Frequently Asked Questions

Click on Question you're interested in to find out the Answer.

Q: I need new dentures. I like my old ones and am afraid new ones will make me look different. What do you think?
Q: Are implants removable?
Q: I have a dental plan that has "A" and "B" coverage. Which one will cover my new dentures?
Q: I am having problems with sores on my gums caused by my dentures. What can I do to fix this problem and be more comfortable?
Q: I have had terrible teeth and gums all my life. I would like to have them extracted and get dentures. How long would I have to go without teeth?
Q: I have used a household cleaning compound on my dentures to rid them of brown stains. They now have a mottled appearance. Can you repair them or should I get new ones? What is the best way to clean them myself?
Q: What is the best product to use to clean tea and tobacco stains from my dentures?
Q: My dentures have taken on an ugly, grayish color. What may have caused this? Can they be fixed or are new dentures necessary?
Q: I've been told the molar teeth on my denture are zero degree molars, what does this mean?
Q: I have heard that porcelain teeth last longer, is this true?
Q: Some of the new medications I am taking make my mouth dry, and I also notice that my dentures have become looser, is there a relation?
Q: My face appears more sunken could something be changed in my dentures to help?
Q: I seem to be having more trouble chewing effectively, as if my teeth have become dull. Is this possible?
Q: I have a partial bridge and am required to wear a retainer at night. It bothers me and interferes with my sleep. Will I always have to wear it?
Q: Are dentures repairs and cleaning included in most insurance plan coverage's?
Q: I hate my dentures they are too big and unnatural looking but I can't afford a whole new set. Is it possible to adjust them to fit me more comfortably without redesigning them?
Q: Is it possible to have dentures that never come out? I will need them soon but I don't want anyone to see me without teeth.
Q: My dentures make a "click" sound sometimes when I speak and I'm very self conscious, what causes this to happen?
Q: I have had to have my back molars on the bottom right removed. Is it possible to have implants instead of a big gap?
Q: I'm considering having the last of my teeth pulled as they are in very poor shape. I've been told I will need an immediate denture. What do they mean?
Q: I suffer from chronic bad breath and have tried every remedy. Is there something about dentures that could be causing this ailment that I may have overlooked.
Q: I am in a management position at a bank, I can't give up my dentures for a day for cleaning and relining. What should I do?

Q: I need new dentures. I like my old ones and am afraid new ones will make me look different. What do you think?

A: The difference your new dentures will make to your appearance is really up to you. From a large change to no change at all - is previewed at the "wax try in" stage of denture construction. A mockup of your new denture is designed on a wax base and fitted into your mouth so you have the opportunity to look in a mirror and examine your appearance. At this stage, we have complete liberty to make changes, ensuring we have achieved the exact natural pleasing appearance you desire.
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Q: Are implants removable?

A: When placed in adequate bone mass, implants are intended to be a permanent attachment. Generally speaking removal would only be necessary if a complication in the osteo-integration process occurred, and the implant became loose or uncomfortable. Fortunately this is a very uncommon happening with the quality of today's placements. The dentures that clip onto these posts are another matter. Most designs allow the patient to remove the appliance for cleaning and then snap them back into place. This provides the patient the best of both worlds with stable firm fitting dentures and the ability to remove them at home for maintenance of oral hygiene.
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Q: I have a dental plan that has "A" and "B" coverage. Which one will cover my new dentures?

A: In most cases new or replacement dentures are covered under the "B" category, which often covers a smaller percentage than basic services under "A" coverage. On most plans patients are eligible for new dentures every five years. "A" category would cover relines, repairs, adjustments and consultations, with eligibility for relines every two years and usually pays a higher percentage for these services.
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Q: I am having problems with sores on my gums caused by my dentures. What can I do to fix this problem and be more comfortable?

A: The reason you are experiencing frequent sore spots could be attributed to any number of denture problems. Different health issues can also have an effect on oral tissues making them more prone to discomfort. Certainly the first course of action is to have your dentures checked. Sometimes remedies are as simple as a small adjustment, other times a complete change of dentures is required. For those who suffer chronic soreness the application of a soft lining can often bring real comfort as it acts as a shock absorber between denture and tissue. In any event, seek out some professional advice. Most soreness issues can be resolved, leaving you to smile pain free.
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Q: I have had terrible teeth and gums all my life. I would like to have them extracted and get dentures. How long would I have to go without teeth?

A: This is a common concern for patients contemplating dentures for the first time. The time you will be required to be without dentures will depend upon the type of program you take on. For most patients the idea of going any time without teeth is fairly undesirable and in these cases an immediate denture would be the likely route to go. An immediate denture is designed prior to your teeth being extracted and placed immediately into your mouth after extractions. The up side to this is that you get your denture right away, the down side is that they have been placed over swollen tissue and will require follow-up care in the form of temporary and permanent relining as your mouth heals. A conventional denture, one that is designed after your extraction's, is based more accurately on what your ridges actually turn out to be and usually does not require any relining. However, it is generally expected that a patient wait at least three weeks to allow for complete healing before starting this type of program.
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Q: I have used a household cleaning compound on my dentures to rid them of brown stains. They now have a mottled appearance. Can you repair them or should I get new ones? What is the best way to clean them myself?

