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Dentures

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.

Feb 27

Looking for buy 1 get 1 half off dentures

By Dentures

My dentures are starting to wear out too fast. I am on my 5th set in life and I have only had these a year and they don’t fit already. I am wondering if there is some place out there that does something like buy one get one half off so I can always keep a spare set. Maybe I can alternate so that neither pair wears out too fast. I am just trying to think of some options to help the denture fit last longer without me replacing them so soon or having to get them relined every time I turn around. Morgan

Morgan – Buy one, get 50% off dentures are not the solution for your loose-fitting dentures. If you are on your fifth set, you have likely worn dentures for a long time.

Your teeth stimulate your jawbone. After years of missing all of your teeth, jawbone shrinkage occurs. Dentures that rest on the bone accelerate shrinkage. As you have experienced, new dentures quickly don’t fit correctly and need to be relined or replaced. We recommend that you speak with a prosthodontist about dental implants to stabilize your dentures.

Over time, implant-supported dentures are more economical than continually buying new dentures. When your dentures really do wear out and need to be replaced, new dentures can be modified to be secured to dental implants. You’ll never have to worry about loose dentures again.

There are various options for stabilizing your dentures, but the more implants you have, the more secure they will be. Find an experienced implant dentist or prosthodontist for a consultation to discuss your options.

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

Jan 18

On my 3rd soft denture and it still isn’t helping

By Dentures

I’ve worn dentures since 2002. They fit pretty well in the past considering that they are dentures. About 10 years ago I got my first cosmetic dentures and I really like them. They actually look natural. So I am sold on them. Now the problem is getting dentures to fit and stay fit. I know that my jawbone is shrinking so my dentist switched me over to a soft denture. When I first got it, it felt really good on the sore spots on my bone. It just doesn’t last long. When I am at home and not eating I take my dentures out. If I don’t have to wear them, I don’t. My dentist is always willing to reline them for me but I am frustrated about this. Taking the dentures in and out is annoying. Maybe I just need to change my viewpoint and be glad that I can afford dentures. Before I resign to that, is there another form of lining that may help me get more comfort out of my dentures? Thank you. Agatha

Agatha – Soft-lined dentures are more comfortable, but they typically do not last as long as a hard reline. Those are the only options available for relining the oral appliance.

Your dentist may have had this conversation with you already, but it may be time to consider supporting your dentures with dental implants. The implants will:

  • Prevent the dentures from resting on your jawbone and accelerating shrinkage
  • Improve your chewing efficiency
  • Feel more like your natural teeth
  • Prevent the dentures from slipping around or falling out
  • Stimulate jawbone growth and prevent further shrinkage in the vicinity of the implants.

As few as two implants can be used to stabilize your dentures, but the more implants you receive, the better results you will get. If you can only start with two implants, your dentist can help you plan to receive another set in the future.

If you decide to receive implants be certain to find a highly trained and experienced implant dentist to do the work.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Dec 14

My dentures are too white

By Dentures

I got new dentures in August and when I got them I thought they were too white. My dentist told me that it looked like a big contrast to me because my other dentures were dull. He told me to give it some time and I would get used to it. Well I am still not used to it. People even comment about how white my dentures are, and that’s what they say, ‘dentures’. So not only are they too white they look fake. The whiteness draws attention to the fact that they are dentures. Last week I told my dentist that I still am not pleased. He said that he will think about the options to darken them a bit for me, but he didn’t mention the options. My question is short of giving me new dentures, what can be done? Dorcas T.

Dorcas – After your dentures are fabricated, the color cannot be changed. The appropriate color will need to be determined and the dentures will need to be remade. Remaking the dentures and changing the color won’t change the characteristics of the dentures or make them look natural.

Cosmetic dentures are customized to have a lifelike appearance. The characteristics of the denture teeth look like natural teeth. This is something that only an artistic dentist can accomplish.

So you can ask your dentist to remake your dentures with the color change. You can also consider getting a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist who is trained in the techniques required to give dentures a lifelike appearance.  A prosthodontist is also skilled in balancing color in dental restorations so the results are neither too dark nor to white.

You can increase the comfort of your dentures and stabilize them with dental implants, which also prevent jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.

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

Oct 23

Can dentures cause depression?

