Tooth-supported fixed bridge. The most common alternative to dental implants for a single tooth, fixed bridges involve grinding away – in other words, intentionally damaging – healthy adjacent teeth that are used to attach and support the bridge. The tooth-supported bridge does not stimulate natural bone growth beneath it, so the bone may deteriorate over time. Bridges generally fail after 5-10 years because patient have difficulty flossing them, which makes the root surfaces below and around the bridgework highly susceptible to decay.
Making quality dentures is a blend of science and art. First, an accurate impression (mold) is made of the alveolar ridges on the top and bottom of your mouth. The base of the denture is made from this mold in a dental laboratory. Working together, the dentist and lab technician choose from among many different sizes and shapes of prosthetic teeth to re-create a natural-looking smile. When everyone is satisfied with the result, the temporary dentures are made in permanent form.
Minor fractures in the teeth or acrylic base can usually be repaired by a dental lab in 1 to 2 days. Denture repair kits are even sold at most drugstores and online to fix minor cracks or replace loose teeth. Repairing the denture properly can be complicated, however, so if denture problems are noticed, it is best to contact a general dentist as soon as possible to arrange the denture repair.
Tooth-supported fixed bridge. The most common alternative to dental implants for a single tooth, fixed bridges involve grinding away – in other words, intentionally damaging – healthy adjacent teeth that are used to attach and support the bridge. The tooth-supported bridge does not stimulate natural bone growth beneath it, so the bone may deteriorate over time. Bridges generally fail after 5-10 years because patient have difficulty flossing them, which makes the root surfaces below and around the bridgework highly susceptible to decay.
Fixed bridges are another tooth replacement option that are typically more durable and a more permanent solution than denture arches. A bridge spans the length of at least three teeth to replace a missing tooth or teeth in between. Bridges are cheaper than dental implants but do not offer all the same benefits when compared to replacing a missing tooth with an implant.
Review: My own experience with Todd Young has been that he does care about results and about how his work affects me as a patient. I have some pre-existing medical conditions that made fitting me with dentures very challenging and Todd has shown himself to be a perfectionist in his effort to get my dentures ”just right” and working for me. He and his staff have explained every step of the process and answered any questions I’ve had. In addition, I’ve seen Todd go above and beyond what I had expected, especially in terms of dealing with a difficult surgery I’d undergone at another dental practice — he did his best to correct a situation that he had nothing to do with creating! I wasn’t expecting that kind of support and both my wife and I are very grateful to Todd for his help. And his staff are certainly friendly and courteous. It’s hard for me to believe that the negative reviews posted here aren’t just from someone who has to have some complaint about anything and everything. I can say that in the many visits I’ve made to Todd because of my special fitting needs, I have never heard another customer complain about ANYTHING they experienced with Todd and his staff.
Implant technology can vastly improve the patient's denture-wearing experience by increasing stability and preventing bone from wearing away. Implants can also aid retention. Instead of merely placing the implants to serve as blocking mechanism against the denture's pushing on the alveolar bone, small retentive appliances can be attached to the implants that can then snap into a modified denture base to allow for tremendously increased retention. Available options include a metal "Hader bar" or precision balls attachments.
A complete denture consists of a thin acrylic base that rests on the gum tissue and is the same color as your gums. Porcelain or acrylic replacement teeth built into the base give the appearance of natural teeth emerging from the gums. We know that your smile is unique, and Dr. Yonan, Scott, Bushnell, Fairbanks & Quigley have the experience to help you select the teeth that appear most natural and harmonious in your smile. This gives you the option to customize the way you look, whether you want a "new" smile or just want to restore the one you had.
The front office has been great in terms of explaining processes, scheduling, and billing. I've also had to coordinate paratransit to get my mom to the office, and they've worked with me on times to make sure everything lines up right. Something you can probably only appreciate if you've been in a similar situation. They've also worked with us on fixing issues and missed appointments due to unforeseeable circumstances. Not only did they not scold us for missing an appointment, but they worked with me to resolve the problem that caused it- my mom's assisted living facility biffed it and didn't give her pain medicine after her surgery. :/ But, like I said, this office came through and helped- always making her care the top priority.
A film of saliva typically helps hold dentures in place. Denture adhesives may be used if the salivary glands do not produce a sufficient amount of saliva. Denture adhesives are not, however, a remedy for ill-fitting dentures. A denture that fits poorly (i.e., feels loose or causes discomfort) may need to be relined or replaced as it can contribute to the development of mouth sores.
It is important to inquire about the dentist’s training and experience when investigating the denture procedure. Although many general dentists offer the treatment, prosthodontists receive three years of advanced training in restorative dentistry. As a result they may be a better or more experienced option for you to consider when it comes to dentures or an alternative like implants or bridges. The American College of Prosthodontists offers additional resource information about the training of prosthodontists in the U.S.
Removable complete denture. This denture sits on top of the gums where the missing teeth were. It can be uncomfortable, affect your ability to experience the full taste of food, cause sore gums, and shift and click in your mouth when you speak, eat, smile, yawn or cough. While the initial costs are low, they only last an average of 7 to 15 years, and the replacement costs can be significant over the long term. They need to be removed regularly for cleaning, which can be a time-consuming hassle. Also, as with a partial denture, the natural bone underneath a complete denture may deteriorate over time, permanently changing the appearance of your smile and face.
