Dentures first became available in the 16th century to replace missing teeth. Over the years the materials and techniques have been continuously improved. Today dentures can be made in many different modern materials that include; conventional chrome and acrylic, Valplast tissue color dentures, clear invisible clasp dentures, precision attachment dentures and overdentures retained by teeth or implants.
If you have missing teeth and need dentures for the first time, we can make a quality set of dentures just for you. Also, if you have an old set of dentures, or problems with your existing dentures, we may be able to adjust, reline and modify your existing dentures to make them fit better and make them more comfortable. Although we always try our best to work with your existing dentures, sometimes, we may have to fabricate and make you a new set, but that is only If your existing dentures are beyond repair. It is best to bring your dentures in for an evaluation. Dr. Zar will give you options from least expensive to the most advanced and involved treatment plan.
Dentures are designed to mimic the natural appearance of your teeth as closely as possible. When cared for properly, dentures can last for many years. If you have sufficient bone and tissue support, Dentures work well and can be quite retentive when designed and fabricated properly. If you don't have sufficient tissues to support a denture, your dentures will be loose and mobile in your mouth. We can resolve that problem with a few implants to help hold and retain the dentures in your mouth. This can be done before (for patients that have the budget and want to take advantage of having implants for maximum stability, function and retention) or after we fabricate your dentures (for patients who want to postpone implants and want to try conventional dentures first and only consider implants in the future if absolutely necessary). You can always try having the regular dentures made, and upgrade with implants if you need them and cannot tolerate a conventional denture. Generally, the lower jaw has less surface area for denture support and is often the first area to need implants to assist in denture retention. Dentures for the upper jaw can often have very good retention and usually doesn't require implants unless, there is not enough supporting tissue for retention, the patient requests to have a fixed restoration that stays in the mouth or if more retention is desired. It is important to replicate the previous position of the teeth and gums to restore proper function, aesthetics and speech. One can truly look 10-20 years younger with a proper set of dentures. Fabrication of dentures requires a highly skilled doctor and lab technician working in conjunction using the best techniques and materials. We will measure the relationship of your upper to lower jaw, the precise position of your bite, then to place the teeth in the proper place the doctor must measure the location of your canines, your facial midline, the position of your lips, evaluate your speech and measure the amount of bone loss and involve the patient in selecting the proper shade and shape of teeth and gums. Proper denture fabrication is time consuming and is considered as one of the more difficult and technique sensitive procedures for dentists to perform. Your dentist and Lab technician must be patient, highly skilled and experienced to achieve good results. A good clinician does not take short cuts or skip steps in this process. Dr. Zar has served as Clinical Instructor at NYU School of Dentistry teaching specifically the denture course to dental students and has a specialty degree in prosthodontics (highlighted link to "what is a Prosthodontist") He also has more than 20 years’ clinical experience as a dentist and often is called to repair or redo poor dental work performed by other dentists. He will not quit until his patients are fully satisfied and happy with the results.
What are immediate Dentures? These dentures are fabricated from impressions taken of your teeth and immediately after your first appointment. Immediate dentures are provisional | temporary dentures that are fabricated in our nearby lab. These dentures can be worn for 2 to 3 months with some adjustments during the healing phase of treatment.
If you think you might need a second set of spare dentures in the future, let us know in advance, we can scan and duplicate your existing dentures. Scanned files will be saved in our laboratory computer database and can be used in the future to provide you with a duplicate set of your dentures. We don't need to take impressions of your mouth, and you don’t need to pay for the duplicate set of dentures until you're ready to have them made. This procedure is purely optional and up to the patient, there is a small fee for scanning and saving your digital file, if you decide to move forward.
Once you have been fitted for your final dentures the next step is adjusting to your new teeth.
When most people hear the word denture, the picture that comes to mind is that of a full set of upper and lower teeth complete with pink hums in a glass full of water. It’s important to note that the word dentures refers to several different types of prosthetic teeth. For instance, there is the removable full denture and the removable partial denture. There is also the fixed partial denture which is commonly referred to as a “bridge”. The full set of dentures can also be securely fixed in the mouth. How is a fixed denture different from a removable one? Let’s take a look.