By Dentures

I know the question sounds strange but I think it’s affecting my dad. I live in PA so I see him every 2 to 3 months and I talk to him on FaceTime every week. It’s just that I am noticing that since he’s had dentures, which he hates, that his mood is not good. My brother lives near my dad and he says that he has noticed a change also, but he thinks it’s because of seasonal depression. The problem is that my dad has had the dentures for 2 years. His mood has really changed and it’s more constant than seasonal. Is it possible that his unattractive and poor fitting dentures are causing depression? By the way, he has also lost 15 lbs and he didn’t need to lose any weight at all. Thanks. Brenda L.

Brenda L. – Disappointing medical or dental issues can affect a patient’s mood. Dentures that fit poorly, are unattractive, or are otherwise problematic are disappointing. They often affect patients’ eating habits, self-esteem, and social life.

Can dentures affect your emotional health?

To be clear, it is ongoing dissatisfaction with dentures that can contribute to a person’s emotional or mental health. Even studies show that when a patient has ongoing problems or dissatisfaction with dentures, he or she is at risk for depression. A September 2007 study published in the Journal of Dental Research confirms that, in older adults, there is a significant relationship between denture dissatisfaction and depression.

The study included 1,180 adults, ages 65 to 74 years. Among those who were dissatisfied with their dentures, 8% were moderately depressed, and 2% were severely depressed. The study found that patients with higher levels of depression also had higher levels of dissatisfaction with their dentures.

The findings of the study show that your thoughts about the cause of your father’s depression may be correct. It’s important for the dental issue to be addressed. Find a few experienced cosmetic dentists with whom you and your father can have consultations. You will learn about customized, natural-looking dentures that fit well. You can also ask about how dentures can be stabilized with dental implants, which will prevent them from slipping around or falling out, and will prevent jawbone shrinkage. Your father’s smile will look and feel better.

It’s also a good idea to seek medical help to determine if there are other contributing factors to your father’s depression.

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

Aug 31

Flushed my dentures down the toilet

By Dentures

I flushed by dentures down the toilet, on purpose because I hated them. Being toothless is better than the pain and frustration I had so now I am going back to my insurance company about the ‘accidental damage’ and starting fresh. So where do I begin? The teeth were pasty, looked like buck teeth, and were too big for my mouth. The dentist I got them from called them ‘custom’. Maybe custom for a horse. It was ridiculous. We had too many conversations and alleged fixes for those fake teeth and I felt helpless. So they are somewhere floating down the sewage pipes. How can I get this right this time? Sincere thanks. – Just call me L.T. (not my real initials).

Dear L.T. – Your frustration and disappointment are clear. We are concerned that you now have to eat without teeth or dentures. Your digestive health will become an issue. So you have to act quickly, but carefully.

Find an experienced cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist. Carefully check the dentist’s training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. Have a consultation with the dentist to ask questions, and ask for recent before-and-after pictures of the dentist’s work. Patient testimonials may be available, too. Think about friends or family members from whom you can ask for recommendations for a dentist.

If you can find at least two dentists with whom you have consultations, it will help you compare quality of the dentists’ work and quality of patient care. You should be given details about how your dentures will be customized, and at the same time complement your facial features. Although you need to replace your dentures soon, don’t rush the decision and select the wrong dental provider. If you are dissatisfied, see another prosthodontist or cosmetic dentist until you concerns are addressed.

 

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

 

Jun 27

My top denture is off center

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

I am very uncomfortable with the look of my top denture. When I look in the mirror, the middle of the two front teeth is about ¼ inch off from the midline of my lip. It is quite noticeable when I smile. The dentist that I got the dentures from first acted like he couldn’t see the problem. When he finally admitted it, he said it is not that bad. It’s been a month and I am still very unhappy. I feel cheated. Is there any way this problem can be corrected? I don’t trust this dentist any more. – Jeannine

Jeannine – Your frustration is understandable. Since the dentist admitted that there is a problem with denture, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your disappointment, and let him know that you want the problem corrected.

If after the discussion with your dentist, you are still uncomfortable letting him do the work, you can ask for an agreeable way to compensate you for your loss. Meanwhile, you can schedule an appointment with an experienced prosthodontist for a second opinion.

