Removable dentures are a compromise: they’re much better than having no teeth, but they are not as comfortable or strong as natural teeth. The better the denture’s quality, construction, and fit, the better your experience will be. That’s why Dr. Kaur carefully follows a multistep process that takes several visits to complete. To craft your dentures, she will:
- Take impressions of the inside of your mouth, recording all of its dimensions exactly. That includes the hard and soft tissues, which is important for a snug and secure fit.
- Measure the optimal distance between your upper and lower jaw, also known as the vertical dimension. Dentures that are too short can make your face look sunken; if they’re too tall, your mouth may not close comfortably. The correct vertical dimension is functional and improves your appearance.
- Create a wax try-in model. This previews the dentures’ fit and the placement of the teeth, and it lets Dr. Kaur see how they affect your speech. She will also check that you have a balanced bite.
- Listen to your feedback and adjust the wax model for comfort and aesthetics.
- Direct the lab to create your permanent denture in high-quality acrylic or composite.
- Deliver your dentures at a final appointment.
Natural-Looking Dentures
Quality materials are crucial for a realistic, durable denture that gives you an attractive smile. Premium acrylic and composite teeth are better at resisting stains than their cheaper counterparts. Dr. Kaur also uses a high-quality acrylic base that resists shrinking over time. Design matters, too: the teeth should have a natural color and shape that is both attractive and lifelike. A good fit is necessary to prevent slurring, lisping, and clicking while talking and to protect the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the jaw from stress.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Even the best-fitting dentures will have some unavoidable movement. This is especially true for lower dentures. The shape of the top of your mouth provides natural suction that helps stabilize an upper denture, but there is no natural support for the lower denture. It will move slightly in your mouth, though you’ll learn to use your cheeks and tongue to keep it in place. Implant-supported dentures are a dramatic improvement in stability and strength. One option is to use just two implants to anchor only the lower denture. That offers much better stability when you chew and talk and helps keep the procedure affordable.
To make an appointment with Dr. Kaur and learn more about custom dentures, call our office at (480) 283-0733. If you prefer, you can also fill out our appointment request form, and we will call you.