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As an oral health-care specialist, the Denturist offers various types of dentures to satisfy each patient's specific requirements.

Your Toothcrafters' Denturist, in close consultation with you, will determine what those requirements are and how to meet them. State-of-the-art dentures are able to restore your smile as well as be compatible with the sensitive tissues of your mouth.

HOW DOES ONE ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME?

Your Denturist is able to provide you with the professional advice needed prior to choosing the denture that best suits your lifestyle.

The importance of a thorough consultation and examination with your Denturist prior to any treatment cannot be emphasized enough.

This appointment gives you the opportunity to express your concerns and desires for your new dentures. It also allows the Denturist the opportunity to assess the oral conditions present and address your needs and expectations.

STANDARD OR PREMIUM PERSONALIZED DENTURES

Standard dentures may fit comfortably and chew well, but are designed for the average patient using basic tooth shades and shapes. Every denture patient, especially those with oral tissues which have resorbed (shrunk) or those who have unusual jaw relationships (bite) may require a personalized denture that utilizes premium materials and precision techniques. With premium personlised dentures, esthetics, comfort, fit and function combine to allow your smile to look more natural.

Premium personalized quality dentures instill confidence and provide optimum function while eating, speaking or laughing.

Through the use of sophisticated instrumentation, from the impressions of your jaws to the specific jaw movements you make, all your facial information is recorded. The Denturist is then able to recreate the character of your smile and restore the natural contour of your lips and facial muscles. Let your smile shine through!

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A removable partial denture is usually made to replace one or more teeth, and is customized to a patient's specific requirements.

Removable partial dentures restore a person's natural appearance and greatly improve the ability to chew and speak clearly.

TYPE AND STYLE OF PARTIALS

A partial denture may be tooth-supported or tooth and tissue-supported. There are significant differences between these two types of dentures. These differences are best explained by your Denturist.

The number of teeth remaining, the position and stability of the teeth are only a few of the factors that help to determine what style or type of partial denture would be best for you.

Partials can be made of different materials, including acrylics, a metal/acrylic combination or flexible thermoplastics.

Acrylic partials are usually used as a transitional or temporary replacement of missing teeth, depending on your personal circumstances.

The metal/acrylic partial - commonly called a cast partial - is usually a more rigid and permanent style of denture. The metal is either a highly compatible chrome cobalt alloy or titanium, which are both ultra thin, light and very strong.

The new flexible thermoplastics have the advantage of esthetics and flexibility.

All partials are designed to be removable and should be removed nightly to contribute to a healthy oral environment.

With newer designs, materials and techniques, partials are more comfortable than ever before. Ask your Toothcrafters' Denturist about the many designs available, some of which have no visible clasps and are virtually undetectable.

THE BENEFITS OF PARTIALS

Partial dentures do not harm remaining natural teeth. A partial denture may prevent your natural teeth from shifting or drifting into the space left by the loss of a natural tooth. In fact, a partial denture may help maintain the position of your natural teeth by providing them with additional support.

With a partial denture, you'll look better, feel better and chew better!

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Millions of people experience difficulties associated with missing teeth. These difficulties can severely undermine your self-confidence and quality of life.

Missing teeth can compromise your health, eating habits, speech and appearance. When teeth are lost, bone loss usually occurs, which in turn can affect your denture. This can result in the denture becoming loose, which may cause difficulty in stabilization of the denture, decreased chewing ability, and deterioration of the jaw structure over time.

WHAT CAN A DENTURIST DO?

The preferred method of tooth replacement is the dental implant. In short, dental implants are a substitute for tooth roots, and form a stable foundation for permanent replacement of teeth. They also act as a support for full and partial dentures, since the implants integrate with the bone to act as an anchor for the replacement teeth.

Dental implants can also help preserve the bone by providing stimulation that was previously provided by the natural tooth root system. This helps to maintain the integrity of your facial structure.

Dental implants are the closest possible replacement for natural teeth, and the best way to restore your natural smile. The cost of these implants has become very affordable. Ask your Toothcrafters' Denturist about how dental implants might be the right solution for you.

WHY ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS A GOOD CHOICE?

