss, dentures can loosen. A reline reshapes the fitting surface to match your mouth. Repairs fix cracks, fractures, or broken teeth on the denture.
Implant-supported dentures
A denturist can make the denture that attaches to implants, while a dentist or oral surgeon places the implants.
When Should You See a Denturist vs. a Dentist?
Your situation | Usual first step |
You have no natural teeth and need a complete denture | A denturist or a dentist |
You still have natural teeth | A dentist, to assess and treat remaining teeth and gums |
You have pain, swelling, or a broken tooth | A dentist |
You need teeth removed before dentures | A dentist |
You want implant-supported dentures | A dentist who provides implants, often working with a denturist or lab |
Your existing denture is loose or broken | A denturist or a dentist |
You have a sore, lump, or patch in your mouth that has not healed | A dentist |
If you are unsure where to start, a general dental assessment is a practical first step. It shows how many teeth can be kept, the condition of your gums and bone, and which replacement options suit you.
What Does Getting Dentures Involve?
- Assessment: your mouth, remaining teeth, gums, and bone are checked. Any decay, gum disease, or extractions are planned first.
- Impressions or scans: detailed records of your mouth are taken.
- Bite records: the way your upper and lower jaws meet is recorded.
- Tooth selection: shape, size, and shade are chosen for a natural look.
- Try-in: you test a trial version so fit, bite, and appearance can be adjusted.
- Delivery: the final denture is fitted.
- Adjustments: follow-up visits fine-tune comfort as your mouth adapts.
Getting new dentures usually takes several appointments over a number of weeks. Sore spots, changes in speech, and difficulty with some foods are common at first and usually improve with adjustments and practice.
Conventional Dentures vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
Feature | Conventional denture | Implant-supported denture |
Stability | Relies on fit and suction; may move, especially lower dentures | Clips or fixes onto implants for more retention |
Surgery | None | Implants placed first, then a healing period |
Treatment time | Shorter | Longer |
Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
Bone | Does not stimulate the bone | Implants are anchored in bone |
Many people with loose lower dentures consider implant support. Sky Dental Centre offers implant planning and placement in office, and the team can explain whether implants suit you. Read more about dental implants in Thunder Bay at Sky Dental Centre, dental implants for seniors, and dental implant eligibility.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures usually last several years, but their lifespan depends on how they are cared for, how much the gums and bone change, wear on the denture teeth, and accidental damage. Regular check-ups let your provider assess fit and condition, reline the denture when needed, and recommend replacement when the denture no longer fits well.
Caring for Your Dentures
- Remove and brush dentures daily with a soft brush and a denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste.
- Clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth every day.
- Handle dentures over a towel or a sink of water to prevent breakage if dropped.
- Store them as your provider advises when not in your mouth.
- Do not adjust or repair dentures yourself.
- Keep up regular dental check-ups, even with no natural teeth, so your mouth can be checked for sores or changes.
What Do Dentures Cost, and Are They Covered?
Cost depends on the type of denture, materials, number of appointments, and any extractions or implants needed. Many dental plans cover part of the cost of dentures, often with limits on how often they can be replaced. The Canadian Dental Care Plan includes coverage for some removable dentures for eligible members; check the CDCP coverage page for details. Ask your provider for a written estimate and check your plan before treatment.
Questions to Ask a Dentures Provider in Thunder Bay
- Should my remaining teeth be kept, treated, or removed?
- Which type of denture suits me, and why?
- How many appointments will it take?
- Is a reline or adjustment included after delivery?
- Would implant support help in my case?
- What will it cost, and what might my insurance or the CDCP cover?
Tooth Replacement at Sky Dental Centre
Sky Dental Centre is a general dental practice, not a denturist practice. The team provides dental assessments, dentures as part of restorative care, extractions, crowns and bridges, and dental implant planning and placement, and can coordinate with other providers when a treatment plan requires it. If you are missing teeth and unsure where to start, a consultation at Sky Dental Centre can establish the health of your remaining teeth, gums, and bone and explain the options that suit you. See also our crowns and bridges in Thunder Bay and tooth extractions services.
