Your Denture Options Explained

You’d be surprised at the horrified expressions that dentists around the globe are faced with when the word ‘dentures’ are mentioned. There’s an immediate assumption that life is ruined, that this horrible alien device is going to be inserted into your mouth that will change your whole lifestyle. No dentist would ever deny that it does take time to get used to dentures, but they certainly do not need to be dreaded.

Most individuals that need dentures don’t really understand their options and that’s where a lot of the fear comes from. The stereotypical image of a glass of water beside the bed with a complete set of teeth, top and bottom, is a long way from the truth of the different options that are open to you at the start of your denture journey.

Partial and complete dentures

You might have heard your dentist mention these terms so let’s discuss what they actually are and will mean to you.

You’ll be happy to hear that if you’re only missing a couple of teeth your dentist isn’t going to knock the rest out so that every tooth can be inserted onto your dentures. Partial dentures are specially designed to only replace those teeth that are actually missing and can come in the form of either a removable or a fixed plate.

On the other hand, if you are missing all of your teeth on the top or bottom of your mouth then a complete denture will be the more appropriate course of action. In this instance your denture will boast an impressive array of every tooth.

The four types of denture

The type of denture that will be used to cover the gap in your teeth or to replace the whole lot will depend on your situation. There are four main types of denture available to the majority of patients which I have detailed below for your information.

The standard denture is best suited for those that have actually lost their teeth. These dentures have been the most commonly used ones for the last few years and are held in place on the roof of your mouth by suction.

The immediate denture is actually a temporary denture to cover the embarrassment of having gaps in your teeth while a longer term solution is created. They will be given to you straight after having your old and unhealthy tooth taken out.

The Cu-Sil denture relies on your other still healthy teeth because it is adhered to them with the use of silicone rubber. This often results in a more stable solution but is not a very good choice for those with no original teeth remaining.

The dental implant is a newer technology that actually replaces a tooth with a synthetic equivalent by attaching its titanium base to the jawbone of the patient. Often those with dental implants claim that they feel exactly the same as the original teeth making them the most successful, but most expensive, solution.

Why not make an appointment with your dentist today to discuss the best option for you personally? They will be the best people to advise you as to which type of denture you require.

What is the Difference between a Mini Dental Implant and a Traditional Dental Implant?

You might have heard of dental implants. They are teeth formed from a synthetic material, specially designed to look and feel like the originals and they are attached via a piece of metal secured to your jawbone. The cost of dental implants can be very expensive however, which is where mini dental implants enter the scene. These smaller dental fixings boast a price which is less than that of the traditional implants but why? What is the difference between the two?

Well first let’s consider the main similarity between the two. Both mini dental implants and traditional implants involve attaching a titanium fixing to your jawbone though, in the case of mini implants, the size of the device is smaller and can be inserted without a site having been pre-prepared. This makes the whole procedure a lot faster and can also save on so many trips back to the dentist.

Sounds like a simple solution to a costly problem right? Well although mini dental implants are sometimes used in order to actually secure prosthetic teeth, their main use is through the securing of a bottom denture plate. These days there are higher success rates in using mini dental implants for actually securing teeth but some dentists still report higher failure rates than the more traditional technology.

Let’s not dismiss mini dental implants outright though. As a person gets older the teeth aren’t the only things that wear away. So does the actual density of the bone which the teeth are secured to. As traditional implants require a fastening to this bone it is not always a possibility and this is where the mini alternative can help.

While dentures will never feel as normal as implants the secured models are certainly a more stable solution to those that are removable. However, even these secured dentures may not fit completely comfortably which can be a real headache for those faced with this issue. I would even go so far as to say that it can severely hamper a person’s quality of life.

In that respect the technology behind mini dental implants is invaluable as it provides a very effective way to secure these dentures in place. Eliminating once and for all those plates that simply will not stay put and allowing the patient to go on and enjoy life. A correctly fitted denture using this technology should not prevent you from eating the foods that you want to eat like a traditional denture would.

In conclusion, a traditional dental implant is still the best solution if you are looking to replace your teeth with synthetic equivalents. However, if you don’t have the bone structure to support them or simply cannot afford the cost, mini dental implants offer an effective alternative. To date they are the best way to securely fasten your dentures, giving you access to a quality of life that you might have thought lost forever in dealing with ill fitting and uncomfortable dentures.