Implant retained dentures are more stable and "real" feeling than most types of dentures. Implants are a proven restoration option with a long, clinical history and an excellent success rate.

Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Many patients who have chosen implant-supported teeth report they are happy and comfortable for the first time since the loss of their natural teeth.

BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

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You've been advised that you need an immediate denture. But what is it and how is it done? This information will help to explain the concepts and answer questions you might have regarding this type of denture. Your Toothcrafters' Denturist can guide you as to when the situation warrants immediate dentures.

WHEN IS AN IMMEDIATE DENTURE USED?

To avoid the situation of being without teeth, your Denturist will implement the immediate denture technique.

This involves taking impressions of your mouth while your natural teeth are still present. The Denturist is then able to fabricate a denture in the likeness of your natural teeth, or make any necessary modifications you may wish.

When your natural teeth are extracted, your immediate denture is then inserted. In this technique, you have avoided having to go without any teeth while you go through the healing process.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IMMEDIATE DENTURES

Since the Denturist is unable to try-in the denture prior to extracting your teeth, certain esthetic compromises may be necessary. This doesn't present any significant problems, and the results are normally quite good.

It is important to follow the postoperative instructions of your Denturist or Oral Surgeon very carefully.

As healing occurs, the oral tissues recede so denture adjustments may be required. Follow-up appointments with your Denturist are necessary. To maintain the best fit and comfort, a temporary liner or tissue conditioner may be placed in the denture. During the next few months, bone and gum tissue will probably continue to shrink to some degreee; however, the rate of change decreases with time. This is a natural occurrence, which is to be expected. After the healing process is complete, either a new permanent full denture(s) will be made or your denture(s) will be relined or rebased to ensure the most comfortable fit possible.

Your Denturist will recommend the option that best meets your particular needs.

Contact your Toothcrafters' Denturist to see if an immediate denture is the right option for you.

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Broken, worn or ill-fitting dentures need not always be replaced. In fact, your Toothcrafters' Denturist can assess very quickly if you're a candidate for a rebase, reline or repair. In the case of repairs, your Toothcrafters' Denturist can often offer same-day service.

REBASE

Rebasing is usually done when the denture teeth have not worn out in comparison to the denture base material. It is a process of retrofitting dentures by replacing all of the acrylic denture base with new acrylic, which provides a stable denture without replacing the denture teeth.

RELINES

This consists of adding new base material to the tissue side of a denture so it fits properly. Your Toothcrafters' Denturist will need to take an impression inside your existing denture.

Relining affects only the fit of your denture and will not change the appearance. Relining can usually be done the same day.

Relines are required when tissue changes occur due to resorption (shrinkage). This can be due to:

• loss of weight
• loss of teeth
• loss of bone
• aging
• disease or illness

REPAIRS

In most cases, your Toothcrafters' Denturist can restore an existing broken or cracked denture to its original state. Repairs may be required when breakage or chipping occurs, when one or more teeth need to be added to an existing denture (due to tooth extraction), or because of wear and tear.

Most repairs can easily be done in one day. If your denture requires a repair, it may be indicative of underlying problems, including age of denture, worn teeth, or poor fit. Your Toothcrafters' Denturist is the professional who can best explain how to prevent denture breakage from occuring

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A permanent soft liner is a layer of soft material that is fitted to the surface of a denture and rests next to the oral tissues. In short, a soft liner acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the hard plastic base of a denture and the gums. Soft liners can be used in the fabrication of new dentures or placed in existing dentures.

IS A SOFT LINER RIGHT FOR YOU?

Permanent soft liners provide comfort and relief for individuals with:

• severely receded or flat gums that do not tolerate the stress of dentures
• chronic soreness
• gums with prominent or sharp bony areas

ADVANTAGES OF SOFT LINERS

• greater comfort (a significant number of denture wearers with chronic discomfort have experienced great relief)
• clinical evidence indicates that almost everyone tolerates soft line materials
• with soft liners, many denture wearers report that they can chew food more comfortably
• a proven technology, soft liners have been offered to patients for over 20 years, and over that time the materials and technology have steadily improved

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WITH SOFT LINERS

• greater consideration in the use of proper cleaners and good home care must be given to soft liners
• soft liners require regular follow-up visits with your Denturist to examine the fit of dentures, the health of a patient's oral tissues and to ensure professional cleaning

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Anti-Snoring Appliances

It is estimated that as many as 50% of us snore regularly. For some, snoring is no more than an occasional, inconvenient habit. However, chronic, heavy snoring can be more serious.

