Banish the Brown: A Denturist's Guide to Preventing and Removing Denture Stains

At Sullivan Denture Centre in Surrey, BC, one of the most common questions we hear is: "How long can I expect my dentures to last?" It’s a great question, and the answer is important for budgeting, planning, and maintaining your oral health. The short answer is typically 5 to 10 years. However, the real answer is more nuanced. The physical materials of your denture might hold up well past a decade, but the health and shape of your mouth change constantly. As specialized denturists, we focus not just on the life of the appliance, but on the life of your comfort, fit, and confidence. Here is a breakdown of what determines the longevity of your dentures and why regular maintenance is key to extending their functional life. The 5–10 Year Standard: Why the Clock Starts Ticking For most conventional Complete (Full) Dentures and Partial Dentures, the recommendation is to have them evaluated for replacement around the 5 to 10 year mark. The materials used in modern dentures are durable. The teeth are typically a high-quality acrylic resin or composite, and the pink base is a strong acrylic. So why the need for replacement? It’s not the denture that changes; it’s your mouth. When natural teeth are lost, the jawbone no longer receives the necessary stimulation, leading to a natural process called bone resorption (shrinkage). This means: The bony ridges in your mouth gradually shrink and flatten. Your gums change shape and contour. The once-perfectly-fitted denture now rests on a constantly changing foundation. As your mouth changes, a denture that is too old or ill-fitting can cause more than just discomfort—it can contribute to faster bone loss, lead to chronic sore spots, and negatively impact your facial appearance.

The team at Sullivan Denture Centre is absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful to announce that we have been voted one of the Best Denturists in the 2025 Surrey Now-Leader Readers' Choice Awards ! This prestigious award is a direct reflection of the trust and support we receive from our wonderful community, and it means the world to every one of us. Since day one, our mission has been to provide the highest quality denture services with compassion, expertise, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of our patients. To know that our efforts resonate so deeply with those we serve is the greatest reward we could ask for. "Being voted one of the Best Denturists for 2025 is an incredible honor," says Tricia Thobaben, owner and denturist at Sullivan Denture Centre. "We take incredible pride in our work, striving to create comfortable, natural-looking dentures that restore smiles and confidence. This award is a testament to the dedication of my entire amazing team. Their hard work, professionalism, and caring approach are what make Sullivan Denture Centre a special place, and I am so proud of them. And of course, a huge, heartfelt thank you to our patients and the entire Surrey community for their votes and unwavering support!" We are deeply committed to continuing to uphold the high standards that earned us this recognition. Every smile we help create is a source of immense pride, and we look forward to many more years of serving the Surrey community with excellence and care. Thank you again, for making us your choice as one of Surrey’s Best Denturists. We couldn't have done it without you!

When it comes to your denture care, you have options. While dentists play a vital role in your oral health, there's a specialized professional whose training is entirely focused on a single thing: dentures. This expert is a licensed denturist. At Sullivan Denture Centre, we believe that understanding the unique role and qualifications of a denturist is key to making the best choice for your smile. A Specialized and Focused Education A licensed denturist is a healthcare professional who has completed a rigorous and specialized education solely in the design, fabrication, and fitting of removable dental prosthetics. A denturist's education is concentrated specifically and fully on dentures. This specialized training includes in-depth studies in: Anatomy of the Head and Neck : A deep understanding of the facial muscles, jaw structure, and oral tissues. Biomaterials : Knowledge of the various materials used in dentures and how they interact with the body. Prosthetic Design : The art and science of designing dentures that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Clinical Skills : Hands-on training in taking precise impressions and fitting dentures for optimal comfort and function. This focused expertise means a denturist is a true specialist in their field. The All-in-One Denture Process One of the greatest advantages of visiting a licensed denturist is the seamless, comprehensive process they provide. A denturist handles every step of your denture journey, from the initial consultation and taking impressions to the final adjustments and follow-up care. This single-point-of-contact approach ensures consistency and continuity. At some Denture Clinics, like Sullivan Denture Centre, there is an on-site laboratory. This means your denturist is personally involved in crafting your denture from start to finish. This hands-on control over the entire process allows for greater precision, a faster turnaround time, and the ability to make immediate, on-the-spot adjustments. Beyond the Basics: Expertise in Challenging Cases A licensed denturist's expertise is especially valuable for those with complex needs. They are adept at handling a wide range of situations, including: Immediate Dentures: Creating and fitting dentures immediately after tooth extraction. Implant-Supported Dentures: Working in collaboration with an oral surgeon or dentist to design and fit dentures that are anchored by dental implants for superior stability. Partial Dentures: Precisely designing dentures that fit perfectly around existing natural teeth. Their daily focus on dentures allows them to stay at the forefront of the latest techniques and technologies in denture care, ensuring you receive the most advanced and effective treatment possible. The Final Word When you choose a licensed denturist like those at Sullivan Denture Centre, you are choosing a professional who has dedicated their entire career to perfecting the art and science of dentures. They are your trusted partner in achieving and maintaining a comfortable, functional, and beautiful smile. For denture care that is specialized, comprehensive, and tailored to your unique needs, a denturist is the expert you can rely on.