How to Banish Your Fear of the Dentist

A fear of the dentist is a common in our society. It often becomes so severe that it can even be classed as a phobia. This not-wholly unfounded fear prevents many people from seeking out the urgent dental treatments that they so desperately require. Some people have suffered from awful past experiences in the dentist chair which explains their reluctance, while for others the mere thought of having someone poking about their mouth is enough to cause a panic.

Don’t let a fear of the dentist make you wait until you are suffering from unbearable toothache before trying to find a dentist that you can trust. It’s important to deal with the issue now to prevent your teeth from starting to decay and to give you a contact for if an emergency situation should arise. The following steps will help you to banish your fear of the dentist and to start a life of enjoying healthy teeth:

Step one – take the time to find a good dentist

Unless you live in a very small community there are likely to be several dentists available to you, more if you are prepared to travel. Take some time to talk to your friends and family to discover whereabouts they have their dental work done. These references will be invaluable in your search for a dental practice that will cater for your needs.

Many dentists have actually worked extensively with those who have a fear of dental work and are specially qualified to keep you calm. Don’t rush this process; go in and see the dental practices if you can as this will give you a good idea as to whether they have practices in place to deal with fear. The atmosphere in the waiting room alone is likely to tell you all that you need to know.

Step two – knowledge is power

One of the reasons that people are terrified of visiting the dentist is because of the pain that they assume goes hand in hand with any treatment that they need. I’m not going to lie to you and say that all dentists can perform all dental practices painlessly, but today there are many options open to you to lessen your discomfort, with many of these options resulting in painless, or near painless dentistry.

Have a chat to your dentist before your procedure. They will be more than happy to talk through these options with you and will inform you as to the best approach for you. This knowledge will help to remove the fear that you are facing.

Step three – breathe deeply

Relaxation techniques could really help you to deal with your fear of dental practices. Different ideas work best for different people, but you may find that just sitting down and concentrating on taking some long, deep breaths could be just the thing to remove the fear that you dread.

The temptation when we face something that scares us is to hyperventilate which just makes matters worse. Don’t let yourself give in to this shallow breathing, instead focus on counting the seconds that pass as you breathe in and out; try to breathe in for 5 seconds and out for 5 seconds. This could be just the thing to calm your nerves.

Top Tips to Help You Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Our teeth are incredibly useful but we so often take them for granted, not looking after them enough until we get to the point where some restorative work is required. Be it a filling, a denture or even a tooth implant. Looking after your teeth doesn’t need to be a difficult or time consuming thing but it can make a very big difference in the long run. These tips will help you to keep your teeth in the best condition that you can so that they will last the longest they can.

Brushing twice a day, every day

Do you remember being nagged incessantly by your mom everyday about cleaning your teeth? You should thank her if that is the case. Cleaning your teeth twice every day is highly recommended by dentists and can help to prolong the life of your teeth. If you have kids of your own make sure you instruct them in how important this is to do so that they too can enjoy long-lasting teeth.

Look after your toothbrush

After cleaning your teeth make sure you give your toothbrush a quick rinse to remove any residue of toothpaste and any bits of food that could harbor bacteria. If possible, store your toothbrush in a vertical upright position so that it can dry properly. Looking after your toothbrush well will help to keep it bacteria-free and lasting longer. You should also change your toothbrush regularly, most sources recommend doing this every three months.

Visit a dentist regularly

A dentist will be able to spot any small problems and correct them before they develop into fully blown issues. Treating a problem sooner rather than later is always preferable. Make sure you visit your dentist at the very least once a year. Don’t be embarrassed if you haven’t been to a dentist in a while – that’s not a good reason not to start now.

Watch out for acidic drinks

Everyone enjoys a fizzy drink now and then and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, too many heavily acidic drinks like fruit juice and fizzy drinks can do permanent damage to your teeth so enjoy them in moderation. Don’t clean your teeth directly after drinking one of these acidic drinks because the acid actually softens the enamel on your teeth. That means that cleaning immediately might cause you to clean that enamel right off your teeth!

Enjoy a balanced diet

This will please your nutritionist and your dentist! A balanced diet will do wonders when it comes to keeping your teeth shiny and healthy. There are many different items of food that can specifically help you to keep your teeth in an impeccable condition such as onions that are great for killing germs in your mouth, and milk to help support your teeth with its calcium.

