News - Part 3

Denturists – Health Care Professionals you can Trust

When looking to fill gaps in your mouth, finding someone you can trust to help restore your smile is a big deal. It encompasses more than just your appearance or ability to talk. Your ability to enjoy your favorite meals is also at risk. Fortunately, denturists are one of the most trustworthy oral health care practitioners available. Why you can trust a Denturist for your oral health concerns Denturists are the only professionals in the field of dentistry that receive training in all facets of denture fitting and fabrication, from taking impressions to personally fabricating dentures in their laboratories. They are known to provide expert personal attention to all their patients, from the initial consultation to clinical and laboratory creation of a denture. Denturists work directly with their patients at every stage of their treatment process, creating a professional relationship that starts with a simple handshake and culminates in a…

What is a dental bridge and what are the types of bridges

Dental bridges, also referred to as fixed removable dentures, are made to fill in one or more spaces in your mouth left by lost teeth. Depending on your specific case, they can be supported by: • Natural teeth • Implants • A combination of teeth and implants How a bridge is done A dental bridge is so called because it literally fills (bridges) the gaps left behind when you lose teeth. A typical bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are held in place by two abutments (dental crowns). If the supporting teeth being crowned are strong and healthy, they won’t need root canal therapy. However, parts of the teeth must be removed to create space for the crowns. Basically, your denturist files down the 2 healthy teeth on either side of the gap to prepare them for the bridge. But if your teeth are not healthy…

Is There Bone Loss with Delayed Implant Placement?

Conventional tooth rehabilitation treatments such as fixed partial dentures, removable partial dentures, and composite retained inlay partial dentures are associated with a number of problems related to stability and retention of prosthesis, esthetics, eating difficulties, and even psychological problems. Besides the risk of complications, these treatments also involve the damage of healthy adjacent teeth, plus they don’t stimulate the underlying jawbone to prevent bone loss. Because of these challenges, patients often suffer reduced self-confidence and develop psychological problems. Fortunately, implants have addressed most of these challenges, while allowing for immediate restoration after tooth extraction so patients can continue with their normal life without having to suffer the psychological trauma of being toothless. Immediate implants also offer the benefit of reduced treatment time. While implants help to prevent bone loss by facilitating bone regeneration, some patients are concerned that delayed placement – implant placement after the soft tissue has healed completely…

What’s the difference between Porcelain and Plastic False Teeth?

Dentures are made with either porcelain or plastic false teeth. These two materials differ in terms of durability, strength, hygiene, and other factors. Here‘s a list of how these two differ from one another: Bone Loss Acceleration Chewing exerts pressure on your dentures, which is transferred to the bone tissue underneath your gums. Porcelain is a dense material, which makes porcelain dentures heavy. This prevents them from absorbing enough force thus, accelerating bone loss. Plastic, on the other hand, is much lighter, and transfers less pressure to the gums and bone tissue from chewing, clenching, grinding, or tapping teeth. With regard to your oral health, plastic false teeth are better as they don’t accelerate bone loss at the same rate as porcelain teeth. Comfort Compared to acrylic teeth, porcelain is often associated with “clicking sounds” when the denture wearer bites down while chewing. Plastic teeth are not noisy. They are also lighter, which makes it easier…

Porcelain vs. Acrylic Dentures

As we look back on 2014, one of our top articles was “Porcelain vs. Acrylic Teeth”. This article sparked a lot of interest as for many years Porcelain teeth were the tooth of choice. However, as Acrylic teeth have advanced over the years, they do have some clear benefits over porcelain teeth. What are the differences between porcelain & acrylic teeth? Which type of tooth lasts longer? Are porcelain or acrylic teeth better for dentures? Are porcelain or acrylic teeth better for dental implants ? Which teeth are stronger? As Calgary’s leading denture clinic, we have very clear criteria when assessing denture teeth. Health : The most important, our patients health. Teeth should not put excessive forces on the bone or oral tissues. Appearance : Teeth should look natural. Shape, color, translucency and dimension are all important elements. Bonding : Many denture repairs are the result of debonding of teeth. The teeth and the denture…

The Truth about Digital Dentures

Dental CAD/ CAM dates back to the mid-1980’s and has become the standard in the dental industry for treatments such as crown & bridge. Surprisingly, dentures are still made by hand in a process documented by Discovery Channel’s “How It’s Made – Dentures”. After seeing this video, one thing is clear; Digital Dentures are inevitable. The benefits of CAD/CAM technology will soon be available in the denture industry which will drastically change the way that dentures are made. Advances in the dental industry such as intra-oral scanning, CAD design and CAM (milling & 3D printing) will soon be available in the denture industry, the only question is…. When? THE EARLY ADOPTERS – Success? Some early adopters of this technology have claimed that “Only AvaDent Digital Dentures takes the time and fuss our of getting your new denture” and “DENTCA uses new cutting edge CAD/CAM technology to revolutionize denture production. Research has shown our…

Why Implant Dentures Might Be Right For You

Dental care for those who need to replace missing, broken or diseased teeth is constantly evolving. Dentures have been an option for centuries and the traditional denture keeps improving with more natural looking teeth and a more comfortable fit. Reasonable prices and the long history of this approach to improving both dental and over all health makes choosing dentures sensible for many. Much more recently implant dentistry was developed and is becoming a common alternative when natural teeth cannot be saved. Currently one tooth or a mouthful may be replaced using implants. This solution can be costly and involves a several step process that anchors the new teeth into your jaw’s bony structure. Despite this many people are now opting for this solution, which really is almost better than having our own natural teeth. Problems With Traditional Dentures Removable dentures have a lengthy “breaking in” period traceable in most instances…

Tips For Getting Used To Your Dentures

When you begin using your dentures you can expect a period of time to pass before you are fully comfortable with your new smile. Fortunately there are a number of suggestions you can follow to make the transition smoother. Keep in mind it may take a few weeks to become familiar with your dentures. The tissues of your gums are adjusting at the same time as you are to the feel and use of the dentures. As your mouth heals, living with the dentures will become second nature for your mouth and for you. Often the lower denture is harder to manage than the upper, so give yourself more time to get used to that portion. Be careful as you may bite down on your tongue or cheeks until you are more used to the dentures. Wear The Dentures Follow the advice of your denturist, keeping the dentures inserted even…

Seniors Benefit Program

Alberta Seniors Benefit Program Are you a senior living in Alberta? Did you know that last year the Alberta Seniors Program provided $127 million in coverage for dental and optical benefits? Are you eligible to receive coverage? In order to be eligible for seniors’ coverage you must be an eligible senior and apply for the seniors program. Eligibility Eligibility for a benefit is determined by: – the type of accommodation ( type of residence), – your marital status, – age – 65 years of age or older (the month you apply) – combined Income (spouse/ partner’s income regardless of their age), – lived in Alberta for 3 months or more before applying, and – federal OAS pension, (have lived in Canada for 10 years). General eligibility for benefits is determined by annual income. For July 1, 2014 to July 30, 2015, a senior with an annual income of $26,200 or less…

Happy 4 year aniversary to our Northwest location!

We are proud to celebrate our 4th year in business with all of our great staff and wonderfull patients. We look forward to serving you for many years to come!