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Dentures

Feb 17

Am I stuck with dentures now?

By Dentures

I started wearing dentures in 1997. At that time I didn’t know anything about dental implants. Dentures have been okay. But now they are so loose. No matter how many times they get relined, they still don’t fit right. Most of the time when I eat, my dentures lift up. I’m noticing that my face looks baggy, too. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing. I’m starting to notice a lot of commercials about dental implants for dentures. I don’t know if you can get implants after wearing dentures for so long. Can I get implants after wearing dentures so long, or am I stuck with dentures now? – LeVon

LeVon – The problems you’re describing with the fit of your dentures and your facial features are common after wearing dentures for years. When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone gradually shrinks. Jawbone supports your facial muscles, so as it shrinks, your face begins to sag.

Jawbone shrinkage makes it difficult for your dentures to fit well and stay in place—particularly when you’re eating. Dentures can also rub against the ridge of your gums and make them irritated and sore.

If you’ve have significant jawbone shrinkage, the bone has to be built up to support dental implants. But first, an examination is needed, along with a review of your medical history, to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

A few months after your bone grafting heals, dental implants can be placed to support your dentures. You will probably need new dentures. And a skilled prosthodontist who has training in cosmetic dentistry can provide you with natural-looking dentures.

Two to eight implants can be used to support your dentures. The bone grafting and dental implants will have many benefits.

  • Your dentures will be stable and no longer lift when you eat.
  • Building up your jawbone will provide support for your facial muscles and prevent or greatly reduce sagging.
  • Implants stimulate jawbone and will minimize shrinking.
  • Cosmetic dentures will look like natural teeth.

We recommend that you schedule consultations with two or three prosthodontists to answer any questions you have and to discuss your options. Take notes so you can compare your consultations and decide which dentist will provide you with cosmetic dentures and dental implants to support them.

This post is sponsored by Naperville prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 11

Why don’t my dentures don’t fit on my implants?

By Dental Implants, Dentures

I’ve worn dentures since 2010. They were a nightmare since the day I got them. First I didn’t like the way they looked. They looked like plastic pegs. Also the way the dentures fit was driving me crazy. They were too big for my mouth and it was hard to keep them in. I paid so much money for them and had so many return trips to the dental center for them that I decided to tough it out. Last year I had enough of my dentures, so I started looking into new ones that look natural and fit well. I found a cosmetic dentist who also does implants. The dentures are beautiful. I had no problem with the implants healing correctly. The problem is that the dentures don’t fit right on the implants. The feeling is hard to describe, but it is very uncomfortable. It takes a lot of effort to snap them on and off the implants. Even my dentist has a hard time with it. My dentist calls it an adjustment period, but it’s been 5 months and I think by now I should feel comfortable with them. Why don’t my dentures fit on my implants? – Lyle

Lyle – Your implants and your dentures need to be examined to determine what is causing the poor fit. There are several possible causes.

Reasons Dentures Might Not Fit on Your Implants

  • The wrong attachments are used – It’s possible that the attachments used don’t match the snaps on the denture base. The attachments can be replaced.
  • The alignment of the dental implants or abutments – The dental implants or the abutments for snapping on the denture might be incorrectly positioned. Your denture needs to be adjusted to accommodate the angle, or it might need to be completely replaced.
  • The dentures – If the impression of your mouth wasn’t taken correctly, your dentures won’t correctly fit the implants. The snaps on the denture base might be in the wrong position. Depending on how long you’ve had your dentures they can be relined, or they might need to be replaced.

Get Help Quickly

It’s important to get the issue resolved. If dentures aren’t correctly secured to implants, it can result in damage to your dentures, the implants, or your oral tissue.

We suggest that you get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. Although your cosmetic dentist has receiving training in implantology, prosthodontists receive two years of post-graduate training in tooth replacement and restoration. Look for the following credentials:

  • A board-certified prosthodontist
  • Membership in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • Membership in the Academy of Osseointegration

A skilled prosthodontist can evaluate the cause of the problem and make the adjustments needed to give your dentures a comfortable fit.

This post is sponsored by Naperville prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Dec 17

Will I get better results with overdentures?

