Denturists, the Denture Specialists... Your Reason to Smile

COMPLETE (FULL) DENTURES Denturists offer various types of dentures to satisfy each patient's specific requirements. Your Denturist, in close consultation with you, will determine what those requirements are and how to meet them. State-of-the-art dentures are able to restore your smile as well as be compatible with the sensitive tissues of your mouth. Standard dentures may fit comfortably and chew well, but are designed for the average patient using basic tooth shades and shapes. Every denture patient, especially those with oral tissues which have resorbed (shrunk) or those who have unusual jaw relationships (bites) may require a personalized denture that utilizes premium materials and precision techniques. With premium personalized dentures, aesthetics, comfort, fit and function combine to allow your smile to look more natural. Premium personalized quality dentures instill confidence and provide optimum function while eating, speaking or laughing. Through the use of sophisticated instrumentation, from the impressions of your jaws to the specific jaw movements you make, all your facial information is recorded. The Denturist is then able to recreate the character of your smile and restore the natural contour of your lips and facial muscles.
REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES A removable partial denture is usually made to replace one or more teeth and is customized to a patient's specific requirements. Removable partial dentures restore a person's natural appearance and greatly improve the ability to chew and speak clearly. BENEFITS OF PARTIALS Partial dentures do not harm remaining natural teeth. A partial denture may prevent your natural teeth from shifting or drifting into the space left by the loss of a natural tooth. In fact, a partial denture may help maintain the position of your natural teeth by providing them with additional support. With a partial denture, you'll look better, feel better and chew better! TYPE AND STYLE OF PARTIALS A partial denture may be tooth-supported or tooth and tissue supported. There are significant differences between these two types of dentures. The number of teeth remaining, the position and the stability of the teeth are only a few of the factors that help to determine what style or type of partial denture would be best for you. Partials can be made of different materials including acrylics, a metal/acrylic combination or flexible thermoplastics. Acrylic partials are usually used as a transitional or temporary replacement of missing teeth, depending on your personal circumstances. The metal/acrylic partial--commonly called a cast partial--is usually a more rigid and permanent style of denture. The metal is either a highly compatible chrome cobalt alloy or titanium, both of which are ultra thin and light and very strong. The new flexible thermoplastics have the advantage of aesthetics and flexibility. With newer designs, materials and techniques, partials are more comfortable than ever before. All partials are designed to be removable and should be removed nightly to contribute to a healthy oral environment.
IMMEDIATE DENTURES You've been advised that you need an immediate denture. But what is it and how is it done? WHEN IS AN IMMEDIATE DENTURE USED? To avoid the situation of being without teeth, your Denturist will implement the immediate denture technique. This involves taking impressions of your mouth while your natural teeth are still present. The Denturist is then able to fabricate a denture in the likeness of your natural teeth, or make any necessary modifications you may wish. When your natural teeth are extracted, your immediate denture is then inserted. In this technique, you have avoided having to go without any teeth while you go through the healing process. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IMMEDIATE DENTURES Since the Denturist is unable to try-in the denture prior to extracting your teeth, certain aesthetic compromises may be necessary. This doesn't present any significant problems and the results are normally quite good. It is important to follow the post-operative instructions of your Denturist and Oral Surgeon very carefully. As healing occurs, the oral tissues recede so denture adjustments may be required. Follow-up appointments with your Denturist are necessary. To maintain the best fit and comfort, a temporary liner or tissue conditioner may be placed in the denture. During the next few months, bone and gum tissue will probably continue to shrink to some degree, however, the rate of change decreases with time. This is a natural occurance, which is to be expected. After the healing process is complete, either a new permanent full denture will be made or your denture will be relined to ensure the most comfortable fit possible. Your Denturist will recommend the option that best meets your particular needs.
IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES The prefered method of tooth replacement is the dental implant. In short, dental implants are a substitute for tooth roots, and form a stable foundation for permanent repacement of teeth. They also act as a support for full and partial dentures, since the implants integrate with the bone to act as an anchor for the replacement teeth. Dental implants can also help preserve the bone by providing stimulation that was previously provided by the natural tooth root system. This helps to maintain the integrity of your facial structure. Dental implants are the closest possible replacement for natural teeth, and the best way to restore your natural smile. Implant retained dentures are more stable and "real" feeling than most other types of dentures. Implants are a proven restoration option with a long clinical history and excellent success rate. They can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Many patients who have chosen implant-supported teeth report they are happy and comfortable for the first time since the loss of their natural teeth. The cost of these implants has become affordable. Ask your Denturist about how dental implants might be the right solution for you. BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS Improved oral health, ability to eat, appearance and self esteem Increased denture comfort Denture stability is increased Help to prevent bone loss Resorption (shrinkage) of tissue is reduced Your mouth is restored to a natural state which allows superior long-term astehetics, enhancing the beauty of your natural smile and the quality of your life.
REPAIRS, RELINES AND REBASE Broken, worn or ill-fitting dentures need not always be replaced. In fact, your Denturist can assess very quickly if you are a candidate for a repair, reline or rebase. REPAIRS In most cases, your Denturist can restore an existing broken or cracked denture to its original state. Repairs may be required when breakage or chipping occurs, when one or more teeth need to be added to an existing denture (due to tooth extraction) or because of wear and tear. Most repairs can easily be done in one day. If your denture requires a repair, if may be indicative of underlying problems, including the age of the denture, worn teeth or poor fit. Your Denturist is the professional who can best explain how to prevent denture breakage from occuring. RELINES This consists of adding new base material to the tissue side of a denture so it fits properly. Your Denturist will need to take an impression inside your existing denture. Relining affects only the fit of your denture and will not change the appearance. Relines are required when tissue changes occur due to resorption (shrinkage) due to: loss of weight, loss of teeth, loss of bone, aging and disease or illness. REBASE Rebasing is usually done when the denture teeth have not worn out in comparison to the denture base material. It is a process of retrofitting dentures by replacing all of the acrylic denture base with new pink material, which provides a stable denture without replacing the denture teeth.
SOFT LINERS A permanent soft liner is a layer of soft material that is fitted to the surface of a denture and rests next to the oral tissues. In short, a soft liner acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the hard acrylic base of a denture and the gums. Soft liners can be put in during the fabrication of new dentures or placed in exisiting dentures (permanent soft reline). IS A SOFT LINER RIGHT FOR YOU? Permanent soft liners provide comfort and relief for individuals with; severely receded or flat gums that do not tolerate the stress of dentures chronic soreness gums with prominent or sharp bony areas ADVANTAGES OF SOFT LINERS greater comfort--a significant number of denture wearers with chronic discomfort have experienced great relief clinical evidence indicates that almost everyone tolerates soft liner materials with soft liners, many denture wearers report that they can chew food more comfortably a proven technology--soft liners have been offered to patients for over 20 years and over that time the materials and technology have steadily improved THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WITH SOFT LINERS greater consideration in the use of proper cleaners and good home care must be given to soft liners soft liners require regular follow-up visits with a Denturist to examine the fit of dentures, the health of a patient's oral tissues and to ensure professional cleaning
MOUTHGUARDS Athletic mouthguards are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably over the upper teeth. Mouthguards are important because the average cost of dental treatment over a lifetime for one tooth lost is approximately $5,000. When it comes to sports equipment, mouthguards are a priority. They protect not only the teeth but the lips, cheeks and tongue. They also help protect a person from concussions and jaw fractures. WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE WEAR A MOUTHGUARD? People should wear a mouthguard whenever they are involved in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous sports for teeth but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball. HOW DOES ONE CHOOSE A MOUTHGUARD? Any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard. However, it is important to choose a mouthguard that fits comfortably. If a mouthguard interferes with breathing or speech, or if it feels bulky, it won't be worn. The best way to ensure the proper protection, fit and comfort is to have a mouthguard custom- fitted by a professional. Whatever your age or sport, mouthguards are an important part of sports safety and your exercise routine. Do what you can to protect your smile and preserve your health.