Cosmetic Dentures in Maple Ridge
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
Are you seeking a reliable provider for cosmetic dentistry? Is it important for you to have a natural-looking, comfortable, and durable set of dentures?
Westgate Dental & Implant Centre extends a helping hand for your oral health goals. According to recent data from the Canadian Dental Association, over 20% of Canadians aged 65 and older use plates, pointing out the importance of effective and pleasing dentures.
What are Dentures?
These are custom-made dental prosthetics replacing missing teeth. These are solutions for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other factors.
Types of Dentures
Full
Used when all teeth in either the upper jaw or lower jaw need to be replaced. These consist of a full set of artificials mounted on a gum-coloured acrylic base that fits over your gums. The base of the upper prosthesis conceals the palate, while the lower one is contoured like a horseshoe to accommodate the tongue.
Partial
When only some teeth are missing. These fill in the gaps between the remaining natural molars or healthy teeth, preventing the adjacent ones from shifting and maintaining proper alignment. The removable partial dentures are attached to the natural teeth using metal attachments for stability and support.
Implant-Supported
Stable alternative to traditional ones. These are anchored to implants with a denture adhesive—small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone.
The dental implants merge with the bone over time (a process called osseointegration). These offer good stability, allowing for more natural chewing and speaking.
Materials We Use
Acrylic Resin | Widely used for the denture base and artificial teeth. Lightweight, easy to mould, and tinted to complement the colour of the gums and natural bites. |
Porcelain | Often used for artificials in replacements. Best for its strength, durability, and ability to mimic the translucency of natural ones. |
High-Impact Polymers | Used to create more durable and fracture-resistant complete and partial dentures. Ideal for patients who require long-lasting solutions. |
What are the Benefits?
Restoration of Oral Function
Conventional dentures replace missing teeth, allowing patients to chew food more effectively. Research indicates that individuals with complete dentures can achieve up to 85% chewing efficiency compared to those with natural molars.
Missing teeth can impair speech, leading to slurred words or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Immediate dentures restore the structure of the oral cavity, enabling clearer and more articulate speech.
Aesthetics
Modern ones are designed using high-impact acrylics and porcelain. The colour, shape, and size of the prosthesis can be modified to match the patient’s natural molars.
Tooth deficiencies can cause the facial muscles to sag, leading to a sunken or aged appearance. Replacements provide support to the cheeks and lips for a more youthful and fuller facial appearance.
Prevention of Teeth Shifting and Bone Loss
In cases where only some teeth are missing, partials prevent the remaining naturals from shifting into the gaps left by edentulous areas. This shifting can lead to malocclusion (misalignment) and other complications, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Improved Confidence and Quality of Life
A psychological benefit of plates is the ability to smile confidently without worrying about tooth voids. Our patients report a boost in self-esteem and social interactions after receiving replacements, as they no longer feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Our Process
Consultation and Assessment
Upon your visit to our Maple Ridge dental clinic, we’ll ask you a series of questions to examine your oral health, expectations, and preferences.
Questions Our Dentist May Ask
- What are your primary concerns about your current teeth or replacements?
- Are you experiencing any discomfort or difficulty when chewing or speaking?
- Have you had any previous dental restorations, and if so, what was your experience with them?
- What are your aesthetic goals for your smile?
- Do you have any allergies to dental materials or a history of oral health issues?
Diagnostic Impressions and Imaging
Following the consultation, diagnostic impressions of our patient’s mouth are taken to create a detailed model of the oral cavity for planning the design and fit. Digital imaging techniques, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), capture 3D images of the jawbone, soft tissues, and remaining teeth.
Wax Try-In and Denture Design
This preliminary version is designed to give our patient and dentist a visual representation of the final denture.
- The shape and size of the prostheses are selected to match our patient’s natural teeth and facial features.
- Proper occlusion (bite alignment) is important for the functionality of the prosthetics.
- The colour of the portion of the plates is matched to our patient’s natural gum colour.
Fitting and Adjustments
During this visit, our dentist places the final prosthetic.
Bite Correction | Our dentist checks the occlusion and makes adjustments to the bite. |
Fit Adjustment | The fit is assessed, with attention to areas that may be too tight or loose. Adjustments are made to prevent discomfort or sores. |
Aesthetics | The appearance is evaluated, and you’ll give feedback on the look and feel. At this stage, any final adjustments can be made. |
How About Follow-Up Care?
Regular Check-Ups
We recommend that our patients arrange a check-up every 6 months. However, those with a history of oral health issues or dental restorations may require more frequent visits.
Relining and Adjustments
As the oral anatomy changes, the inner surface may no longer conform to the gums, leading to instability or pressure points. Denture relining is a procedure that reshapes the inner surface to improve its fit.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance are priorities for preventing the buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, which can lead to oral infections and unpleasant odours.
Here’s a Daily Cleaning Routine We Recommend
Brushing | Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleaner in cleaning dentures. Regular toothpaste is too coarse and may scratch the surface. |
Soaking | Soak in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water overnight. Eliminates food debris and bacteria that brushing alone cannot reach. |
Rinsing | After meals, rinsing with water helps remove food debris and reduce the risk of staining. |
Diet and Nutritional Considerations
- Start with tender foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and broths until you become accustomed to chewing with denture teeth.
- Chewing may require some practice. You should use both sides of your mouth to prevent tipping. Cutting food into bits can also help.
Proper Care and Replacement
The average lifespan of these cosmetics is between 5 to 10 years. Indicators that may need to be replaced include persistent discomfort, visible wear or fractures, changes in fit, and aesthetic deterioration.
Oral Health in Maple Ridge at its Best
Choosing the right provider for cosmetic dentistry and visiting a dentist regularly are two important things for your overall mouth health. Westgate Dental & Implant Centre delivers services backed by our acumen in advanced technologies and personalized patient care.
We assess your oral hygiene, discuss your goals, and design a solution personalized to your needs. Our follow-up care includes regular assessments and adjustments to ensure performance and preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for patients to adjust to new cosmetic dentures?
- Most of our patients experience a period of adjustment lasting 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, they may need to adapt to chewing, speaking, and general comfort.
- Complete adaptation can take up to 6 weeks. This period includes the time needed for the mouth to adjust and for any follow-up adjustments to be made.
How common are adjustments or repairs required within the first year of getting dental implants?
- At least one adjustment within the first year to address fit issues or minor discomfort.
- Approximately 15% of patients may need minor repairs, such as fixing cracks or chips, within the first year. This results from normal wear and tear or accidental damage.
What is the impact of diet and lifestyle on the longevity of cosmetic implants?
- A diet high in acidic or abrasive foods can shorten their lifespan. Patients consuming such diets may need replacements or repairs 1 to 2 years earlier than those with a balanced diet.
- Habits like smoking or intoxication can negatively impact denture longevity, reducing their lifespan by up to 2 years.
How often do patients need to undergo relining procedures due to changes in their oral structure?
- Soft Relining: Required every 2 to 3 years to accommodate changes in the gum tissue and bone structure.
- Hard Relining: May be needed every 5 to 7 years, depending on the rate of bone resorption and overall changes in oral health.