When you find a prosthodontist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, you will receive personalized dentures that will enhance your smile, fit correctly, and be properly positioned. If you would like, you can also receive information on how your denture can be affordably stabilized.

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

 

May 14

Relatively new dentures and I keep biting my tongue

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

In November last year I got new dentures, top and bottom. Only since I’ve had them have I been regularly biting my tongue. It only happens when I eat. Of course I told my dentist about the problem but she insists that I am chewing carelessly or in a hurry. I don’t chew carelessly or in a hurry, but since she accused me of doing so I have been extra careful. I am still biting my tongue, and I have noticed that it is always on the right side of my mouth. Something is wrong, but I am not sure what. Am I going to need new dentures? Thanks. Ira

 

Ira – When a person repeatedly bites his or her tongue while eating, it is usually due to the way the top and bottom teeth fit together.

Your dentures need to be checked for alignment to ensure the teeth fit together properly. You can ask your dentist if this has been done. But you can also seek a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training in the replacement and restoration of teeth.

Only after an examination will the prosthodontist know if you need new dentures, or if your current dentures can be properly adjusted. Without the assistance of dentist who is skilled in the proper alignment of the prosthesis, you are likely to continue biting your tongue.

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

Mar 24

Do all hybrid dentures require bone grafting?

By Dentures

I am thinking about hybrid dentures but the added cost of bone grafting is putting it out of reach for my budget. Do I have to get bone grafting or are there some hybrid dentures that don’t require it? Thanks Joan

Joan – Hybrid dentures are fastened to a metal base mounted on dental implants that are surgically implanted in your jawbone. Bone grafting—for hybrid dentures or any dental implant procedure—is only needed when you have insufficient jawbone density to support implants. If you receive hybrid dentures, it does not mean that you automatically need bone grafting.

Your implant-retained dentures won’t shift or move. They will feel like you have your own natural teeth. Your speech and chewing efficiency will be significantly improved over complete removable dentures. You will be able to remove the hybrid dentures to clean them.

An experienced implant dentist will first determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Your jawbone density will be measured to determine if it can support the dentures, or if bone grafting is needed to build up the jawbone. If you have sufficient jawbone to support the implant, no grafting will be necessary.

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

Feb 21
my-wife-has-no-upper-teeth-blog

My wife has no upper teeth and her face is sagging

By Dental Implants, Dentures, Facial Collapse

My wife is only 57 yrs old and she has full upper dentures. I am watching her go through periods of deep depression as we both notice that her face is starting to sag. She is very active and very conscious about her appearance. Unfortunate circumstances in life led to loss of most of her teeth and dentures were recommended 6 years ago. I will do what I have to so she can get her confidence back. Will dental implants help her face regain its shape? Thanks Tomas

Tomas – The first step is for your wife to receive an evaluation from a skilled implant dentist who will determine if she is a candidate for dental implants. Your wife’s medical history needs to be reviewed and diagnostic studies are needed.

Teeth are necessary to stimulate jawbone growth and retention. The jawbone supports teeth and facial muscles and tissue, including the cheeks, chin, and lips. When your teeth are missing and facial sagging occurs, it means that jawbone shrinkage has started. When dentures rest on the jawbone, it accelerates shrinkage. Individual dental implants or implant-supported dentures can help.

Dental implants help preserve jawbone. But they also require sufficient jawbone density to support them. When bone grafting is needed there are several options.

  • Autograft – This process harvests your own bone tissue. Depending on where you have adequate bone density that can be used for grafting, the bone can be harvested from the back of your jaw, or from your chin, shin, or hip. This is the safest, most effective means of grafting.
  • Allograft – The source is human cadaver bone from a reputable tissue bank. Donors are screened for infectious disease, and the tissue is thoroughly processed and sterilized. There are risks though, which are similar to the risks of blood transfusion.
  • Xenograft – Bone tissue is provided from an animal. Commonly, cow bone is used. Tissue banks screen the tissue for safety.
  • Alloplast – There are various types of synthetic bone tissue available. Based on your needs and current research, the implant surgeon will determine what is best for your case.

We recommend that you and your wife schedule a few consultations with skilled prosthodontists. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training specific to the replacement and restoration of teeth. Prepare questions for the consultation and take notes to compare the options and risks explained by each specialist. Your preparation will help you and your wife make an informed decision about her oral health.

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

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