- Fixed dentures
Fixed dentures have a similar functionality with traditional dental bridge. The main difference is that it is attached on an implant at each end instead of being placed on existing teeth. The implants provide a strong and solid foundation for the dentures due to their firm anchorage. The attachment on the implant cannot be removed by the patient except by the dentist. The fixed dentures are designed to match perfectly with your existing natural teeth. In this case therefore, you clean under it with floss or brush it just like your teeth.
A full arch of missing teeth can also be replaced by a fixed dental implant bridge. The number of implants used will be dependent on whether you are getting a full arch fixed bridge or a replacement of one strip of teeth. The dental implants are placed at strategic points along the arch when it comes to replacing a full arch of teeth. The implants are also placed in a way that ensures equal distribution of the forces of biting and chewing. A full arch of teeth therefore can use as few as four implants. With fixed dentures, the worry that they will slip or loosen is never there. This implies that you can speak normally, eat whatever you want, and live without the bothersome denture adhesives and creams. Fixed dentures can improve the quality of your life since it feels much more like your own natural teeth.
Since implant-supported dentures are fixed in your mouth, they help prevent bone loss. The dentures are anchored into the living bone tissue and this offers the support and simulation required to prevent bone loss. The bone-loving properties of titanium, which the dental implants are made of, enables the bone in your jaw to fuse to the implant easily.
- Removable Dentures
Removable dentures are the traditional types of dentures that are supported by your gums. They come with their own set of problems including slipping or falling out when eating sticky foods, talking or laughing. However, adhesives can be used to minimize slippage. Additionally, with time, one can learn how to get by with them and with time, they will adjust to your mouth. Removable dentures must be maintained properly through consistent dental hygiene practices. Brushing to remove plaque and food particles every day is crucial. After removing them, place them in denture solution fluids of water at room temperature.
Since the removable dentures are not fixed in place, they offer the flexibility of sleeping without them if desired or removing them for cleaning. When you have a set of removable dentures you rely on the strength of your gums to bite and chew which can be challenging when eating tough foods such as corn on the cob or steak. However, having these dentures gives you the benefit of enjoying the taste and texture of food again.
A removable denture is also known as an overdenture and requires less investment when compared to a fixed bridge. The overdenture is highly imperative to individuals with bone loss since it helps restore chewing and speech function. Bone loss shortens the distance between the tip of the nose and the chin and this diminishes the support of the facial structure. An overdenture can improve appearance since it offers additional bulk to support the facial structures. The upper jaw overdentures can be designed as “full palates” depending on an individual’s needs for facial support. This implies that a patient can choose to either have a denture plastic that doesn’t completely cover the palate, or a plastic that covers the upper jaw palate completely. Removable dentures cost less when compared to fixed dentures and even in some cases, your existing dentures can be modified saving you more in the long run.
Factors that come into play when it comes to the choice of dentures majorly depend on the conditions of your bone, gums and teeth, your financial ability and personal preference. At Tarzana Dental Care, it is our role to help you choose the best option for you. Whether you choose fixed or removable dentures, you are certainly going to get the improvement to your smile and mouth function. You can call us for consultations.
Why Choose Tarzana Dental Care
At Tarzana Dental Care, implant retained dentures are the bulk of our practices. The implant retained denture is supported by your gums but has mini or full-sized dental implants to stabilize it. If you are looking for a less complex and less expensive treatment plan and want to save time, you may choose to go with removable dentures that are held in the mouth with a few implants. Although these dentures are removable, they function very well and have a high success rate with less investment. Our head doctor, Dr. Zar, is a prosthodontist specializing in this field with over 18 years of experience.
When delivering cases back, we have a nearby lab and tech for fast repairs and fabrication. In this case, therefore, we offer fast repairs and Relines. However, you must call in advance to schedule an appointment. Your dentures can get high-quality cleaning and polishing from our center. We offer free denture cleaning and polishing for the life of your dentures but this only applies to the dentures that we make. To save you a lot of money and time, we may be able to convert your existing dentures to stay in your mouth with a few implants. This will save you the hassle of having to go through the process of making a new set of dentures. Come in for a free consultation with one of our doctors and get quality services or call us now at 818-708-3232 for all of your denture needs!
Here are a few common problems new denture wearers sometimes experience:
Dentures Slipping
Problem: Your dentures slip. This is most common if you smile, laugh, sneeze or cough.
