If you are seeking Partial or Complete Dentures for yourself or a family member, our dental team at Memorial Square Dental Clinic in Calgary NE is here to guide you and make the process as easy as possible. Our Calgary Dental team of dentists is focused on listening to your concerns and making sure you fully understand all of your treatment options. We welcome you to contact our clinic to arrange a denture consultation today.
What are Dentures?
Conventional dentures are removable dental appliances that are constructed to replace missing teeth. Dentures can also be fixed, however, as in the case of fixed bridges, where natural teeth or dental implants are used to support permanent replacement of missing teeth. During your denture consultation, we will advise you of all treatment options available based on your unique case.
Two types of dentures are available at Memorial Square Dental Clinic in Calgary NE: complete and partial dentures.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are the most common denture appliances made. A complete denture can be crafted to fit either the upper arch, lower arch or both. The upper denture has a pink denture base that extends across the roof of the mouth to create suction and help keep the denture in place. The lower denture is u-shaped and is designed to fit snugly along the bottom ridge of the jaw.
You may be concerned about your dentures looking false, but our dentists and dental lab technicians who construct the denture appliances, take every step to ensure that your dentures look as natural as possible. The base of the denture is designed to look like your gums, and innovations in replacement tooth design have come a long way in making the false teeth look incredibly natural. Also, since the loss of all your teeth will have resulted in the loss of support for your lips, cheeks and facial muscles, your new complete dentures will help fill out the shape of your face and instantly improve your smile!
Partial Dentures
If one or more natural teeth are remaining, a removable partial denture can be considered. This partial denture replacement is made up of a gum colored plastic base connected by metal framework that clips onto the remaining natural teeth to hold the denture in place in the mouth.
In some cases, a fixed bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, can also be considered as a treatment option when adjacent natural teeth are there to support the bridge. A dental “bridge” is considered permanent because it is cemented into place and is not removable. The advantage of the fixed partial denture is that it stays securely in place.
The Typical Denture Process
The process for fitting your dentures will depend on the type of dentures you choose and your specific needs. The following is a basic guideline to give you a general idea of the denture process.
Generally, you can expect that creating and fitting your Calgary dentures will take place over several visits. There are immediate, temporary NE Calgary dentures solutions, however, to ensure that you are not missing teeth during the process. For example, if you’re still having teeth extractions, an immediate denture can be used as a temporary measure while your gums and mouth heal.
Impressions
We will make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.
Casting
Once the fit, shape and color has been confirmed, your final denture will be crafted by our dental lab.
Adjusting
Once the denture has been crafted, we will make sure it fits properly and make any adjustments needed. It’s important to keep in mind that adjustments may be needed from time to time. If your mouth gets sore, don’t wait for it to get worse. We are happy to help you and strongly encourage you to come in to see us for a denture adjustment as soon as you can.
Cleaning and Polishing Your Denture
If yours have accumulated plaque and mineral deposits will look stained and can create unpleasant breath. We recommend that you come in at least once a year for a check-up. At this time we can clean and polish your dentures with professional equipment that will make your dentures look like new.
Check-Ups
Since your mouth changes over time, the only way that a healthy mouth and good denture fit can be maintained is through regular check-ups.
You’ve made a significant investment in your dentures and regular check-ups are the best way to ensure your investment continues to serve you well. Although it may be tempting to skip a check-up or ignore minor irritations with your dentures, don’t forget that your dentist has been trained to recognize and evaluate the total health of your mouth and to advise you of your denture needs.
Is There an Alternative?
Yes, there is an alternative. Dental implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges, thereby eliminating the need for a denture. In the case of a poor fitting complete denture, dental implants can also be used to create better support for the denture. The cost of implant supported bridges and implant supported dentures is greater than that for standard dentures but there is an added benefit in that the implant supported solutions feel more natural, are stronger and more stable and will help maintain your jaw bone over time.
Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for implant supported bridges or implant supported dentures. If you would like to explore the potential for dental implant supported solutions as an alternative to standard dentures, we would be happy to discuss this with you during your denture consultation.
We invite you to book an appointment at Memorial Square Dental Clinic today. Our team of dental professionals look forward to the opportunity to meet all of your denture needs.