By Dentures

In late December of last year I received new dentures. They cost so much that I was certain they would be beautiful. After being reassured by my dentist that they would be beyond my expectations, I had no doubts. But reality has hit, and I am almost in tears. The dentures are so very uncomfortable and they look fake. When I look in the mirror and smile, I’m embarrassed. My feelings and my pocketbook are hurt. At this point, there is no way that I can afford to replace my teeth with implants, but I am so very unhappy that I have to do something about it. I’ve been doing some research, and I read about using implants to support the dentures. Is this option worth considering?  – Ana

Ana – You have two significant concerns with your dentures. They are uncomfortable and they don’t look natural. An artistic cosmetic dentist can help. It is possible to get natural-looking dentures that fit your personality and facial features. A cosmetic dentist will listen to your preferences and design dentures that match them.

If you want your dentures to feel more like your natural teeth, implant overdentures are less expensive than individual implants. With the overdentures, two to eight dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone. After a healing period, your dentures will be secured to them.

Implants will add stability to your dentures. They will feel more like your natural teeth than removable dentures. And your ability to chew with them will improve.

Even if you decide to stick with the removable dentures, a cosmetic dentist will ensure that they are comfortable and beautiful.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Nov 22

How often do I need to change my dentures to keep my face from sagging?

By Dentures

My sister has worn dentures for 25 years and her face has sagged something awful. She is now 62 years old and going to see plastic surgeons for a facelift. Everything else she has tried hasn’t worked. Some of our Canasta club members are going through the same thing. One of the members insists that she read of you change your dentures more frequently they will keep your face from sagging. Although I had taken pretty good care of my teeth, I ended up needing dentures two years ago. I got cosmetic dentures so I like the way they look. Although they weren’t cheap I will get them upgraded as often as I need to if it will help control the facial sagging. I don’t want a plastic surgeon cutting on my face at all. I would rather pay for new dentures more frequently. How often do I need to change them? Thanks Lora

Lora- When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks. The bone shrinkage is what causes facial sagging, because your jawbone supports your facial muscles. Complete removable dentures can last five to eight years, or longer. But the bone shrinkage will still occur even if you replace your dentures more often.

In order to prevent jawbone shrinkage, the bone must be stimulated. Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and their effect is much like natural tooth roots. The implants stimulate the bone and prevent it from shrinking. Implants can be used to support your dentures. As few as two of them can stabilize your dentures and stimulate your bone, but if your goal is to prevent jawbone shrinkage, you’ll get better results with six to eight implants.

It is possible that your current dentures can be modified to accommodate dental implants. Before you ask for new dentures, speak with an experienced prosthodontist about the possibility of having your current dentures supported by implants. If your dentures are in good condition, it might be possible to use them. Schedule a consultation with one or two prosthodontists to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 27
denture-teeth-falling-out blog

Why are my denture teeth falling out?

By Dentures

My dentures are 3 years old. I thought they would last at least 5 years because I really take good care of them. In February of this year one of the bottom incisor teeth fell out of the denture. My dentist put it back in. In April, the same tooth fell out of the denture and again it was put back in place. I was on vacation in July and another bottom tooth fell off the denture. It was a molar tooth this time. Thank God I didn’t have to walk around during vacation with a front tooth missing. I just saved the tooth until I got back home because it wasn’t noticeable. That tooth was secured back to the denture, but when I cleaned the denture this morning I noticed that the same tooth is loose again. I should add that my dentist is very casual about this thing. It’s kind of like, ‘oh let me fix that for you’ without an explanation or apology for my inconvenience. I know it isn’t normal for denture teeth to fall out, so I am very curious as to why this might be happening and whether or not I should expect more of the same. Thanks for your help. Joan

Joan – You are correct—denture teeth should not fall out of the base. There are several things that can cause denture teeth to dislodge.

Poorly constructed denture – The base of the denture might be poorly made. If it’s not constructed properly, the teeth won’t stay in place.

Improper bonding – Denture teeth need to be securely bonded in place. Cheap bonding material or improper bonding technique can cause teeth to loosen. You’ve experienced problems with two denture teeth—one of which has fallen out twice. Faulty bonding might be the issue.

Improper bite – The way your denture teeth fit together affects the pressure on them. If your bite is off, increased pressure or tension can cause teeth to loosen and fall out.

