You have questions. We have answers: A list of common questions from our customers...

Q: My dentures fit perfectly when they were made, but now they feel loose and irritate me. Why?

A: The bony ridges in your mouth are called alveolar ridges. These ridges are supported and constantly rebuilt in the presence of your natural teeth. When your teeth are no longer there, these ridges start to change and break down (resorption). Over time, your upper ridge will generally move back and up in your mouth, while your lower ridge will move down and forward. This requires dentures to be relined and/or remade periodically.

Q: My dentures look different after being relined. Why?

A: When you reline your dentures, the teeth stay in the same place, while the tissue side of the denture is changed to fit the changes in your ridges.  While every effort is made to maintain the look of your dentures, even subtle changes can have a dramatic effect on appearance. Sometimes, dentures must be made new to reflect the resorption of the alveolar ridges and restore the teeth to a natural-looking location.

Q: My lower denture doesn't stay in place very well. Why?

A: Your upper denture has your entire palate surface to contact, giving it adequate suction to adhere effectively. Your lower denture however, is in contact with only your ridge, which has much less surface area for suction. Careful adjusting can give better suction, although results do depend on the amount of lower ridge remaining. Sometimes, adjusting the surface of the teeth can help remove interferences that dislodge your lower denture. For those who are good candidates, placing a select number of implants that stabilize your dentures can double the chewing capacity. Consult with your oral surgeon about the possibility of having implants placed to stabilize your dentures.

Q: Are all denture teeth the same?

A: NO! There are many different kinds of denture teeth, and ways that dentures are constructed and fitted. It can be very confusing to hear about Swissedent, lingualized occlusion, semi-anatomical, anatomical, and flat plane dentures. These represent different approaches and opinions among professionals in the denture business. We are happy to answer your questions about your dentures, and tell you why we take the approach we do toward your personal care.

Q: Are flexible partials better than rigid partials?

A: Flexible partials may be more comfortable for some patients, but may be a less stable option. Rigid partials that are made properly can be extremely comfortable, and provide better stability than flexible partials. Also, rigid partials can generally be repaired cheaply, while flexible partials are often not able to be repaired.

Q: Are metal alloy partials better than acrylic partials?

A: There are differing opinions on this topic among professionals. Usually, this depends specifically on the individual case being discussed. For some patients, metal alloy partials provide the highest level of stability necessary to maximize the longevity of the remaining teeth, and are very thin (preferred by some). For others, acrylic is preferred. Treatment partials (often called flippers) are the most budget friendly option, yet they can last for years if cared for properly. They are constructed from acrylic, and are generally retained with bent wire clasps. They can be easily and cheaply repaired, giving them one more advantage over more costly metal alloy partials. Often, new denture teeth can be simply added to an acrylic partial, while a metal partial may require costly changes or need to be remade.

Q: My dentures and/or partials feel strange and uncomfortable in my mouth? Will I ever adjust to it?

A: Every person responds to their dentures/partials in an individual way. With new dentures/partials, an adjustment period is common, both psychologically and physically.  Often, they feel very foreign and cause sore spots. Follow up appointment are necessary to remove these sore spots, ensuring your comfort. All dentures must be relined or replaced eventually, to make them fit comfortably again. By wearing their dentures/partials regularly, most patients eventually acclimate to them, and may not even notice them, or even feel naked without them.

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