Facing tooth extraction can be a daunting prospect, but for many, it's also a necessary step towards a healthier, more confident smile. If you're considering or have been recommended immediate dentures, you're likely wondering what to expect in the days and weeks following your extractions. At Sullivan Denture in Surrey, British Columbia, we're here to guide you through this process. The Immediate Denture Process: A Seamless Transition The concept behind immediate dentures is right there in the name: they are custom-made dentures inserted immediately after your natural teeth are extracted. This means you won't have to spend much time without teeth, allowing you to maintain your appearance and chewing function from day one. Here's how it generally works: Initial Impressions : Before your extractions, our expert denturist will take precise impressions of your mouth. These impressions are crucial for creating a denture that fits your unique oral anatomy. Denture Fabrication : Using these impressions, your immediate dentures are meticulously crafted to match the aesthetics and function of your natural teeth, or to achieve your desired new smile. Extraction and Insertion : On the day of your tooth extractions, your dentist will remove the necessary teeth. Immediately afterward, our dentist will insert your new dentures. This acts as a protective bandage for your gums, helping to control bleeding and swelling. Follow-up Appointments and Adjustments : This is a critical phase. As your gums heal and the swelling subsides, your mouth will change shape. You may need follow-up appointments with our denturist for adjustments, relines, or potentially soft liners to ensure a comfortable and stable fit. This is a normal and expected part of the immediate denture journey. The Advantages of Choosing Immediate Dentures Immediate dentures offer several significant benefits for patients undergoing tooth extractions: Maintained Appearance : Perhaps the most immediate advantage is that you never have to go without teeth. This can be a huge boost to your confidence, allowing you to smile and speak without hesitation. Continued Function : While you'll need to start with soft foods, immediate dentures allow you to begin adapting to chewing and speaking with dentures right away, preventing a sudden disruption to your daily life. Protection for Healing Gums : The immediate denture acts as a "bandage," helping to protect the extraction sites and reduce bleeding and swelling during the initial healing phase. Easier Adaptation : Some patients find it easier to adapt to dentures when they are placed immediately, as it allows for a more gradual transition rather than a sudden change. Understanding the Limitations While immediate dentures offer fantastic advantages, it's also important to be aware of their limitations: More Adjustments Required : As your gums heal and shrink, your immediate dentures will become loose and require more frequent adjustments, relines, or soft liners. This is a temporary but necessary part of the process. Initial Discomfort : It's normal to experience some discomfort, soreness, and difficulty with speaking and eating in the initial days. This improves with time and adjustments. Compromised Initial Fit : Because the dentures are made before the extractions, the initial fit may not be as precise as conventional dentures made after complete healing. This is why regular adjustments are so important. Temporary Solution (Often) : Immediate dentures often serve as a transitional appliance. Once your gums have fully healed (typically 6-12 months), a new, more permanent conventional denture can be fabricated for an optimal, long-term fit. Your Partner in Denture Care At Sullivan Denture in Surrey, BC, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality denture care and support. We understand that the journey with immediate dentures involves a period of adjustment, and our compassionate team is here to ensure your comfort and answer all your questions. If you're considering immediate dentures or have recently had extractions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

