You might wonder why we only make premium dentures. The answer is simple. We not only feel every patient deserves the best, but we also understand that by giving you the best we have the best opportunity to make your denture experience a positive one.

TOP SEVEN CONCERNS ABOUT NEW DENTURES

1. APPEARANCE- This is the feature about your denture that we have the most control over. We have control over your smile and the fullness of your face in most cases. Unfortunately, as we age our skeletal structure changes and while no denture can stop the effects of time, our goal is to fulfill your expectation of a beautiful smile.

2. FIT- This is the most sensitive issue when wearing a denture. Fit is highly variable from person to person. Two people can technically have the same suction from their denture and one can be perfectly content and the other will say the denture flops around.  Once again, we have to understand that the snugness of your denture will depend on how much bone you have left under your gums. If you have been left with a significant amount of bone after your extractions you will have more success than a person who does not have much bone left. If you are one of those unlucky people who don't have a lot of bone left then you will have to consider implants if you want a solid feeling denture. This leads us to the final point. No denture will ever feel like your natural teeth. You have to understand that wearing a denture is a lifestyle change. However, millions of people have learned to live with dentures very successfully. So the bottom line is, don't be discouraged!  The most important thing to us is to give you the best results possible.

3. COMFORT-This is our number one concern. If a denture is uncomfortable, you won't wear it. So as a result we will provide you with as many adjustments as you need during the first month with your new denture. We also strongly encourage a 48-hour adjustment. This will provide you with the greatest possible chance of success with wearing your new denture. It will also give us a chance to evaluate your new denture after it has settled in. Most denture wearers do not realize that a denture has to settle in, but they do. This is because the muscles that surround the denture have to adjust to the pressure of a denture on them. Lastly, if you are unfortunate and get a sore spot, you must come in and have it adjusted immediately. But remember dentures are removable so you can take them out.

4. EATING-This should be your number one concern. The first thing you have to understand is that once you have committed to a denture you will lose 3/5ths of your chewing power. This is significant, but not insurmountable. The first thing you have to do is start eating smaller pieces. If this is your first denture get a box of crackers and break them into small pieces. Place one piece on one side and one on the other and this will teach you how to chew with your new denture. You have to practice if you want to succeed. Until you get the hang of eating with your denture, use this same technique when eating food. By the way, avoid lettuce until you are an advanced denture wearer.

5. TIME-Our current schedule will take 3 short appointments. The first appointment will consist of paper work and us getting to know one another. Then we will move to the patient care area where you will have your consultation. Then we will take your impressions and jaw relation. At this point we decide which shade of tooth you would like. This will be your longest visit. Your next visit will consist of a wax try-in. At this point we place the teeth in wax and evaluate the appearance of the teeth and jaw relation. Then we will have you come in for delivery of your denture. We will adjust your denture at this time. Return for further adjustments as needed.

6. CARE-A denture must be cleaned daily just as your natural teeth have to be cleaned. Some type of effervescent cleaner should be used and then the denture must be brushed with a denture brush. Also your mouth and tongue should be brushed daily to remain fresh. We recommend that your denture be removed nightly to allow your gums to rest. This is not required, but it decreases your chances of developing thrush.

7. FINISH-There is no compromise with this consideration. You will receive the denture that you approved during your wax try-in with no alterations in the shape or color of the teeth.

Other denture services we can provide:

EMERGENCY DENTURE

An emergency denture is to be worn short term to provide a stop gap between the time you have an important engagement and when you are in a position to have a permanent denture made. We can provide a comfortable fit and help you get through a difficult time if you have lost your denture or it is broken beyond repair. Usually, we can have it for you in 10 days and we can work around your schedule on nights and weekends.

DENTURE RELINES

There are two types off relines. The first is the hard reline. This type is usually performed every five years. It will provide you with a comfortable fit but it will not alter the appearance of your denture nor give you a better bite. It may give you considerably more suction but we cannot guarantee an appreciable difference. The second type of reline is a soft reline. Generally, this type lasts for a year and is considered temporary. Both types of relines are typically performed the same day.

DENTURE REBASES

A rebase is similar to a reline except all the pink portion of your denture is replaced. This is typically for people who have a new denture that is ill-fitting, however the patient likes the teeth. You will need to be without your denture for a few days but we will try in a wax preview to evaluate appearance and bite quality.

DENTURE REPAIRS

A denture repair consists of replacing missing or broken teeth as well as fractured dentures. Unfortunately, if a denture is broken a repair is just a fix. It may or may not mean that a new denture is in order. As a result, we cannot guarantee repairs in any way. But, usually the repairs are seamless and comfortable.

Lastly remember this list:

A DENTURE WEARERS CHECKLIST

Your initial adjustment period:

Leave dentures in for the first 48-hour period.
Feelings of fullness and increased salivation will decrease over time.
Sucking on a piece of hard candy may help the gagging sensation, if there is any.
Expect sore spots to develop during this initial adjustment period.

Eating with your new dentures:

Cut food into small bite-sized pieces.
Eating food on both sides of your mouth may be helpful.
Avoid sticky foods.
Learning to eat with dentures takes time. Eating with dentures will never be as easy or efficient as eating with natural teeth. Be patient.

Talking with your new dentures

Learning to talk with dentures takes time. Read out loud to speed up the process.
Muscles will need to be reeducated so they will retain the denture.
The feeling of crowding of the tongue will decrease with time.

Cleaning your mouth & your new dentures:

Cleanse and massage your gums daily with a soft toothbrush.
Brush dentures with a soft toothbrush and ordinary soap.
Never use toothpaste to brush your dentures. It is too abrasive.
Soak dentures overnight in either a commercial denture soaking solution, or the following
denture cleaning solution: One Tablespoon bleach and One Tablespoon Calgon mixed with One cup water.

Denture Do's and Don'ts

Only use denture adhesives advised by your dentist.
Never attempt to adjust, repair or refit your denture yourself.
Do leave your dentures out when you are asleep, except during initial placement, after extractions.