TREATMENTS

Dentures

A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. Dr. Larry and Dr. Gary have often been complimented on the Custom Fit Dentures that they make. Most patients will tell us that they have never had a denture that fits better or looks better! It is extremely important for denture patients to have an oral cancer exam at least one time per year. The incidence of oral cancer is higher is those who wear dentures and in those people who smoke and drink alcohol.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.

A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed. These are usually placed six to eight weeks after all the tissues have healed. At Kennedy Dental we our dentures often involve 5-6 appointments to ensure the best possible look and fit. The materials we use are of the highest quality to enhance the natural appearance of the patient's smile.
An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture. This type of denture involves several appointments before the teeth are extracted and the denture is placed in the mouth. At Kennedy Dental we use the highest qualtiy materials available and add extra steps to ensure a natural looking smile.

An upper denture is usually made of flesh colored acrylic and covers the palate (roof of the mouth)

A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue and made of the same flesh colored acrylic. Lower dentures do not have suction like an upper denture sometimes has. This is why it is important for a lower denture to be placed on a healthy bone ridge on the lower. Over time, many people experience bone loss in the mandible (lower arch). Your bone level will change and your denture will fit differently in 2 years, 5 years and in 10 years.

Denture teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodonticly treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance. Many patients who have implants to help retain their dentures are extremely pleased. These people would never go back to a denture without implants to snap the teeth onto.  Implants provide stability and a comfort that is unequaled.Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Mistakenly, some people think that once they have a denture that they never need to see a dentist and that denture will fit the same way for the rest of their life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Remember what we told you about oral cancer. Regular dentist examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change. Our entire body changes with age and the mouth is no exception. Oral cancer, yeast infections of the mouth (Thrush), and other oral skin conditions can be found more readily in denture wearing patients.These can be treated and there is no reason to walk around with a sore mouth or an ill-fitting denture.

Steps to making a CUSTOM FIT DENTURE

Dr. Larry and Dr. Gary pride themselves on their denture making process. Their process involves several visits that ensure a high quality and well fitting denture. Although we would like everyone to keep all their natural teeth for their lifetime, we know that this is not always a reality. The doctors have created a process to ensure the next best thing if our patients decide to choose this option or possibly need repacement dentures. We have listed the steps below to educate our patients on the differences between our dentures and some other dentures that might be created in a day.

Extractions and preparation of the supporting gums
Impressions
Bite Registration
Teeth Selection (Shape,size,color)
Aesthetic Try Ins
Adjustments and Seatings
Additional Supportive Appointments

The artificial teeth that this office uses are of a very high quality ( we pay for the the best brand available) . These teeth are strong yet extremely aesthetic in nature.   There are dentures of all price ranges in the world today and there is a reason why. Low cost dentures are made of low cost materials and in one visit. At Kennedy Dental we use the very best materials and make dentures the right way.

Most people want an attractive smile that does not look false. Our office consistently gets compliments on our dentures. Our patients come back to us and tell us how everyone they know says their teeth look "natural".   We love to hear these compliments and we strive to continue making the highest level of product because we know how important it is to look good and feel good. One important step in our denture making process is the aesthetic try-in, where we allow patients to make changes and get a good idea of how the teeth will look.

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