The Denturist's Chair

Tarvo Puust In Ontario, 42 per cent of the population wears dentures.

However in most cases, it is very difficult to tell who is in fact wearing dentures. This is largely due to the fact that most people are wearing properly fitted and recently replaced dentures. However, there are far too many who are still wearing old dentures with worn teeth and improper fit. You can spot it a mile away. Old, worn dentures are not only problematic esthetically, but they are actually causing a lot of harm. Many of these changes are so gradual over time that most don't even realize how much the dentures have changed since they were new. Dentures can enhance your appearance and should be worn with confidence. Care of your dentures should be given the same priority as regular health. Old and worn dentures should be immediately addressed and taken care of as a priority. It is important to remember that even with proper cleaning and care, the average life span of dentures is about five to seven years. However, some wait 10 to 20 years or more before getting their dentures replaced.

Men and women have different reasons as to why they put off getting new dentures. Women have the motherly instinct, which naturally causes them to consistently put others' needs ahead of their own. They try to make the dentures last as long as possible.

Men seem to have various reasons why they put off getting new dentures. Usually men need to be dragged in by their wife or girlfriend to get their dentures replaced. According to an American study, men are 25 per cent less likely to go and see a doctor than women. To a large extent, there is a lot of denial going on. If they aren't going to see their doctor over obvious symptoms such as chest pain, they are even less likely to go and see a denturist and ensure that their dentures are taken care of. But whatever the reason, a denture over five to seven years old needs to be replaced. Many who know they need new dentures choose to place other things as a priority such as a newer car, Florida vacations or extra Christmas presents for their grandchildren. Replacing your dentures is not a luxury, it is a necessity and should be placed as a priority.

Although dentures are not covered by OHIP, people often forget about the 'free money' that is available with group health insurance or government assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For new or replacement dentures, Veterans Affairs usually covers about 80 to 100 per cent and private or group health insurance covers anywhere from 50 to 80 per cent. There is usually a yearly maximum that you can claim and if that amount doesn't get used it does not roll over to the following year. Essentially, if you don't take advantage of your coverage for that year, that 'free money' is now gone for good.

It is now getting very close to the end of the year. If you would like to see if you are covered by insurance and take advantage of this opportunity, please call to book a no-charge consultation. That way, a preauthorization can be sent to the insurance company. For more information, call 436- 1886 or visit www.innisfildenture. com. The Innisfil Denture Clinic is located at 958 Innisfil Beach Road, across from the Innisfil Public Library in Alcona.