A: Using "household" cleaning products on dentures is hazardous at the best of times and certainly a practice that should be avoided. Many of these substances will effectively clean stains but over time will cause dentures to become brittle or discolored, or even worse, melt them. Dentures with soft linings are particularly prone to damage if cleaned with anything other than proper dental products. I always advise may patients if you have staining problems bring the denture in and have it examined. Once we determine the nature of the problem we can better detail the type of cleaning regimen necessary to keep it in top shape. As for your current "mottled" denture, with a little luck it can be repolished and restored. In any event have it checked and leave Mr. Clean to do the floors, not your dentures.
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Q: What is the best product to use to clean tea and tobacco stains from my dentures?

A: There are various commercial cleaners available to soak your dentures in, they all seem fairly similar in their ability to soften stains. Using a gook quality denture brush to scrub your dentures once removed from these solutions is as important as what you clean them in. For the really tough stains small ultrasonic cleaning units are now becoming more readily available for home use. These units can be similar to what we use professionally and are very effective. Most denture clinics will offer an ultrasonic cleaning service and repolishing of your denture if necessary.
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Q: My dentures have taken on an ugly, grayish color. What may have caused this? Can they be fixed or are new dentures necessary?

A: Usually a grayish or beige color on dentures is from tartar or calcium that after accumulating in multiple layers has become stained and visible. It will often have a c4usty or rough texture that is particularly noticeable when your denture becomes dry. Often soaking your denture in a solution of half white vinegar and half water for approximately fifteen minutes, then thoroughly brushing with a stiff denture brush, will begin to remove these deposits However, I always recommend have your dental provider examine the problem to accurately analyze its cause and then propose the type of cleaning regimen required.
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Q: I've been told the molar teeth on my denture are zero degree molars, what does this mean?

A: Molar teeth on dentures have many different designs probably the most common I use is a twenty-degree molar. The degree designation id referring to the slope of the cusps rising from the chewing surface of the tooth. Zero degree would have no true cusp inclines that interlock between your upper and lower denture. In contrast thirty- three degree molars would have tall cusps that would mesh together heavily when chewing. Zero degree molars are most often used when a patient has a minimal amount of lower ridge to hold a denture in place as the cuspless design will glide more smoothly when chewing causing less movement of the lower denture.
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Q: I have heard that porcelain teeth last longer, is this true?

A: Certainly one of the positive qualities of dentures with porcelain teeth is superior longevity. They also have a translucent quality that provides a very natural and pleasing appearance. Most patients find the hard enamel like finish more stain resistant and easier to clean than plastic teeth. On the other hand they are more easily chipped if dropped and can be more audible when chewing in some cases. However if you are looking for a tooth that maintains its sharpness and will show little wear over many years porcelain is hard to beat.
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Q: Some of the new medications I am taking make my mouth dry, and I also notice that my dentures have become looser, is there a relation?

A: This is a problem I run into more frequently as many of today's medications do have a side effect of reducing salivary flow and causing oral mucosal tissue to become dry. A large part of what retains dentures in the mouth is capillary suction, and without moisture capillaries can not form and dentures become looser. Another side effect of dry mouth is more frequent sore spots as the lubrication between denture and tissue has declined. There are products available to combat the problems of dry mouth; your dental professional or pharmacist should be able to advise you on one.
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Q: My face appears more sunken could something be changed in my dentures to help?

A: A sunken expression is generally caused by a lack of support or a lack of vertical in the design of your dentures, and is one of the more common problems with dentures that are due for replacement. At the time when your new dentures are constructed your proper profile can b4e reestablished and the position and placement of your teeth can be altered to better support your lips. The thickness and shape of your denture base can also be modified to restore a more natural and youthful appearance.
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Q: I seem to be having more trouble chewing effectively, as if my teeth have become dull. Is this possible?

A: Absolutely, denture teeth do wear down over time. There are a number of factors that affect how quickly this occurs. The type of teeth used to construct your denture can vary widely from the ultimate in wear resistance which would be porcelain, through to less expensive and softer grades of plastic teeth. Not to put a bad light on plastic teeth there are many of good quality with a very tough layered construction. The other variable in how quickly teeth wear down is the strength of your bite. Occlusial force varies widely from patient to patient, and a denture that lasts ten years with one patient may only last two to three for another.
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Q: I have a partial bridge and am required to wear a retainer at night. It bothers me and interferes with my sleep. Will I always have to wear it?

A: It is difficult to answer this question without more information as to the type of appliance you are wearing and the dental program you are currently engaged in. If what you are wearing at night is truly a retainer it is intended to support your remaining natural dentition and guard against the possibility of a tooth drifting making it difficult to re insert your partial denture the next morning. If it is a splint or brux guard it is intended to protect your occlusial surfaces from night grinding or bruxing. Splints can also serve to hold your jaws further apart when treating a temporal mandibular joint problem. In either case the length of time you will be required to wear it will depend entirely upon the treatment goals your practitioner has prescribed. However if you are finding it uncomfortable you should investigate the possibility of an alternate design of appliance.
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Q: Are dentures repairs and cleaning included in most insurance plan coverage's?