It's a question many patients ask us: "Will dentures change my face?" The answer is yes, but not in the way you might think. Dentures play a crucial role in supporting your facial structure, and understanding their impact over time is key to maintaining a natural, youthful appearance. The Role of Teeth and Bone Loss When we have a full set of natural teeth, they provide a framework that supports our cheeks and lips. More importantly, the roots of our teeth stimulate the jawbone. This stimulation is essential for maintaining bone density. When teeth are lost, this stimulation ceases, and the jawbone begins to resorb, or shrink. This process is called bone atrophy, and it's the primary cause of facial changes after tooth loss. As the jawbone shrinks, it can lead to several noticeable changes in your facial appearance: Sunken Cheeks and Lips : The lack of support from the underlying bone can cause your cheeks and lips to appear sunken. Protruding Chin : The jawbone's recession can make your chin look more prominent or pointed. Wrinkles : Lines and wrinkles may form around the mouth and lower face, often referred to as a "pin-cushion" appearance. Changes to Facial Height : The distance between your nose and chin can decrease, giving your face a compressed or older look. How Dentures Help Dentures are designed to fill the spaces left by missing teeth and provide the necessary support for your facial muscles. By doing this, they can restore a more natural and youthful look. However, it's important to understand that dentures, particularly conventional ones, do not stop the underlying bone atrophy. While they act as a fantastic cosmetic and functional solution, the jawbone will continue to resorb over time. This gradual bone loss means your dentures, which were once a perfect fit, will eventually become loose. You might notice them slipping, clicking, or causing sore spots. This is a sign that your dentures no longer fit the changing shape of your mouth. The Importance of Regular Relines and Adjustments To combat these changes and maintain a proper fit, relining your dentures is essential. A denture reline involves adding a new layer of acrylic to the inside of the denture to refit it to the new contours of your gums. Regular adjustments and relines ensure your dentures remain comfortable and effective at supporting your facial structure. If the bone loss is significant, a new set of dentures may be necessary to restore optimal fit and appearance. Our denturists at Sullivan Denture Centre are experts at evaluating your jaw and facial structure to ensure your dentures are always providing the best possible support.  The Ultimate Solution: Implant-Supported Dentures For those who want to prevent further bone loss, i mplant-supported dentures are the most effective solution. Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act like artificial tooth roots, providing the stimulation necessary to preserve bone density. By anchoring dentures to implants, you not only gain superior stability and chewing power but also address the root cause of facial changes by stopping or significantly slowing down bone atrophy. At Sullivan Denture Centre in Surrey, British Columbia, we are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, natural-looking smile. Whether you need new conventional dentures, a reline, or want to explore the benefits of implant-supported dentures, our team is here to guide you.

Living with dentures can be a truly transformative experience, restoring your smile and your confidence. However, it's not uncommon to encounter a few bumps along the road. The good news is that most of these problems have straightforward and effective solutions. Here at Sullivan Denture Centre in Surrey, we believe that understanding the "why" behind these issues is the first step to finding the right "how." Let's dive into some of the most common denture problems we hear about and how we can help you find lasting relief. Problem: My Dentures Are Clicking or Making a Noise This is a common problem. The sound of clicking can be a sign that your dentures are not fitting properly, especially when you are eating or speaking. Cause: The clicking sound is typically a result of dentures that are too loose, or a bite that is improperly aligned. When you talk or chew, your upper and lower dentures might be hitting against each other, causing the audible click. Solution: This is not a problem that can be fixed at home. A professional denturist needs to evaluate the fit and your bite. We can adjust the way your upper and lower dentures meet, ensuring they align correctly and fit securely, which will eliminate the clicking sound and restore your confidence. Problem: My Dentures Are Slipping or Feeling Loose Over time, you might notice your dentures feel less secure than they once did. This feeling of looseness can be frustrating, affecting your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Cause: The shape of your mouth naturally changes over time. Your jawbone and gum ridges can shrink, which means your once perfectly fitting dentures no longer have the same snug foundation. This is a normal part of the aging process and is the most common reason for slipping. Solution: While denture adhesives can offer a temporary fix, they are not a long-term solution. A professional denture reline is often the answer. This is a procedure where we add a new base material to the underside of your existing dentures, refitting them to the current contours of your mouth. In some cases, if the dentures are old or significantly ill-fitting, a new set may be recommended to provide the best possible fit and function.