Looking after your teeth today is a choice that you will certainly not regret in later life. Follow these simple tips and you’ll keep your teeth shiny and strong.

Learning to Live With Dentures

There is a common misconception that once your dentist has announced that dentures are the way to go you are in for a negative and wholly unpleasant experience. While it is true that all rumors start somewhere and many individuals have therefore suffered with bad experiences, this doesn’t have to be the case for you.

In fact it is likely that the opposite will be true because there are certainly many advantages that can come from having dentures. For one they can restore your confidence if you have suffered for a while from discolored or missing teeth. You don’t need to hide your smile anymore if your dentist has created you a denture that fits you well.

It is true that living with dentures will be different to living with your normal teeth, it is always important to keep in mind that they are prosthetic replacements and not actual teeth. Our original teeth are very impressive and, as yet, we have not been successful in creating dentures to replicate this and so you may struggle in eating some foods. Particularly hard items could potentially cause your dentures to chip, while others may be difficult to chew because the sensation of chewing is not as obvious as with your original teeth.

Though this might be a very obvious downside to dentures you should always remember that the alternative may be no teeth at all! Which would you rather live with? There are other procedures that you could consider if you are really keen to avoid dentures such as teeth implants. However, if you prefer to choose the non-surgical route dentures will be your lot and they are a heck of a lot better than nothing!

Many people assume that dentures are actually going to cause them pain and be falling out at the most embarrassing and inopportune moments. Having your teeth fly out to land in your bosses dish of soup, for example. Well let me reassure you that only dentures that have not been correctly fitted will suffer from these occurrences. A decent dentist should be able to make adjustments so that your denture fits within your mouth comfortably.

Having said that, it will certainly take you some time to adjust to a new denture; particularly if it is your first one. Imagine breaking in a new pair of shoes, if you wear them for a long time your feet are likely to complain with blisters and soreness. I’m not saying that you are going to discover blisters on your gums, but while your mouth adjusts to a new denture there may be a little discomfort. If it continues after a few days get onto the phone and talk to your dentist who will be able to make adjustments for you.

No one is going to tell you that living with a denture isn’t a different experience because it is. It will take time for you to adjust to your new prosthetic teeth, but once you do chances are you won’t know how you ever lived without them.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Healthy Teeth – Nutrition Advice for the Best You

Everyone knows that eating healthily is good for your overall wellbeing. Eating plenty of fruit and veg and supplementing it with proteins, carbohydrates, dairy and the like is the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But did you know of the effect that a well balanced diet could have on your teeth?

It’s true. The foods and drinks that you consume have a huge effect on your dental health. A well balanced diet could not only lengthen your life and increase your overall wellbeing; it could also lengthen the life of your teeth. So what specifically should we be looking to eat and drink to give our teeth the best shot at surviving for a long time?

Returning to traditional foods is a very good starting place. If you live on a fast food diet it might be hard to adjust to at first but it is important to start to eat products such as cheese, milk and meat without the usual preservatives associated with our convenience lifestyle. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables are also an essential requirement to help us to get hold of the vitamins that we need to keep our teeth and bodies healthy.

Even drinking a lot of water can help with your dental health by keeping your mouth moist. The more water you drink the more likely you are to wash away harmful bacteria and food remnants that could be lurking between your teeth. This in itself can lower the risk of gum disease.

Other drinks can have an opposite effect such as fruit juices or fizzy drinks. No one is saying that you should cut them completely from your diet but the important thing to remember is to enjoy them now and again, not ten times a day. If possible try to follow a drink that’s high in sugar with some water to wash the acid from your teeth. It’ll do your enamel a world of good!

If you’re still lost about how best to improve you daily nutritional regime to help to support your teeth then try to incorporate some of the following ingredients as often as possible:

• Milk is packed full of calcium which is what the body actually uses to help to make your teeth and your bones strong. Other dairy products such as yoghurts and cheese will also help you to get the required level of calcium each day.

• Citrus fruits such as oranges will up your vitamin C intake which will help to strengthen your body’s immune system.

• Fresh vegetables are high in fiber, eating them can create more saliva in your mouth which is one of the best ways to keep your teeth clear from harmful acids and remnants of food.

Upping your intake of these different types of food will do wonders for your dental health, prolonging the life of your teeth. It’s never too late to make a change in your diet and it could be just the extra bit of help that your own teeth need.

