The fabrication of a set of complete dentures is a challenge for any dentist/denturist. There are many axioms in the production of dentures that must be understood; ignorance of one axiom can lead to failure of the denture. In the vast majority of cases, complete dentures should be comfortable soon after insertion, although almost always at least two adjustment visits are necessary to remove the cause of sore spots. One of the most critical aspects of dentures is that the impression of the denture must be perfectly made and used with perfect technique to make an accurate model of the patient's edentulous (toothless) gums. The dentist or denturist must use a process called border molding to ensure that the denture flanges are properly extended. An array of problems may occur if the final impression of the denture is not made properly. It takes considerable patience and experience for a dentist to know how to make a denture, and for this reason it may be in the patient's best interest to seek a specialist, either a prosthodontist or denturist, to make the denture. A denturist is a trained and licensed professional who sees patients in need of dentures, partials, relines or repairs. A denturist not only takes the impression, but makes the entire denture in his or her own laboratory. The denturist then schedules a date for the delivery of the finished dentures to the patient. A general dentist may do a good job making dentures, but only if he or she is meticulous and experienced. Many dentists no longer make dentures themselves. but instead take an impression of the patients' mouth and then either send the impressions to a dental laboratory, which could be anywhere in the world, or send the patient to a denturist. Once the laboratory receives dental impressions of the patient's mouth, the laboratory creates plaster molds from them. The laboratory uses the molds to create the wax rims used to register the patient's bite. These wax rims are returned to the dentist, who uses them to register the patient's bite. The dentist may assist the patient in choosing the correct size of teeth for the dentures, or simply make the selection himself. Once bite registration is completed and the teeth are selected for the dentures, the wax rim is usually returned to the dental laboratory in order to have the denture teeth set into the wax. Once the teeth are set into the wax rim, the result is a prefinished denture that looks almost like the finished product. This prefinished denture is usually returned to the dentist's office and the patient usually has a chance to approve the setup (for immediate or standard dentures) or to try the denture before it is finished. After approval by the patient, the dentist returns the pre-denture to the laboratory for final processing. The finished denture is then returned to the dentist's office for delivery to the patient.
High-end dentures usually involve a great measure of dental artistry and utilize materials which simulate the natural look and color of teeth and gums to the highest degree possible. The teeth, normally made from composite acrylic resins, are designed to last a long time and often include a warranty against wear and tear, such as chipping and cracking. These life-like dentures can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for a full set (upper and lower jaw).
It was our impression from viewing the video that this technique is very dependent on the dentist's skill in performing the needed steps (more so than with conventional construction, primarily due to time constraints needed to accomplish certain steps, and accomplish them the first time, properly, before the denture materials set). So in that regard, likely the dentist who fabricated your mother's denture is due as much credit as the system itself.
CONOVER, NORTH CAROLINA -- This place is as crooked as it gets. I went over with the dentist several times the teeth I wanted extracted and he still pulled a perfectly good tooth. The business is so crappy that the owner won't even talk to me or look at the big cavity in the tooth beside the good one he pulled. It had a hole in it about as big around as a cigarette. I was told I would have to pay again to have it removed period. I think it was done just out of greed to make more money. I'll never go there again and I would suggest you don't go either.
Regardless of whether a patient gets partial or full dentures, the transition may feel uncomfortable and awkward at first. It may take a little while for the patient to get used to eating and speaking with the dentures and it takes roughly the same amount of time for the cheeks and the tongue to learn how to naturally hold your dentures in place. During the initial period, it is not uncommon for the patient to experience an excessive production of saliva, irritations stemming from feeling like the space inside the mouth has become cramped and like the lips are being pushed forward, and some level of soreness. If the irritation escalates to an unbearable level, do not hesitate to visit your dentist for a check up.
Premium dentures can cost $2,000-$4,000 per plate, or $4,000-$8,000 or more for a set. Dentures in this price range are a personalized fit, use high-end materials to simulate the look of gums and teeth as closely as possible, last a long time and are warranted against chipping and cracking for 5-10 years or longer. Often the price includes several follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit.
Some patients who believe they have 'bad teeth' may consider having all of them extracted and replaced with complete dentures. However, statistics show that most patients who receive this treatment wind up regretting it. This is because complete dentures have only 10% of the chewing power of natural teeth, and it is difficult to get them fitted satisfactorily, particularly in the mandibular arch. Even if a patient retains one tooth there, that one tooth contributes significantly to the stability of the denture. However, retention of just one or two teeth in the upper jaw does not contribute much to the overall stability of a denture, since an upper complete denture tends to be very stable, in contrast to a lower complete denture. It is thus advised that patients keep their natural teeth as long as possible, especially in the case of lower teeth.
Partial dentures are a removable appliance that consists of artificial or prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic-acrylic base. Partial dentures can be secured more and held in place by a metal framework or tooth-colored attachments. Partial dentures are used for patients who are missing one or more natural teeth, but not all of their teeth. These dentures work with both the upper and lower jaw, remaining secure in either location during use.
While wearing removable dentures, patients should not chew gum or use toothpicks. In addition, patients need to be careful when eating food that is hot or hard, as well as anything with bones or shells. It may take a while to get used to chewing with dentures, so Dallas Laser Dentistry suggests patients start with softer foods that are cut into small pieces. Chewing slowly and using both sides of the mouth may also help some patients.
It was our impression from viewing the video that this technique is very dependent on the dentist's skill in performing the needed steps (more so than with conventional construction, primarily due to time constraints needed to accomplish certain steps, and accomplish them the first time, properly, before the denture materials set). So in that regard, likely the dentist who fabricated your mother's denture is due as much credit as the system itself.
Implant-Supported Overdentures: To increase the stability of a lower or upper denture, it's possible for it to be securely anchored using two or more dental implants. The upper jaw requires more implants (generally three or more) than the lower jaw due to a lesser bone density. Many people find this option offers a great balance of comfort, functionality and value.
New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.
