Dentures have come a long way since our grandparents days. With accurate impressions you can have dentures that fit and feel much more natural. You can pick the shape, length, and size of each tooth to make them as natural looking as possible.

Now you can also choose the color of your smile. Advancements in technology can provide you with a large choice of colors. The choices don't end there, you can also choose the color of the soft tissue so that it matches you. There are a variety of customized gum shade colors ranging from light pink to brown with speckles. Different shades can be combined for a more natural look.

Other available features to dentures are surgically placed implants to help to stabilize and support the dentures. They are placed usually by an oral surgeon and then the denture is made to snap into the implants. They are generally only placed on the lower denture as the lower denture tends to have more problems fitting.

Common misconceptions about dentures:

POOR FIT:     Loose fitting dentures can cause sore spots that may become infected if not treated. New dentures require a series of adjustments to conform to the shape and size of your gum ridge. Older dentures may require relining or you may need to have them replaced.

POOR CHEWING ABILITY:     Dentures that don't fit properly make it difficult to chew food . As a result many nutritious foods are often eleminated from the diet. With a good fitting denture you have a much better ability to chew all types of foods.

Denture Replacement

It is recommended to replace dentures every 3 years. The ridges of your gum change while the dentures do not. The wear and tear of every day chewing will weaken the denture and the change of the gum tissue will change the fit. Poor fitting dentures can cause the gum ridge to shrink even faster. We wouldn't expect cloths we wear every day to last for 20-30 years and we shouldn't expect that of a denture.

Poor fitting or Worn Dentures can lead to...

PREMATURE AGING:     Teeth on the dentures do wear with time and chewing. This shortening of the denture can lead to shortening of the face. This will increase the wrinkles around your mouth, cheeks and chin, this can make you appear older.

JAW AND JOINT DISORDERS:     Improper fit, shortening of the teeth on the denture, can lead to problems in the jaw joint. This can cause pain in the jaw, neck, head or shoulders, leading to (TMJ) tempro mandibular joint disorders.

Caring for Your Dentures:

The most important thing to do is to clean your dentures daily. Use a soft toothbrush, never a hard one and always keep brushing to a minimum. Brushing too vigorously can cause damage to your denture. Never use hot water as this can warp your dentures, luke warm tap water is best. Keep dentures in clean, cold water when not being worn. Dentures can change shape and color if they dry out. It is recommended to remove dentures at night while you sleep, this gives your tissue a chance to breath.