Simple snoring can disturb others and cause a dry mouth or sore throat. Heavy snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea, which can be associated with hypertension, stroke and other cardiopulmonary problems. Is someone snoring in your house?

WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

The Greek word apnoia literally means "without breath". There are three types of apnea; obstructive, central and mixed. Of the three, obstructive is the most common. Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during the night, often for a minute or longer.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SLEEP APNEA?

• choking or interrupted breathing during sleep
• excessive daytime sleepiness
• morning headaches
• a strong urge to sleep during the day
• jerking limb movements during sleep
• awakening tired and thirsty
• snoring

SLEEP APNEA MAY CAUSE THE FOLLOWING:

• daytime fatique
• memory impairment
• poor work performance
• loss of sexual interest

Severe sleep apnea can result in serious complications, including high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and even heart failure.

Patients with sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in automobile accidents. In addition, accidents associated with drowsiness are more often fatal.

WHAT CAN A DENTURIST DO?

Your Toothcrafters' Denturist can fit you with an oral appliance specially designed to treat snoring and sleep apnea.

Oral appliances are small and easy to wear. They weigh only a couple of ounces, which makes them easy to travel with. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive when compared to other alternatives such as surgery and CPAP. As well, oral appliances are non-invasive, and non-surgical. Some medical insurance companies cover the cost of these applicances.

Oral appliances are available from your specially trained Toothcrafters Denturist in your area. Custom fitting is simple and painless.

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Mouth Guards

Athletic mouth guards are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably over the upper teeth.

Mouth guards are important because the average cost of dental treatment over a lifetime for one tooth lost is approximately $5,000. When it comes to sports equipment, mouth guards are a priority. They protect not only the teeth, but the lips, cheeks, and tongue. They also help protect a person from concussions and jaw fractures.

WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE WEAR A MOUTH GUARD?

People should wear a mouth guard whenever they are involved in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous sports for teeth, but hearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

HOW DOES ONE CHOOSE A MOUTH GUARD?

Any mouth guard is better than no mouth guard. However, it is important to choose a mouth guard that fits comfortably. If a mouth guard interferes with breathing or speech, or if it feels bulky, it won't be worn.

The best way to ensure the proper protection, fit and comfort is to consult your Toothcrafters' Denturist.

PROPER CARE OF MOUTH GUARDS

When not in use, all mouth guards should be stored in a plastic container to avoid damage due to excessive heat or cold. They should be washed after each use, using cold or lukewarm water. Hot water may cause distortion. Prior to insertion, a mouth guard may be rinsed in mouthwash to freshen the taste. As a general rule, it is recommended that a standard mouth guard be replaced every two to three years.

Whatever your age or sport, mouth guards are an important part of sports safety and your exercise routine. Do what you can to protect your smile and preserve your health. Ensure that you have a properly fitted mouth guard made by a professional.

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Teeth Whitening

Through the use of a custom-made delivery system and the latest in teeth-whitening technology, you can have whiter and brighter teeth.

Teeth whitening is a simple and effective process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. The system uses a peroxide-based gel retained in a custom-fitted appliance that is worn over your teeth. It can be used during the day or while you sleep.

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DISCOLORATION?

There are several causes, the most common being aging, staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco), trauma, tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, and nerve degeneration.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM TEETH WHITENING?

Almost everyone with natural teeth! However, there are cases where treatment may not be effective. Your Toothcrafters' Denturist will determine if you are a viable candidate following a thorough examination. The tooth-whitening system is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile. The whitening process is most effective on mildly discoloured teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, take longer to respond to treatment. The degree of whiteness will vary from person to person, depending on the structure of the teeth and how long the system is used.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Results are usually seen following the first night. The best results generally occur when the process is continued for 10 to 14 nights.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?

Teeth will always be lighter than they were. However, some patients may need periodic re-whitening for one or two nights, every four to six months.

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