Overview
If you are missing several or all teeth in either your top or bottom arch, dentures may be the answer for you. Not all dentures are created equal. If your dentures are improperly fitted, worn, made of substandard materials or not customized to provide the best support, your day-to-day experience may be less than optimal. The top complaints of denture patients are discomfort, difficulty eating & speaking, and dissatisfaction with appearance.
Function
Dentures will help support remaining teeth, restore normal chewing & speech function, correct bite, and provide an aesthetically-pleasing appearance. Our goal is to create comfortable dentures that are well-fitted and long-lasting, also comprised of the latest technology. Several types of dentures exist, each with the ability to be customized to the patient’s specific needs.
Conventional Full Dentures
For patients who are completely edentulous (toothless) and do not have sufficient bone to embrace implant-supported dentures, conventional full dentures can provide normal chewing and speech functionality while restoring fullness to the cheeks and lips. The process of creating and fitting a conventional full denture consists of four steps:
1. Impressions
Accurate impressions are taken to properly map mouth topography. Since dentures must fit precisely in order to provide maximum stability, retention, and avoid discomfort or sore spots, this step is critical. Denture-base materials will be chosen and combined to increase comfort and reduce pressure, ensuring that even patients with severe bone loss are able to wear dentures without discomfort.
2. Bite Registration
This step records the position of the upper and lower jaw in relation to each other, and in relation to face, eyes, smile, lips and cheeks. The bite must be calculated precisely to create a comfortable fit and an aesthetic appearance. Dentures that are correctly created and fitted will yield a perfect smile, clear speech, ease of chewing, and no muscle fatigue or clicking sounds when the dentures are used.
3. Wax Try-In
This step allows the new teeth to be placed in the mouth so that the patient can verify aesthetics, speech, and bite. Changes can be made to the teeth’s positioning at the patient’s request, and the bite can be re-assessed to ensure it’s optimized before being permanently set.
4. Delivery and Follow-Up
Once the patient and dentist are satisfied, the dentures are completed and fitted. The bite must be perfect, and patients must be pleased with comfort and aesthetics. A follow-up will be scheduled for after 24-48 hours of placement in order to re-check the fit, even if the patient experiences no discomfort.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a solution for patients who are not good candidates for dental implants, yet are missing several teeth in an arch. There are two types of partial dentures:
Metal Base Partial Denture
A cast metal base partial denture is stronger and less bulky than alternatives while offering a great fit. This type of partial denture has a metal framework to which high quality denture teeth are attached.
Flexible Partial Denture
A flexible partial denture is made from a special material that provides added comfort and an even closer fit. Although flexible partial dentures are not as strong as cast metal base partial dentures, they are more aesthetic.
Hybrid Dentures
Hybrid dentures are the most aesthetic and long-lasting solution for patients who have sufficient bone structure to support implants. Based on the number of implants placed in the jaw, a patient may have the following options:
1. Locator/Ball-Attached Hybrid Denture
This denture works very well on a lower jaw where two impacts can provide additional stability.
2. Bar-Supported Hybrid Denture
With this denture, a bar is attached to three or four implants, providing great stability and retention of the upper or lower denture. This denture can be removed for cleaning.
3. Fixed Hybrid Denture
The entire denture is permanently screw-retained on four to six implants. This type of denture has the closest look and feel to natural teeth, and can completely restore a patient’s smile. It is designed to be cleaned without having to be removed.
Our Approach
If you like the comfort of your existing denture, we can reproduce it. We’ll also reline an ill-fitting denture to add comfort. Through a special impressions technique that allows a very precise fit, our team offers excellent results even with severe bone loss. Says Dr. Boris Kaltchev DMD, “When I treat denture patients, my main priorities are satisfaction and comfort. My dentures are a distinctive blend of art & science, using the best techniques and materials available today.”