Navigating a damaged denture can be a stressful experience. The immediate instinct might be to reach for a quick fix, but knowing when to handle a small issue yourself and when to seek professional help is crucial for both the longevity of your dentures and your oral health. The Dangers of DIY Denture Repair While there are DIY repair kits and online tutorials promising a fast and cheap fix, these solutions can often do more harm than good. Here's why you should think twice before attempting to repair your dentures at home: Wrong Materials : The glues and adhesives in store-bought kits are often not biocompatible and can be toxic. Using them can cause irritation to your mouth's tissues and even lead to health issues. Improper Fit: Dentures are custom-made to fit the unique contours of your mouth. An at-home repair can alter the fit, leading to discomfort, sore spots, and an improper bite. This can further damage your dentures or cause harm to your gums and jawbone. Short-Term Solution: A DIY fix is almost always a temporary patch. It won't have the strength or durability of a professional repair and will likely fail again, potentially causing more extensive damage that is more costly to fix or requires a complete replacement.

If you're a denture wearer in Surrey, BC, you know that comfortable, well-fitting dentures are essential for speaking, eating, and simply living your life. But over time, even the best-fitting dentures can start to feel a bit off. That's where denture relining and rebasing come in. These procedures, expertly performed at Sullivan Denture Centre, are vital for maintaining the comfort, fit, and effectiveness of your dentures. Let's dive into what you need to know about each. The Ever-Changing Mouth: Why Dentures Need Adjusting Your mouth is a dynamic environment. The bone and gum tissues that support your dentures naturally change over time. This process, known as alveolar bone resorption, occurs as your jawbone gradually shrinks when teeth are no longer present to stimulate it. Weight loss, medications, and even the aging process can also contribute to these changes. As your oral landscape shifts, your dentures, which were custom-made to fit your original contours, can become loose. This can potentially lead to a variety of challenges: Discomfort and Sore Spots: Loose dentures can rub against your gums, causing irritation, sores, and even infections. Difficulty Eating: Chewing can become a challenge, limiting your diet and potentially impacting your nutrition. Speech Issues: Ill-fitting dentures can affect your ability to speak clearly, leading to slurred words or clicking sounds. Reduced Confidence: Feeling self-conscious about your dentures can impact your social interactions and overall quality of life. This is where relining and rebasing, provided with precision at Sullivan Denture Centre, become your best friends. Denture Relining: A Quick Comfort Boost Think of denture relining as a "freshen up" for your dentures. It's a procedure that refits the inside surface of your existing denture to conform to the current shape of your gums. The outer, polished surface and the teeth remain untouched. How it works at Sullivan Denture Centre: Our experienced denturists will apply a new layer of acrylic material to the fitting surface of your denture. This material will then mold to the exact contours of your gums. We offer both: Soft Reline: This uses a more pliable, rubbery material. It's often recommended for patients with very sensitive gums, recent extractions, or for a temporary solution while gums heal. Soft relines generally last for a few months to a year. Hard Reline: This uses a durable, rigid acrylic material, similar to the original denture base. It provides a more permanent solution and typically lasts for several years. Hard relines are usually performed in our lab after an impression is taken of your mouth. Benefits of Relining: Improved Comfort: Eliminates rubbing and sore spots. Enhanced Stability: Your dentures will stay in place better. Better Chewing Efficiency : Enjoy your favorite foods again. Clearer Speech: Speak with confidence. Relining is a relatively quick and cost-effective way to restore the fit and comfort of your dentures without needing to replace them entirely. It's often recommended as part of routine denture maintenance, typically every one to two years, or whenever you start to notice looseness. Learn more about our relining services on our website: Denture Relines & Repairs . Denture Rebasing: A Complete Foundation Overhaul While relining addresses the fitting surface, denture rebasing is a more comprehensive procedure that replaces the entire base of your denture while keeping the original teeth. It's essentially building a new foundation for your existing teeth. When is Rebasing Recommended? Rebasing at Sullivan Denture Centre is typically considered when: The denture base is significantly worn, cracked, or damaged. There have been substantial changes in your gum and bone structure, making a reline insufficient. The original denture base material has become discolored or porous, affecting hygiene. You need a more significant fit adjustment than a reline can provide, but your denture teeth are still in good condition. How it works at Sullivan Denture Centre: Our denturists will take a new impression of your mouth. This impression, along with your existing denture teeth, is worked on in our in-house, state-of-the-art dental lab. We carefully remove the old acrylic base from around your teeth and replace it with a completely new, custom-fabricated base that perfectly fits your current oral contours. Benefits of Rebasing: Superior Fit and Stability: Provides the most precise and stable fit possible without making a brand-new denture. Increased Durability: A new, strong base extends the lifespan of your denture. Improved Oral Health: A smooth, non-porous new base is easier to clean, reducing the risk of bacterial buildup and oral infections. Restored Aesthetics: A fresh, clean base can improve the overall appearance of your denture. Maximized Comfort: Eliminates persistent discomfort and sore spots caused by a severely ill-fitting base. The Takeaway Both denture relining and rebasing are invaluable procedures that can significantly improve your quality of life as a denture wearer. Regular dental check-ups at Sullivan Denture Centre are crucial so our denturists can assess the fit of your dentures and recommend the appropriate procedure when needed. Don't wait until discomfort becomes unbearable. Proactive care ensures your dentures remain comfortable, functional, and help you maintain your confident smile for years to come. If you're experiencing any issues with your dentures, don't hesitate to contact us at Sullivan Denture Centre in Surrey, BC. We can help you determine whether relining or rebasing is the right solution for you.