What exactly are Dental Implants?

Unfortunately our teeth don’t last forever, as much as we would like them to! It is likely that at some point in your life you will experience the loss of one or more of your teeth, leaving you with a decision as to what treatment you will need to conceal that gap. You may have heard many options thrown around such as dentures, crowns or even dental implants! It can be so easy to become confused by all of the different dental terms and procedures available so I’m now going to explain exactly what dental implants are and the information that you need to know. Hopefully that will help you to make an informed choice.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are essential replacement teeth created from a synthetic material. They are designed to look exactly like your natural teeth so that people looking at your beaming smile should not be able to tell the difference, unless you decide to give away your secret of course.

Unlike dentures or crowns that will feel different compared with your old teeth, implants will actually feel how they should. That means that you won’t have any problem biting into apples or eating toffees. Just like normal teeth you’ll still have to get the toothbrush out to give them a cleaning every day so that they will last as long as is possible.

There are two different types of dental implant that are used today, forgive the long words but these are known as Endosteal and Subperiosteal. Let’s define these types of implant now so that you know what you will be faced with:

• Endosteal implants are the most common type and involve placing a titanium base directly into your jawbone. This metal acts as the original root of your tooth would have done and one or more synthetic teeth can be attached to it securely.

• Subperiosteal implants are less common than the alternative. In this case instead of attaching the implants to your jawbone they are inserted into your gums.

Sounds painful! Do dental implants hurt?

Having dental implants is a surgical procedure and is therefore conducted using anaesthetic meaning you will not feel any pain during the fitting. Most dentists will prescribe some painkillers in case there is any irritation in the few days following your procedure, but many patients claim that their suffering was such a small amount that they did not need to resort to any pain relief.

Are dental implants for you?

While dental implants do cost more than the alternative treatments it is important to consider them as an investment. Due to the long life of your new synthetic teeth you should not need to have other dental work done. However, do seriously consider whether you can afford the procedure.

If you do have the funds to enjoy a shiny new set of teeth then I would seriously consider this option. Missing teeth are embarrassing, there’s no denying it, and what better way to replace them than with a synthetic lookalike that feels exactly the same as the original tooth?

How to Correctly Care for Your Dentures

If you have been unfortunate enough to lose teeth through misfortune or general tooth decay then you may now have a denture, or a prosthetic device designed to replace any and all missing teeth. While dentures are a great way to save on the embarrassment often associated with missing teeth and even help to support your facial structure, there is still some work associated to keep them in the best shape.

Learning how to correctly care for your dentures will save you money in the long run as they will last for longer. Your dentures will be quite durable but the constant wear and tear that they are faced with day in and day out puts a strain on the material that they are made out of. I hope that you will find the following few tips useful, make sure that you keep them up and you will get the most out of your dentures:

Clean your dentures regularly

Ideally you should spend a couple of minutes cleaning your dentures after every meal or at least giving them a quick rinse if you are in a rush. This will stop any staining of the prosthetic teeth that could become embarrassing and will also remove any bits of food that have become caught underneath. This doesn’t have to be a lot of work when you follow this simple three step plan.

1. Rinse away any bits of food on the underside of your dentures; you’ll be able to see them.
2. Moisten your specialist toothbrush.
3. Apply denture cleaner to the toothbrush and brush gently around every surface.

Don’t use a regular toothbrush and toothpaste unless you have checked with your dentist first as too tough-a brush and the chemicals within your toothbrush could do long term damage to your dentures. Your dentist can advise you on the best products to buy to keep your dentures clean.

Don’t let your dentures dry out

Dry dentures can start to lose their shape. While they’re in your mouth they will be fine as your saliva will keep them moist but when you are not wearing them, such as at night, be sure to place them in water or ideally in denture soaking solution.

If your dentures have started to rub, feel uncomfortable or even feel too loose a change in shape could be the reason in which case you may need to have them refitted, or even replaced. Visit your dentist again if your dentures are causing you any discomfort and they will offer advice.

Be careful when handling your dentures

Believe it or not, one of the most common reasons that dentures have to be replaced is due to being dropped on hard floors. This can cause a crack or fracture within the prosthetic material that can loosen or break one of the teeth. That and biting hard on hard foods are the two most common causes for repair, especially if the dentures are old.

