Replacing Old Dentures

Dentures are made of acrylic which wears out over time. Hundreds of thousands of chewing cycles will wear out the biting surfaces of the teeth, and flatten out the back teeth. This in turn may wear out the front teeth and makes them much shorter. Also, acrylic stains and becomes brittle over time.

Dentures may need replacing due to poor fit. Poor suction that needs adhesive to secure your dentures may be aggravating. Denture relines may be necessary over time to make them fit better. Studies have shown that the supporting bony structures underneath dentures resorb over time causing dentures to fit less securely over time. A prosthodontist is an expert at fabrication of dentures. Impression technique is paramount in making dentures that fit as well as your anatomy allows. We are not satisfied until you are pleased with your final result.

Partial Dentures

Partial Dentures replace from one to many missing teeth restoring chewing ability and makes your smile more esthetic. This type of appliance has different options, from custom-made cast metal framework partials, to all-acrylic flexible type of partial denture. Metal framework type partial dentures are the most highly recommended long-term treatment option due to stability, comfort and durability and provide the best protection for your remaining natural teeth.

Ask your Specialist which option is the right one for you!

Immediate Dentures

Losing all remaining natural teeth is one of the most traumatic things that happens to someone dentally and emotionally. It is also one of the most difficult dental processes to go through as a patient.

When teeth are lost a TRANSITIONAL PROSTHESIS is needed. This is a temporary denture and it will be needed for a few months while the tissues and bony structures are healing. It is not only the gums that need time to heal after extractions, but it is also the supporting alveolar bony structures that must remodel before final dentures will fit securely. This remodelling may take many months depending on the number of teeth lost, which arch they are lost in, and the extent of pathology surrounding the tooth roots.

We will do our best to make sure you are comfortable during this process, with many post-op appointments to re-line and adjust these provisional dentures.

Denture Problems

There are many common of denture complaints: Loose or Ill-Fitting Dentures
Painful Edges
Sore Spots
Broken Teeth
Cracked Denture Bases Many of these problems may be solved without replacing the dentures that you already have. We can reline, adust or add teeth to an existing denture.

Often however, new dentures will need to be made.
Consult with our specialists to determine the right action for you!

Implant Overdentures

The major complaint of denture wearers is the looseness of the lower denture. Often times this is a result of bony resorbtion of the lower jawbone. Studies have shown that the lower jaw without any teeth will dissolve at a rate 4X that of the upper jawbone. Implants offer security of the denture by allowing the denture to ‘clip in’ and prevent lateral movement. A lower denture supported by 2 implants is the standard of care, and patients have reported a much greater degree of satisfaction with their prostheses.

One of the main factors causing the mandible to resorb or dissolve is the lack of teeth. If teeth are present, they will hold the vertical position of the jawbone. Implants have also been shown to maintain bony levels thereby causing less replacement of dentures in the long run.

There is a financial consideration when discussing this treatment option. The cost will include the surgical placement of 2 implants, the hardware necessary to connect your denture to the implants, and the modification process itself. This is a small price to pay for the preservation of your mandibular jawbone, and the security that implant-retained overdenture will provide.

The Process

The fabrication of implant overdentures is very slightly different than making traditional dentures. Implants must be placed either at the time of initial extraction, of following the healing period. After 3 months of healing, and following the satisfactory completion of dentures, these implants will be uncovered and ‘activated’.

Even though your new implant-supported overdentures are more secure, they must be maintained and cleaned. Yearly examinations are necessary to evaluate the fit and connection between the denture and the implant. The internal plastic housings will need to be changed periodically. You may notice that the ‘snap’ is not as tight as it used to be. This is an indication to make an appointment for an evaluation.

The process of modifying your dentures to accommodate the implants takes about an hour, and you will experience a dramatic difference in your quality of life knowing that your dentures are secure and their removal is now in your control!

Alternatives ‘All on 4′

The best alternative (as opposed to complete removable dentures) is a fixed alternatvie on implants. With the placement of 4 impalnts, it is possible to create a prosthesis that is secure, and functions like natural teeth. Only your dentist may remove them, but these prostheses need maintenence and cleaning just like natural teeth.

This is an expensive options but the final result is well worth the cost. You will be secure and be able to chew normal food again without worry. Imagine having your teeth back!