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Dentures

Jan 21

Wacky bottom denture but can’t afford implants

By Affordable Implant Dentistry, Dentures

My bottom denture is loose but hurts my gums all at the same time. I put some pads between the dentures and my gums but they still hurt. When I chew, they lift up completely. Sometimes they get stuck to the food and I have to pull them back down. It is very embarrassing and frustrating. I feel like there’s no suction in them. I have had them relined several times with no improvement. I know dental implants will work but I can’t afford them. My dentist keeps recommending implants but what else will work? I’m in my 10th year of wearing dentures and I am 67 yrs young. I need an alternative because I have a lot of life left in me. Thank you. Lorena

Lorena – Your dentist is correct. Dental implants are needed to stabilize your denture. After your teeth have been missing for many years, your jawbone begins to shrink, and it becomes increasingly difficult to keep a denture in, so implants are needed to secure them.

There are various options for dental implants that may make them more affordable for you. Standard implants provide the most stability, and the more of them you have, the more stable your dentures will be. But implants come in other sizes. Smaller implants, mini implants, cost less and will secure your dentures so that you can enjoy eating. Two mini implants will stabilize your dentures, and if your budget allows for more, you will enjoy added stability with your dentures.

Look for a skilled implant dentist who offers payment plans or financing. The office will work with your budget so that you can afford implants without paying a single large sum at once.

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

Nov 21

A tooth fell out of my dentures

By Dentures

I had the most embarrassing moment last night. A tooth fell out of my dentures. My wife and I were out with friends at their anniversary dinner. There were 8 of us in the group. The tooth that fell out has never given me a problem. I check my dentures regularly and the tooth never felt loose. I was eating my dinner and I felt a tooth dislodge. I was afraid that I might swallow it so I had to discreetly deposit the food in my mouth into a napkin. I excused myself and went into the lobby with the napkin to find the tooth in my half chewed food. It was an incisor! I put it in my shirt pocket. I had to return back to our table, but from then on I didn’t smile or laugh hoping no one would notice that I had lost the tooth. Of course my wife starting whispering to me about what was going on. What do I do now? Will I have to get new dentures? – Dennis

 

Dennis – Some dentists can repair dentures themselves. Call your dentist’s office and ask how denture repairs are handled. If your dentist is unable to secure the tooth back into your dentures, you may find a dentist or prosthodontist who can make the repair on site. It’s possible that your dentures will need to be sent to a lab for repair. Depending on your location, it may be a few days before the repaired dentures are returned.

Teeth can fall out of new dentures if the acrylic doesn’t bond correctly to the teeth of the dentures. If your dentures are old, the acrylic can deteriorate and weaken, and the denture teeth can loosen. Dentures last an average of five to seven years. If your dentures are within that span, or older, it may be time to have them replaced.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca is a board-certified prosthodontist, specifically trained in the replacement and restoration of teeth.

Oct 31
polygrip-fixodent-drama-with-my-dentures-blog

Polygrip, Fixodent drama with my dentures

By Dentures

I can’t get it right. I don’t know if it’s my dentures, the products or me. I have tried both Polygrip and Fixodent. If I place small strips of adhesive on my dentures as recommended, they consistently fall out or slip. If I use enough adhesive to make the dentures stay in place, it is very difficult to remove them and I am left with a gross amount of adhesive that I have to scrape out of my mouth. This has been going on for two years. I think I have been patient long enough. I am looking for another option or another type of denture. I have spoken with my dentist about it several times and I don’t think he is responsive enough. I need some advice. Thank you. Millie

Millie – Unfortunately, your experience with dentures is common. It is possible that your dentures were not fitted correctly when you first received them. But many people experience problems even when the dentures were correctly sized.

Securing your dentures with dental implants will eliminate the need for denture adhesives. You can get affordable dental implants to give your dentures stability. You won’t have to worry about them slipping, they will look and feel more natural, and your chewing efficiency will improve. The implants are good for your oral health because they help prevent jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.

Find an experienced implant dentist or prosthodontist to give you an exam. He or she will let you know if you are a candidate for implant dentures, and your options will be explained.