Adjusting to New Dentures
New dentures take time to get used to. Tips that help many people:
- Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew on both sides at the same time.
- Practise speaking and reading aloud to help speech settle.
- Expect some extra saliva and minor sore spots in the first weeks.
- Book adjustments rather than putting up with ongoing sore spots.
- Use a denture adhesive only if your provider recommends it.
Most people find eating and speaking become easier over several weeks.
Signs Your Dentures Need Attention
- Dentures feel loose or move when you talk or eat
- Sore spots that do not heal
- Cracks, chips, or missing denture teeth
- Clicking sounds or changes in your bite
- Food trapping under the denture
- Changes in how your face looks, such as sunken lips
Contact a denturist or dentist if you notice these, since a reline, repair, or new denture may help.
Dentures for People Who Still Have Some Teeth
If you have some healthy natural teeth, keeping them can help support a partial denture and maintain bone. A dentist can assess which teeth can be saved with treatment such as fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy, and which should be removed. Planning this carefully can make your partial denture more stable and comfortable.
Immediate Dentures: What to Expect
If you need several teeth removed, immediate dentures let you leave the appointment with replacement teeth. In the first months, your gums and bone shrink as they heal, so immediate dentures often loosen and need relines. Some people later have a new denture made once healing is complete. Ask your provider how adjustments and relines are handled.
Choosing a Dentures Provider in Thunder Bay
When choosing a dentures provider, consider whether they assess your overall oral health, explain all suitable options including implant support, provide a written estimate, offer adjustments and relines after delivery, and can coordinate with other providers if needed. Check that a denturist is registered with the College of Denturists of Ontario, or that a dentist is registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
Common Myths About Dentures
- “Once you have dentures, you don’t need dental visits.” Your gums and mouth still need regular checks.
- “Dentures last forever.” Mouths change, so dentures need relines and eventual replacement.
- “Denturists and dentists do the same thing.” Their scopes differ, as explained above.
- “Loose dentures are just something to live with.” Relines or implant support can often help.
Denturist in Thunder Bay: Summary
A denturist is a direct-access option for removable dentures, while a dentist manages your overall oral health and can also provide dentures and implants. If you still have natural teeth, have mouth pain, or want implant support, start with a dental assessment. Either way, choose a registered provider and ask for a written estimate.
Living Well With Dentures
Many people adapt well to dentures with time, regular follow-up, and good daily care. Eating a varied diet, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence often become easier after the first weeks. If something does not feel right, contact your provider early rather than waiting, since small adjustments can make a large difference in comfort.
Key Takeaways
- A denturist makes, fits, and repairs removable dentures and can be seen without a referral.
- A dentist manages overall oral health and can also provide dentures and implants.
- If you still have natural teeth, start with a dental assessment.
- Implant-supported dentures can improve stability for some people.
- Check your registration, coverage, and estimate before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a denturist the same as a dentist?
No. A denturist is regulated by the College of Denturists of Ontario and focuses on removable dentures. A dentist is regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and provides a broad range of dental care.
Do I need a referral to see a denturist in Ontario?
No. You can see a denturist directly. If you still have natural teeth, a dental assessment is usually recommended first.
Can a dentist make my dentures?
Yes. Dentists can assess, plan, and provide dentures. Sky Dental Centre provides dentures as part of its restorative services.
Does the CDCP cover dentures?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan includes coverage for some removable dentures for eligible members. Check the official coverage page and confirm with your provider.
Can a denturist place dental implants?
No. Implant placement is done by a dentist or oral surgeon. A denturist can make the denture that attaches to the implants.
Explore Your Tooth Replacement Options in Thunder Bay
Whether you need a new denture, a reline, or want to know if implant support could help, book an appointment at Sky Dental Centre, 2817 Arthur St E in Thunder Bay. Free parking is available.
*This article is general information, not dental advice for your situation.*