Dentures
Full Arch Dentures
Full Arch Dentures
A full arch denture is a removable tooth replacement option for those who need all their teeth replaced. They can be crafted to provide the characteristics (tooth shape and color) the patient desires. Advances have been made in the materials used for dentures and in the way they are designed. If you already have dentures (partial or full arch) you may be experiencing a loose fit or denture slipping. This can lead to gum sores, can affect your chewing and your speech and decrease your confidence when speaking and/or laughing with others. We can help restore your dentures to the correct fit.
Implant Supported Dentures
This implant technique, is the optimal solution for those who have lost or are about to lose all of their upper and/or lower teeth. It's a procedure that comes closest to having a new set of permanent teeth.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.
Implant Placement
There are actually two phases to implant dentistry.
Phase 1: Using very accurate surgical techniques, an incision is made in the gum tissues and implants are placed into dimensionally controlled sites (depth and width) in the jawbone.
First, the gum tissue is opened and the jaw bone is tapped with a small drill and then drilled with a wider drill. The implant is inserted into place. The gum tissues are then closed and the healing phase begins. This may take anywhere from 3-6 months to ensure a strong base.
Phase 2: An abutment is secured to the top of the implant placing a new tooth crown onto the implant abutment. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or your dentures.
What Is A Full Arch Denture?
A full arch denture is an intra-oral (inside the mouth) appliance designed to replace a full set of teeth on either the upper or lower arch. Full arch dentures require support from your gum pad and may require the use of special adhesive to help lock the denture into place.
Why A Full Arch Denture?
If you are in need of replacing an entire arch of teeth, a full arch denture is going to be the most affordable tooth-replacement option. Additionally, not having any teeth causes mild to severe physical changes in your face mouth and lips. A full arch denture can restore some biting and chewing functionality and bring back a more attractive appearance.
Over Denture
An over denture fits on top of natural teeth or dental implants. Many patients suffer with ill fitting and loose dentures that move or even fall out when speaking or eating. One way of solving this problem is to construct a dental plate that goes over and attaches to something underneath it. Keeping a few natural teeth or placing dental implants in the bone under the denture also helps keep the jaw bone healthy. This avoids much of the natural jaw bone loss often seen after teeth are removed. Traditional over dentures go over natural teeth. A denture can be made that goes over and attaches to one or both cuspids. Implants supported over dentures fit on top of dental implants. A retainer bar or retention balls are placed on the implants and special attachments are inserted into the denture to grab onto these retention devices. A new method using mini implant dentures is becoming increasingly popular. Mini implants are very thin, long titanium implants that screw into the jaw bone. They can be placed and old dentures can often be retrofitted to the implant.
Alternatives to Denture Arches
Full arch dentures are not your only means of tooth replacement option if you are missing or need to replace teeth in your lower or upper arch. Dental implants are a permanent alternative to full arch dentures and bring additional benefits that dentures cannot provide and will outlast normal dentures even under optimal conditions.
Soft Dentures
Soft dentures are a flexible alternative to more common hard dentures crafted out of acrylic. These dentures don't require adhesives and adjust to the shape of the gums for greater comfort. Soft dentures are only called that because the inner lining is soft. They're otherwise similar to ordinary dentures, which can be altered to have flexible linings.
Immediate Dentures
This type of denture is made to be placed in the mouth immediately after you have all your natural teeth extracted. This allows you to leave the office without the embarrassment of having no teeth while the gums heal from the extraction. The denture is made to conform to your mouth at the moment impressions were taken. Your gums will change drastically over the next few months and it is possible that the dentures will rub against the gums causing some soreness until the denture is adjusted. Most patients will require a realignment of their denture within the first few months due to the gums shrinking from the extraction of teeth. Another benefit of immediate dentures is the fact that the dentures act as a bandage to the extraction sites which covers the tooth sockets and prevents them from becoming irritated. Just remember, never remove the denture yourself, even for a brief moment unless your dentist has instructed you to. The gums have a tendency to swell when uncovered at first; and if you are without your dentures for a little while, they may never go back in.