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

Aug 27

Keeping breath fresh with dentures

By Dentures

My 72 year old mother needs dentures but this is my question not hers. I know so many people with dentures who have strong breath. The odor is unpleasant and in some cases, it’s offensive. It this unavoidable or what can we do to keep her breath fresh? – Amy

Amy – Dentures should be cleaned every day—just as natural teeth should be. Debris from food can get trapped in dentures, bacteria can grow, and cause dentures and breath to smell.

A denture brush and denture cleaning solution will keep the dentures clean and white. Your mother can also gently brush her gums and tongue with toothpaste. Rinsing her mouth with mouthwash will help move debris, germs, and keep her breath fresh.

If it’s within your mother’s budget, consider have her dentures secured with dental implants. Implants will stabilize her dentures and make them look and feel more like her own teeth.

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

May 28

Dentures and face collapsing?

By Dentures, Facial Collapse

I have been searching the internet for how to reduce dramatic facial changes when bone loss occurs due to having all of your teeth missing and wearing dentures. Most of the articles I’ve read are by dentists or on dental websites and they are offering dental implants. Most people simply cannot afford dental implants.

How does the face look after the denture years of having all your teeth missing? How can facial collapse be avoided with a regular denture? – Vince

Vince – The photos below show how the face looks after years of having all of your teeth missing. Facial collapse is progressive; it generally occurs in ten to twenty years of having all of your teeth missing.

You have found so many articles pointing to dental implants to resolve facial collapse, because that is the way to prevent it. When all of your teeth are missing, your body resorbs the jawbone. Just as the presence of natural teeth preserves the jawbone, so does the presence of dental implants.

Even if you wear dentures, securing them with as few as two dental implants helps prevent jawbone shrinkage. Implants support dentures, instead of dentures resting on your jawbone and accelerating the bone loss. Without implant overdentures, your jawbone will continue to shrink.

Most implant dentists accept various forms of payment and offer payment plans to make securing your dentures with implants more affordable.

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

 

Feb 12

The teeth are falling out of my denture

By Dentures

Hello. I got implant dentures about 2 ½ years ago. Since that time I’ve had teeth fall out of the denture twice. I have been keeping record of this and the first time it happened was in December 2011. One of the top left teeth fell out. In July of last year, two bottom teeth fell out. Last weekend I noticed a problem again on the upper left side of my mouth when I chew. I looked in the mirror and gently pushed each tooth on that side of my mouth and found that again, one is loose. Of course, I have brought this to the attention of my dentist. He keeps the denture for repair. I am not sure what that process is, but after the “repair” he returns the denture to me. I know plenty of people who wear dentures and I haven’t heard one of them say that a single tooth has fallen out of the denture. So my guess is that what’s happening to my dentures is very unusual. Can you confirm that for me? Thank you. Jim

Jim – It is very unusual for teeth to fall out of the base of a denture. If your implant dentures were made correctly, what you are experiencing would not occur.

You can certain request your denture be to be re-made. Unfortunately, mistakes occur when shortcuts are taken. Inferior materials, shortcuts in techniques, or a cheap dental lab can all contribute toward your receiving dentures that are poorly made.

Although the laboratory makes the dentures, it is the dentist who is responsible for ensuring that you get a high-quality product, and for correcting this situation.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Find out what to look for if you want affordable dental implants.

 

Oct 24

Thinking about dentures instead of replacing implant teeth

By Dental Implants, Dentures

Between my upper and lower teeth I have 12 implant teeth that need to be replaced. I think the crowns are about 14 years old now and they are worn. I remember how much it cost when I first got the implants and I don’t have that kind of money now. I have retired and my income is limited. I think dentures are the way to go this time. Do you have any tips for me on what to look for with dentures? Thanks – Tommy

Tommy – There are some things you should consider before deciding to receive removable dentures:

  • The original cost of your dental implants included the cost of the implant surgery and placement, which will not be repeated for new implant crowns.
  • There is not much difference in price tween the implant crowns and complete removable dentures, but there is difference in the function.
  • Your chewing efficiency will be cut in half with removable dentures. Also, your palate will be covered, and you will enjoy food less.
  • Your dental implants will need to be removed to receive complete removable dentures. When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks, and in about 15 years, facial collapse will occur. Then, if you are able to keep the denture in your mouth, your gums will be sore and irritated.

