Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are Dental Implants?
- What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
- Should I get Standard or Precision Dentures?
- What Type and Style of Partial Dentures Should I Get?
- How do I take care of my Mouth Guard?
- What is Sleep Apnea?
- Why is a recare appointment necessary?
- What should I expect during a recall, recare visit?
The preferred method of tooth replacement is the dental implant. In short, dental implants are a substitute for tooth roots, and form a stable foundation for permanent replacement of teeth. They also act as a support for full and partial dentures, since the implants integrate with the bone to act as an anchor for the replacement teeth.
Dental implants can also help preserve the bone by providing stimulation that was previously provided by the natural tooth root system. This helps to maintain the integrity of your facial structure.
Dental implants are the closest possible replacement for natural teeth, and the best way to restore your natural smile. The cost of these implants has become affordable. Ask your Denturist about how dental implants might be the right solution for you.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Benefits include:
- Improved oral health, ability to eat, appearance and self-esteem
- Increased denture comfort
- Denture stability is increased
- Help prevent bone loss
- Resorption of tissue is reduced
- Your mouth is restored to a natural state, which allows superior long-term esthetics, enhancing the beauty of your natural smile and quality of your life.
Should I get Standard or Precision Dentures?
Standard dentures may fit comfortably and chew well, but are designed for the average patient using basic tooth shades and shapes. Every denture patient, especially those with oral tissues which have resorbed (shrunk) or those who have unusual jaw relationships (bite) may require a personalized denture that utilizes premium materials and precision techniques. With premium personalized dentures, esthetics, comfort, fit and function combine to allow your smile to look more natural.
What Type and Style of Partial Dentures Should I Get?
A partial denture may be tooth-supported or tooth and tissue supported. There are significant differences between theses two types of dentures, which are best explained by your Denturist.
The number of teeth remaining, the position and the stability of the teeth are only a few of the factors that help to determine what style or type of partial denture would be best for you. Partials can be made of different materials, including acrylics, a metal/acrylic combination or flexible thermoplastics.
Acrylic partials are usually used as a transitional or temporary replacement of missing teeth, depending on your personal circumstances.
The metal/acrylic partial —commonly called a cast partial— is usually a more rigid and permanent style of denture. The metal is either a highly compatible chrome cobalt alloy or titanium, which are both ultra thin, light and very strong.
The new flexible thermoplastics have the advantage of esthetics and flexibility.
All partials are designed to be removable and should be removed nightly to contribute to a healthy oral environment.
With newer designs, materials and techniques, partials are more comfortable than ever before. Ask your Denturist about the many designs available, some of which have no visible clasps and are virtually undetectable.
How do I take care of my Mouth Guard?
When not in use, all mouth guards should be stored in a plastic container and brushed to avoid damage due to excessive heat or cold. They should be washed after each use, using cold or lukewarm water. Hot water may cause distortion. Prior to insertion, a mouth guard may be rinsed in mouthwash to freshen the taste, and brushing with a power brush is also recommended. As a general rule, it is recommended that a standard mouth guard be replaced every two to three years.
Whatever your age or sport, mouth guards are an important part of sports safety and your exercise routine. Do what you can to protect your smile and preserve your health. Ensure that you have a properly fitted mouth guard made by a professional.
The Greek word apnoia literally means “without breath”. There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Of the three, obstructive is the most common. Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during the night, often for a minute or longer.
Severe sleep apnea can result in serious complications, including high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and even heart failure. Patients with sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in automobile accidents. In addition, accidents associated with drowsiness are more often fatal.
Signs of sleep apnea include:
- choking or interrupted breathing during sleep
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- morning headaches
- a strong urge to sleep during the day
- jerking limb movements during sleep
- awakening tired and thirsty
- snoring.
Sleep apnea may cause:
- daytime fatigue
- memory impairment
- poor work performance
- loss of sexual interest
Why is a recare appointment necessary?
Broken, worn or ill-fitting dentures need not always be replaced. We can very quickly assess if you are a candidate for a rebase, reline or repair.
- Over time, your mouth goes through considerable changes. Tissue shrinkage and loss of underlying bone (resorption) on which your dentures rest will occur. Since your dentures do not change, they may no longer fit like they once did.
- Having an annual oral exam may prevent or help detect the existence of oral cancer or other abnormal conditions.
- Updating both medical and dental history is an important step towards quality denture treatment.
- Worn out dentures can cause improper fit and bite which can lead to other problems. They can also cause changes in your ability to bite, your speech and your appearance. Your Denturist will check for cracks, chips, scratches, and worn or loose teeth.
What should I expect during a recall, recare visit?
You should expect your Denturist to:
- update your dental and medical history
- intra oral examination
- check the integrity of your denture
- check the esthetics, stability and the bite
- discuss options available to you based on your needs
- review oral hygiene procedures and denture care
- clean and polish your dentures if required.