A: Denture repairs are one of the most basic of dental plan coverage. I have yet to encounter a plan that does not cover at least 50% of the related fees, and most are 75% to 100%. As for cleaning dentures, this is not a commonly recognized service that plans cover. However, many offices will offer a free cleaning and polishing simply as a courtesy and this generally takes 15 to 20 minutes.
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Q: I hate my dentures they are too big and unnatural looking but I can't afford a whole new set. Is it possible to adjust them to fit me more comfortably without redesigning them?

A: Well, yes and no. Yes, dentures can often be adjusted to provide better comfort, and sometimes this very limited treatment can yield excellent results. However the "big and unnatural" problem is another matter. Usually appearance related issues such as tooth selection, size, color, facial support, and position of teeth are established at a wax try in. This stage of construction allows for changes as the teeth are only in a wax base and can be easily modified to achieve the natural pleasing appearance a patient desires. Unfortunately once your denture has gone beyond this point and been processed into acrylic, cosmetic changes are very difficult. When it comes time to renew your dentures, find a clinic that offers an in-depth try in phase to ensure results you will be happy with.
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Q: Is it possible to have dentures that never come out? I will need them soon but I don't want anyone to see me without teeth.

A: Yes, it is possible to have dentures at least semi-permanently placed in your mouth. For this procedure it is necessary to have a series of implants placed into your jawbone to which your denture can be screwed on to. The down side to this system beyond its fair cost is greater difficulty in cleaning and hygiene around an appliance that only your dentist can remove. The more common alternative today would be to have a denture supported on implants with clipped type attachments that allow for patient removal for cleansing purposes. Done quietly in your bathroom there is no need for anyone to know you have dentures and hygiene can be kept at an optimum.
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Q: My dentures make a "click" sound sometimes when I speak and I'm very self conscious, what causes this to happen?

A: A denture that "clicks" could have a number of potential concerns.

If porcelain teeth where used in its construction, these tend to make much more audible sounds when they come together, this is one of the down sides of the superior hardness of porcelain over plastic teeth.
If your dentures are loose and floating off your ridges when speaking this can also create a clicking sound as they rattle together.
Too much vertical dimension, in other words the dentures are too big for your mouth not allowing enough freeway space between the upper and lower.

These are just some of the more common problems that can result in clicking teeth. A check up with your dental professional should be able to provide more information on your particular situation.
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Q: I have had to have my back molars on the bottom right removed. Is it possible to have implants instead of a big gap?

A: Implants with crown type attachments is one of the possibilities you can explore, and certainly this is the closest thing to having your natural teeth back. Your eligibility for this type of placement will in part be based on the availability of healthy bone to place the implants on. Expect fairly high cost as restoration can run between $1500.00 to $2500.00, per tooth. Another possible solution should this cost seem prohibitive is to have a partial denture fabricated that will fill the gap. Partials work well and are generally covered by dental plans.
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Q: I'm considering having the last of my teeth pulled as they are in very poor shape. I've been told I will need an immediate denture. What do they mean?

A: An immediate denture is one that is constructed prior to your extraction's so as to be ready for immediate insertion after your teeth are extracted and before swelling gas set in. The advantage is that you are not waiting for tissue to recover and have your new denture right away, a must for many patients. The down side is as your mouth heals and swelling goes down you will need a series relines to refit the denture correctly. These relines although not overly expensive do add to the cost of a case. With an immediate denture you also miss that all important wax try in step that is part of a conventional denture construction. For those looking for cosmetic changes in their smile this is a vital step and missing it will often lead to patients replacing their immediate dentures after a short period so as to better achieve their appearance desires.
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Q: I suffer from chronic bad breath and have tried every remedy. Is there something about dentures that could be causing this ailment that I may have overlooked.

A: Certainly dentures that are inadequately cleaned can contribute to bad breath as any bacteria left on or under a denture will cause odor. Also dentures that are very aged may become difficult to fully cleanse and sanitize. However, most breath problems for denture wearers come from the surface of the tongue. Tiny particles of food and debris work their way down into the surface of the tongue much like dirt would work into a shag carpet. Once impacted into these spaces bacteria forms causing bad breath. A simple solution is to make it a daily habit to brush the surface of the tongue with a soft toothbrush, then rinse well. This will help to dislodge trapped bacteria and a noticeable improvement in breath should occur within days. Tongue scrapers are also available at some pharmacies in the dental section. These are reported to work even better than brushing. A dry mouth, often related to medications, will also result in increased breath problems.
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Q: I am in a management position at a bank, I can't give up my dentures for a day for cleaning and relining. What should I do?

A: This is a situation that arises for many patients with day jobs. Presuming you do not have a spare pair that you could make do with for this short period, the alternative would be to find a clinic that offers overnight service. With this type of service you would be expected to arrive at the clinic at the end of your work shift. Impressions for the reline would be taken and the lab procedures would commence. You would then return the next morning prior to starting work. Re insertion takes less than ten minutes and you would be on your way smiling for those next mortgage customers.