Snap-In Dentures
Implants allow you to wear full dentures and partial dentures without fear that they will slip or fall out. A "snap-in" denture is an implant supported, removable denture. The snap-in feature is available for upper or lower dentures. Having implant supported dentures allows for the base of the denture to be made much smaller and more comfortable. Implant supported dentures enhance chewing and speaking. Never again will you have to worry about your teeth falling out when you eat, laugh or speak. You will regain chewing function and enjoy some forgotten foods.
European Denture Technique
One of the most common complaints from denture wearers is that their dentures look like "false teeth," causing them to be self-conscious and smile less. This complaint is usually accompanied by shortcomings in the ability to chew and overall discomfort they experience.
With the custom fit and design of Ivoclar dentures, wearers experience a more "natural look" and benefit from the unique Ivoclar design for better chewing. Ivoclar dentures appear more natural because they are designed and handcrafted especially to complement your personality, age, sex and physical appearance.
Azari & Zahedi Dentistry and their staff take special measurements that allow them to duplicate natural characteristics of your teeth in their own lab, using the Ivoclar precision denture technique. The denture teeth are manufactured layer by layer to respond to light just like natural tooth enamel, giving you the most natural appearance possible.
Ivoclar dentures offer more than just an attractive denture that will enhance your appearance. These dentures are also designed to provide better chewing and biting than normal dentures because of the unique occlusal design of the lower teeth, providing unusual cutting and chewing features that allow better functioning for patients. Every Ivoclar wearer enjoys high-quality dentures that provide stability, optimal chewing efficiency and comfort.
Ideally, dentures should be replaced every five years. If you already have dentures, it may be time to discover what we can do for your smile.
We are constantly improving our dentures to increase patient confidence, comfort and satisfaction. Our dentures can improve your life, in terms of both appearance and function. Like so many of our patients you'll only wish you would've gotten them sooner!
The Cons of Full Arch Dentures
Full arch dentures are the cheapest form of replacing an entire arch of teeth but they are not necessarily the best option. Here are a few downfalls to full arch dentures that occur in nearly every situation:
Adjustments & Re-fitting & Replacement
Throughout your lifetime, dentures will need to be replaced and adjusted which can become time consuming and expensive. It is a simple fact that dentures start to become loose and can break through normal activities such as talking, eating, etc. If a denture arch breaks, it may be possible to repair but in some cases it will need to be replaced entirely.
Bone Resorption (degeneration)
If you do not replace tooth roots, the bone where the tooth roots used to be will start to degenerate and shrink. This not only means you'll need to get your dentures re-adjusted but it also means dental implants become less and less of a future option to replace teeth due to the amount of bone required to place the implant becomes less and less.
Impaired Speech
Full arch dentures take up more space in the mouth than your normal teeth. Because of this, there is an adjustment period of time where you may notice difficulty in pronouncing certain words or talking in general. As dentures get re-adjusted and re-fitted, you may notice a difference in pronunciation and will have to make minor speech adjustments again.
Bulky & Uncomfortable
Dentures are typically not associated with comfort and although today's technology has made wearing full arch dentures more manageable, as you speak and chew, dentures exert their forces onto the gum bed below and tend to cause soreness to these sensitive tissues. Additionally, the bulk of having a denture in your mouth can cumbersome.
Denture Resorption
Within 6 months of starting to wear a denture, you will have already lost about 40% of your jawbone structure.
If you have worn a denture for a few years, you already know about bone loss. The reason your denture doesn't fit like a year ago, is that you don't have the same jawbone structure to support it.
If you wear a partial denture, beware that you will have the same problem with bone loss.
Once the jaw bone structure is lost your options become limited. A dental implant is the logical choice to help stop bone loss, however, once the jaw bone structure is lost, your options become limited.
How Much Do Full Arch Dentures Cost?
Generally speaking, full arch dentures are extremely affordable and can cost less than a single dental implant. However, the benefits and better quality of life dental implants bring is something most patients choose when replacing their teeth.
The actual cost of a full arch (upper or lower) denture depends on your specific needs and materials used. The best way to receive an accurate quote on a full arch denture is to request an appointment or call us at 904-992-8900 and come in to be evaluated. All it takes is a single visit so come see us soon!