Do dentures need to be replaced?

Dentures will need to be periodically relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear over a period of time and normal shrinkage of your gums and bones.

Are you able to eat with dentures?

Eating with dentures will take some practice. You should start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. As you become used to chewing, you can return to your normal diet.

Are there foods you should avoid if you wear dentures?

There are a few eating restrictions for denture wearers. First, avoid biting down directly on hard, crunchy or sticky foods, like whole apples, hard pretzels, crusty bread, or large sandwiches. They can break because of the angle where the denture comes into contact with the hard surface.

Biting is limited only by the stability of the dentures themselves. Insufficient bone structure (shrunken bone ridges covered by gum tissue), old or worn dentures, and a dry mouth decrease stability.

If you wear dentures, are dental adhesives necessary?

Dentures have been significantly improved through advances in both dental and materials technologies. Because of these advances, dentures that fit properly usually do not require adhesives to secure the dentures. At first, when you are getting used to dentures, adhesives may be advised but generally, are not required otherwise.

A loose denture is a sign that it doesn't fit your mouth correctly. What causes dentures to slip?

When first getting used to dentures, you may notice them slipping when you laugh, smile, or cough, which is caused by air getting under the base and moving it. The more you wear dentures, the better you will be able to control their movements in these situations. If your mouth has insufficient bone structure, dentures will be more difficult to retain. Your dentist may advise the placement of implants. These are placed in the bone and retain the denture with small, precision attachments.

What is the capability of a crown?

A crown and bridgework are reliable solutions for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases or wear and tear. In most cases, damage can be corrected using these techniques. The materials that are used in these repairs are either high-grade porcelain, or porcelain bonded to gold. We recommend the higher strength of porcelain and gold materials to treat the most serious of dental problems. Where tooth loss or breakage due to excessive wear, aged fillings, or accidental damage, crowns and/or bridges can be used as a long-term solution.

Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth may relieve the pain and allow a return of full dental function for these teeth.

In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause "appearance" problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent breakage.

 Why do we use crowns instead of fillings?

When a tooth filling is old and deteriorated, or even if it is a filling with new decay around it, a new restoration is required. A decision needs to be made whether we replace the filling with a new one, or place a crown or onlay (partial crown) on the tooth?

The relative amount of strong, healthy tooth structure remaining after the old filling, decay, and corrosion are cleaned out drives the decision of what to do next. If enough solid tooth is available to support a filling, then we may choose this simpler, less involved alternative. However, if the remaining tooth is severely hollowed and "shell-like", it then needs to be protected with a restoration that envelops the weakened tooth. This will help resist further cracking or fracture, which could then cause need for root canal, gum surgery or even tooth loss.

How long does a crown take?

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown made of an acrylic material.

We take pride in making our temporaries as comfortable, natural and durable as possible so you can go about your normal routine during the restoration process.

On the subsequent visit we will remove the temporary crown, and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.

Key Benefits

Fixes "smile" and functional chewing problems.