Many patients are satisfied with removable dentures, but you already have implants in place. Speak with your dentist about the cost of implant crowns versus complete removable dentures. If you decide that you want dentures, find a dentist who will customize the dentures to give you a comfortable fit, and who uses quality teeth for the dentures to give you a natural-looking smile.

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

Jun 12

Are dentures my only option?

By Dental Implant Mistakes, Dental Implants, Dentures

I am proud to say that I am a recovered drug addict, but my habit ruined a lot of teeth. They cannot be saved. I’m a 27 yr old man with lots of rotten teeth. Every time I had an interview I could see people looking at my teeth. Someone finally gave me a chance and now I make good money the honest way. It still bothers me because I know that my social life is affected by it too. I have the money to do something about the way I look now. Who wants dentures at 27? Please tell me my options. Thanks. Mike from Detroit.

Mike – Congratulations on your recovery. What an accomplishment!

It’s understandable that you don’t want dentures at 27 years of age. Dentures are one option for replacing teeth, and they are certainly preferred to being without any teeth, which affects your ability to eat and maintain your health.

When you can afford an alternative, dental implants are the best choice, and they are a permanent option. An implant has the same structure as a natural tooth. There is a titanium root form that is surgically embedded in your jawbone. When the jawbone heals, a replacement tooth or crown is placed on the root form.

The crown can have the same color and look of a natural tooth, if it’s done by an artistic cosmetic dentist who has been specifically trained in the techniques required to give you a beautiful smile.

When the work is completed, the implants will have the same look, feel and function of natural teeth. Your damaged teeth will be replaced with a beautiful smile. You and others won’t be able that they are not your natural teeth.

But not every dentist can give you successful and long-lasting implants. Check the credentials of the dentist to ensure that he or she has extensive training in and experience with dental implants. Otherwise, there are some costly and physically painful mistakes that can occur. Implant mistakes can even lead to needing completely new implants.

Read about the training and experience of implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca in Naperville. You’ll have a good idea of what to look for to get a beautiful smile makeover. Best wishes and congratulations again on the new you.

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

May 14

My dentures keep falling out

By Dentures

I can’t keep my dentures in. I’m in my 18th year of wearing them and they keep falling out. I don’t know if my gums are thinner or if the dentures are widening on me, but I can’t keep them in. I am afraid that one day I won’t be able to wear them anymore. Could this happen? What are my options? Thank you. Rose from Indiana

Rose – You are experiencing facial collapse, which occurs when all of your teeth are missing. The loss of your teeth is a signal to your body that the jawbone that once supported the teeth is no longer needed. So, your body resorbs the bone and uses the minerals from it elsewhere.

As the jawbone shrinkage progresses, it becomes difficult, if not impossible to wear dentures. Bone grafting will be needed to build up your jawbone.

You will then have a few options:

  1. Removable dentures – Facial collapse will continue to occur, and you will have to repeat the bone grafting procedure again.
  2. Dental implants – Each of your teeth can be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants look and feel more like your natural teeth than any other solution. The implants will permanently prevent jawbone shrinkage. The cost is per implant.
  3. Implant overdentures – With several dental implants, your dentures can be secured to the implants. The presence of the implants will slow the progression of the jawbone shrinkage. This option is much less expensive than replacing each tooth with an implant.

This blog is sponsored by the office of Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Dec 15

Is this a fair price for a dental bridge?

By Dental Bridge, Dentures

I was told by my dentist that I need a five unit bridge. I have a great deal of bone loss due to gum disease, and my teeth are loose, so my dentist is afraid that a partial will put too much stress on my teeth. I was quoted $5500 in addition to extraction costs. I this a fair and reasonable price?

Tory from Houston

Dear Tory,

The fee seems reasonable for Texas. However, I’m not sure why your dentist is suggesting a dental bridge instead of a removable partial denture. A removable partial is less risky and will place less stress on the adjacent teeth.  Also, a bridge puts much less stress on the teeth it attaches to. You would need to scrap using the dental bridge and start over again if you have an issue with one of those teeth it is resting on. If you go with a partial, then you can add a tooth to it later with much less work and expense.

What I encourage you do is get a second opinion to find out if the bridge is the best way to go.

You can read more about this procedure here on our website.

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