The team at Sullivan Denture Centre is thrilled to introduce the newest addition to our practice, Jimmy Phan, Denturist/Associate. Jimmy brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of expertise to our Surrey clinic. A Local with a Family Legacy While Jimmy spent his formative years in Nanaimo, his roots are firmly planted in the Lower Mainland. "I was actually originally from the mainland," Jimmy shares, explaining his return after an internship and a few years of practice in Parksville. It was the pull of family that ultimately brought him back to his true home. Even more interesting, Jimmy isn't the first in his family to enter the field of dentures. With relatives practicing in Nanaimo, he was introduced to the profession early on. This family connection, combined with his initial interest in health and dental through biochemistry courses at UBC, paved the way for his career. We're excited to have a denturist with such a strong lineage in the field. Six Years of Experience and a Digital Edge Despite his youthful demeanor, Jimmy is no newcomer to the world of dentures. "I've been in the field for six years now," he reveals, surprising those who might assume he's fresh out of school. In that time, he's witnessed significant advancements, particularly in the shift towards digital dentistry. "In school, we were very conventional," Jimmy explains, "... But as the industry is evolving, we are transitioning to digital dentures." This is where Jimmy truly shines. He's incredibly familiar with digital technology from his previous practice and is excited to bring that expertise to Sullivan Denture Centre. This makes for a fantastic partnership, as Jimmy's modern, tech-forward approach complements Trish's extensive experience and foundational knowledge in methods. Beyond the Clinic: A Life of Activity and Entertainment When Jimmy isn't crafting perfect smiles, he's staying active and enjoying his downtime. He's a regular on the volleyball court, hosting intramural games twice a week. You might also find him out sport fishing or indulging his love for movies. "I prefer the theatre," he states, making an effort to catch a new film in theaters every few weeks. We are incredibly excited to have Jimmy join the Sullivan Denture Centre family. His dedication, modern skills, and friendly demeanor are already proving to be a huge asset to our team and our clients. Welcome aboard, Jimmy! We're looking forward to many successful years together.