It’s important not to try to repair your own denture or use glue that isn’t designed for oral appliances. The adhesive might damage your denture or be toxic in your mouth. We suggest that you schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist for a second opinion. A prosthodontist is a specialist in tooth replacement. He or she will check the construction of your denture to identify the problem and let you know your options.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Aug 20

What’s the best adhesive to keep upper denture in?

By Dental Implants, Dentures

I’m in the third month of wearing dentures. I was expecting problems with the lower dentures but it’s the upper dentures that are giving me problems. They click or loosen from my palate at the most embarrassing times. When I first got them they seemed to fit perfectly. Now I am almost to the point where I hate them. It is really frustrating to think that I paid so much for them and they keep popping off. What is the best product to keep them in? Grayson

Grayson – Before considering a product to keep your upper dentures in, make an appointment with your dentist. Upper dentures are usually held in place by the suction of your palate. If you’ve only had them for a little more than two months, they should not be dislodging at all.

Your dentures may need to be lined again. If after relining you continue to have a problem with the fit of your dentures, consider getting a second opinion. It is possible that your dentures were incorrectly sized, or the impressions of your mouth weren’t taken correctly. A second opinion can help to clearly identify the issue.

Your dentures can be secured with dental implants. The implants will stabilize them and prevent jawbone shrinkage, which occurs after years of having all of your teeth missing. Implants improve your ability to eat and speak with dentures.

If you want to consider stabilizing your dentures with implants, see an experienced and credentialed prosthodontist. He or she will first ensure your dentures fit well. After that the base of your dentures can likely be altered to accommodate dental implants.

If you still need denture adhesive, ask your dentist for recommendations.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jul 14
dentures-same-day-teeth-extracted-blog

Can I get dentures the same day my teeth are extracted?

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

So many of my teeth are either missing or badly decayed that I’ve decided to get dentures before the year is over. This has not been an easy decision for me, but I think dentures are better than walking around with corroded teeth. I am nervous about the whole thing and I am a punk when it comes to going to the dentist. The more information I have, the more it will help me to make the transition. So I have some questions for any one of your dentists who can help. Will I be conscious or unconscious when my teeth are pulled for dentures? Does the dentist pull them all the same day? Can I get dentures the same day or do I have to wait? Thank you. Braxton

Braxton – When teeth are extracted for dentures, a prosthodontist can provide you with conscious oral sedation, which will make you very relaxed, but you will still be awake and able to respond to the dentist’s questions and commands. Or, you can receive the next level of sedation—IV sedation, which will causes many patients to sleep through the procedure.

It is possible to extract all of your teeth in the same day. Your prosthodontist will make the determination based on your case.

One option for dentures is an immediate denture, which you receive the same day your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures minimize the swelling and bleeding that occur when all of your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures require more follow-up visits and adjustments than conventional dentures, so they are more expensive.

If you receive conventional dentures, your prosthodontist will place them after your gums heal from the extraction. Your dentures will fit better than they would with immediate dentures.

Dentures can be secured with standard implants or mini implants to stabilize them and prevent them from slipping around in your mouth. Standard implants provide more stability, and the more implants you receive, the more secure your dentures will be.

Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist to discuss your options for dentures, as well as which form of sedation is best for the extraction of your teeth. A skilled prosthodontist can provide you with natural-looking dentures that are comfortable and stable.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist and American board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

May 14

I think I’m allergic to my dentures

By Dental Implants, Dentures

None of my natural teeth are left so I am wearing complete dentures. I got them in February of this year. Although I didn’t want dentures, dental implants are not an option for me so I had to get what I can afford. I really like the way my dentures look. They are more natural looking than I expected. The problem is that I can’t wear them without my gums itching and getting a rash. I can wear them but when I take them off it is hard to rest because of the irritation and itching. My dentist calls this an adjustment period, but it’s May now. How long does it take to adjust? If this is what I have to look forward to I am going to be miserable. I am beginning to wonder if I am allergic to the dentures. If so shouldn’t my insurance company pay for me to get a different pair of dentures or may dental implants? Also how do I handle this issue with my dentist when he thinks that I just need to adjust to the dentures? Thanks Vernon

 

Vernon,

If you didn’t experience any irritation issue prior to getting dentures, it is likely that there is something associated with wearing the dentures that is causing the problems. It is rare to be allergic to dental acrylic, but a few cases have been reported. Most often, metal in the dentures or the denture adhesive is causing irritation or rash.