Be aware of the risks and take care with your dentures in order to get the most life out of them.

From Consultation to Replacement Tooth – the Journey of a Dental Implant

If you are considering dental implant surgery to replace a missing tooth then you might be wondering what you could be letting yourself in for. That’s why I’ve created this diary of what you can expect when it comes to the process of having your implant installed.

The first consultation

To begin the process of having dental implants you will first need to speak to a specialist. If your particular dentist does not actually offer this service they are likely to be able to recommend somebody that does. Alternatively speaking to friends, family and a bit of research on the internet could soon but you in contact with an appropriate dental practice.

The dentist will discuss all of the options with you, not just dental implants. You should be sure to ask any questions that you have, don’t worry if you seem like an awkward patient! The most important thing for you is that you feel comfortable with the procedure that you are about to undertake and the person that will be conducting the surgery.

Preparing the implant site

Once you have decided to go ahead with the dental implants you will embark upon a two-stage process to actually have your prosthetic teeth fitted. The first stage is to actually prepare the site where the implant will be fitted. If the tooth itself is still in place the very first step will be an extraction.

With the tooth out of the way the dentist will then make ready the site for the implant. Your dental implants are secured into your jawbone and, in some instances, there is simply not enough healthy bone there to secure anything to. In this instance your dentist may suggest a bone graft from another area of bone in your body, or alternatively using cadaver or bovine bone. Don’t worry about this because your dentist will keep you informed and present you with the options throughout the entire process.

Inserting the new ‘root’

Where the root for your old tooth would have been the new titanium ‘root’ will be placed ready for the actual implant to be implanted. At this stage a denture or other alternative will be provided if the tooth is in a prominent position to save embarrassment while you wait for the gum to heal around the metal. This is usually a time period of three to six months though that will vary based on your individual situation.

Attaching the new tooth

Finally an artificial tooth will be created from a synthetic material to place upon the titanium root. This is a relatively simple process in comparison with the rest of the surgery and will be performed quickly. The tooth itself will match the other teeth in your mouth for the best aesthetic result.

A successful tooth implant should last from anywhere between fifteen and twenty-five years so once the procedure is completed you won’t have to worry about your tooth again for a long time!

Do You Miss Eating the Food You Love?

I like food. A nice juicy apple, some corn on the cob and, of course, wonderfully tender steaks are all on my list of favorites. Issues with our teeth can prevent us from enjoying the food that we love. Perhaps you have experience of that. Let’s set the scene; you’re out at a nice restaurant with some friends and, against your better judgment, you choose that steak from the menu. It looks delicious and the smell alone makes your mouth water. You cut a piece off and place it into your mouth but then it happens. Your dentures simply will not cooperate! You try and shift the piece of meat about your mouth but nothing works, you simply cannot chew that wonderful food.

If you’ve been in that situation, or a similar one, then dental implants could be something that could help. They aren’t for everyone; let’s clear that up right at the start. Some people shy away from the talk of a surgical procedure and the cost can be another deterrent as dental implants do cost more than some other treatments. However, even if you aren’t totally sure as to whether you want to go for it it’s certainly worth having a chat to your dentist to understand the procedure better.

To help you to make a decision as to whether a synthetic tooth that looks and feels exactly like the original is right for you here are some of the benefits that you could discover:

• Dental implants are actually secured to your jawbone. What that means is that it becomes very difficult for you to even know that you have had a replacement tooth inserted. The fastenings of implants work in the same way that the actual roots of your original teeth do.

• You may find that your confidence could increase. Your smile is a great asset and it certainly shouldn’t be hidden for fear of revealing your teeth! With a shiny set of synthetics in place you can beam confidently to the world.

• The back teeth in your mouth do wonders in supporting your facial structure, without them you might find that your cheeks start to sag prematurely. Because implants work as your teeth do they will offer the support to keep your facial structure looking as it should.

• There’s even health benefits associated with dental implants. Leaving a gap in your teeth opens up your gum to the elements and can cause infections and nasty gum diseases. The teeth either side of the gap could also be more likely to suffer from quicker tooth decay.

Dental implants are a big consideration and shouldn’t be rushed. Do talk to your dentist. Do have a look at some materials to inform you more about the procedure. But don’t forget those all important benefits that we’ve looked at. You can’t put a price on confidence and dental implants could really make the difference that you’ve been searching for.