Solution: Gently bite on your dentures, then swallow. This will move them back into place.
Dentures Feel Loose
Problem: Your dentures feel loose. The new teeth may be awkward for the first few weeks, and you may get the feeling they are about to fall out. This will lessen as your cheek and tongue muscles become accustomed to the dentures and learn to keep them in place.
Solution: You can use a bit of denture adhesive to hold the false teeth in place.
Denture Irritation
Problem: You’re experiencing denture irritation. Any time you add a foreign object to your mouth, you are going to have a bit of pain. Again, this is normal. It will take about a month for your tongue, gums, and insides of your cheeks to adjust to the new shapes, but then the irritation will go away.
Solution: Gargle with salt water to clean out the irritated areas. You can take a temporary pain reliever if the pain is really bad, but that may be a sign your dentures are not fitting properly and you should contact your dentist.
Trouble Talking with Dentures
Problem: You are having trouble talking. Dentures require an adjustment in the way you talk. You may notice your dentures clicking while you talk or you could have trouble saying certain words.
Solution: Speak slowly to avoid the clicking. Also, practice saying words that are giving you trouble.
Difficulty Eating with Dentures
Problem: You are having difficulty eating. It’s not easy to relearn how to eat with your new teeth. You may feel as though your dentures are moving as you eat.
Solution: Stick with soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing. When you do chew, make sure you use the left and right sides of your mouth, to avoid movement of your dentures.
Saliva Production with Dentures
Problem: Change in saliva production. When you take a certain medication, you may find yourself producing less saliva, which can prompt sore spots under your dentures. Or, conversely, you may discover you are producing a lot of saliva when you first start wearing your dentures.
Solution: You can talk to your doctor about using a different medication, if possible. For the increases saliva production, just wait it out. It usually goes away shortly.
All of these problems should start to lessen within the first month. However, if you still find you are experiencing denture discomfort, contact your dentist. You may need to get denture adjustments to find a better fit, and a high-quality denture doctor will understand that need.
Denture Care Tips
There are three major parts to denture maintenance: cleaning, handling, and adjustment.
Your dentures require regular cleaning, just like your natural teeth. Regular cleaning helps eliminate germs and smells that cling to dentures; it also helps keep your mouth healthy.
Denture Cleaning Tips
- DO clean your dentures daily.
- DON’T use toothpaste to clean them. Though you should continue to brush your gums and any remaining teeth with toothpaste, there are cleaners made specifically for dentures.
- DO use denture tablets such as Effervescent to clean your false teeth.
- DON’T use abrasive cleaning products on your dentures, even if you have stubborn stains.
- DO brush your dentures daily with a soft toothbrush specifically designed for dentures.
- DON’T forget to rinse your dentures off following every meal or snack.
- DO try an ultrasonic cleaner for a deeper clean, though remember this does not take the place of daily brushing.
- DON’T use bleach as a denture whitener, as it can whiten the pink parts of the dentures.
How to Care for Dentures
Like any delicate piece of equipment, dentures should be handled with care. That goes beyond keeping them away from your grandkids or your pets.
Here are a few guidelines for handling your dentures:
Dentures should be placed in water or cleaning solution when not in use. Make sure to keep them moist in order to maintain their shape.
Keep dentures out of hot water. Though you may think hot water will give you a deeper clean, high temperatures can actually warp the teeth or the metal attachments.
Take dentures out only when standing over a towel or a sink filled with water. That way if you drop them, they will land safely and will not break.
Do not bend the clasp or the metal on your dentures. That can lead to problems with fit.
How to Adjust Dentures
When your dentures are bothering you or you feel them slipping, it may be tempting to try to adjust them yourself. After all, it only takes a quick tweak to push something back in place. But you should never try to adjust your dentures yourself.
Even the smallest of tweaks can result in a different, potentially poor fit. Dentures are designed based on very small measurements. Contact your dentist if you think your dentures need to be adjusted, and let a professional decide what needs to be done. Otherwise you risk damaging your dentures.
Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Dental implants are a possible alternative to dentures. Implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Implants and bridges may resemble the "feel" of real teeth, but they may be more expensive than dentures. Not all patients are good candidates for implants, so be sure to talk to your dentist about which treatment option is best for you.