Do you use denture adhesive? If so, try wearing your dentures without the adhesive. Your dentures are relatively new, so adhesive should not be needed at this point. If the irritation doesn’t occur and you still feel you need adhesive, try switching brands. Take note of the ingredients in the adhesives and see if there are any components that you may be sensitive to.

If your denture has a metal base or any metal components, it may be triggering an allergic reaction. If you are not using adhesive and you still get irritation and a rash, the denture may be the culprit. You can ask your dentist to switch you to another set of dentures, or you can get tested for metal allergies. Let your allergist know the details and circumstances of your reaction. He or she will have insight on how you should be tested.

Speak to your dental insurance company about the issue. Some benefits may be provided. It may help to have your dentures supported by dental implants, which prevents the dentures from resting on your gumliine. At the same time, your dentures will fit and function better. The implants will also prevent jawbone shrinkage. If needed, get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

May 02

Will smoking prevent me from getting All on 4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dentures

I am so tired of my dentures. I want All On 4 but I smoke. I have tried to quit several times but it isn’t working. I don’t think that I will ever be able to stop. My dentures are stressful for me because I have been wearing dentures for 15 years. They slip more times in a day than I can count. Is there any way possible for me to get All On 4 even though I smoke? Jamison

Jamison,

Much of the success of dental implants, including All-On-4 implants depends on the healing process. Your jawbone must fuse to the implants for them to function properly and to support your dentures.

Smoking inhibits the healing process overall—not just for dental implants. It also affects your oral health. The healing process will be slower, or the fusion of your jawbone to the implant may not occur at all. There is also an increased risk of implant infection when you smoke. One study showed that of 165 participants showed that 16% of smokers experienced implant failure, compared with a 1% failure rate for non-smokers.

Although we can’t say that your implants will definitely fail or succeed, if you stop smoking before you receive them, the success rate will increase. It is also important not to smoke after implant surgery. Some dentist won’t complete the All-On-4 procedure unless a patient has stopped smoking.

Speak with your primary care doctor about your desire to stop smoking. He or she can provide you with resources and option that you may not have considered before.

As time progresses and your jawbone continues to shrink, it will become even more difficult to eat and speak with dentures. If you are a candidate for All-On-4, or some other dental implant treatment, now is a good time to pursue your options.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

Mar 21

Request for info on hybrid dentures

By Dentures

Hi. Can you simply explain what hybrid dentures are? What are the advantages or disadvantages? I will need dentures within the next few months. My dentist didn’t mention hybrid dentures as one of my options, but if I have to get a second opinion I will. Thanks. Milton

Milton – A hybrid denture combines a removable denture with dental implants. It is also known as an implant denture, fixed remove denture, or an implant-supported denture.

The base of the denture has metal components that attach to dental implants. You can remove the denture to clean it. As few as two implants can be used to support a denture, but for maximum stability, six to eight implants should be used.

Hybrid, or implant-supported dentures, won’t slip or fall out. The stability of the denture improves your speech and chewing efficiency. The clicking and popping that is sometimes heard with dentures will be eliminated. You will not need denture adhesive to keep your denture in place. The implants will also stimulate jawbone and prevent bone shrinkage and facial that occur when all of your teeth are missing.

Dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone. After two to six months, when the bone fuses to the implants, your denture will be fasted to the implants. You will be able to wear temporary dentures in the meantime.

Once the denture is stabilized, it will feel more like your natural teeth. If you receive dentures from a dentist who is trained in cosmetic dentistry, they will look natural too. Be certain to find a dentist who offers cosmetic dentures and implant-supported dentures to get natural-looking results.

Any disadvantages to a hybrid denture?

When compared with complete removable dentures, there few disadvantages. Hybrid dentures cost more, and there is a waiting period for the implants to heal until you receive your permanent denture.

Your medical history will be carefully reviewed to ensure you are a candidate for implants. If you are, your implant dentist will let you know your options for stabilizing your denture.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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