Each year, an estimated three million Americans choose full or partial dentures. Currently, 41 million Americans use dentures, and the numbers are rising. So rest assured, you’re not alone!

In today’s blog, you’ll learn how dentures are made step by step. We’ll dive into:

• Denture consultation and impressions
• Creating mouth models
• Creating a denture base
• Selecting and affixing replacement teeth to base
• Finalizing dentures from wax model to actual dentures
• Fit and fix your dentures
• Denture care and maintenance

Dr. Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, has studied TMD/TMJ, functional occlusion, predictable esthetics, and general and family dentistry. He served as the Speaker of the House of Delegates for the American Student Dental Association and was president of the Southwest Dental Society for four years. His peers also nominated him for fellowship in the American College of Dentists. His experience and talent for art and science have made him an excellent choice for patients interested in dentures. 

Call 580-255-4880 for an appointment with Dr. Bridges today and we can answer all your questions about how dentures are made. 

Denture Consultation and Impressions

To answer the question, “How are dentures made?” we must start at the beginning, a patient consultation with Dr. Bridges. At this appointment, the dentist will evaluate your oral health through a comprehensive exam and X-rays.

If you and Dr. Bridges agree that dentures are the best option to replace your missing teeth, you can look forward to eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence!

At this initial appointment, Dr. Bridges can take impressions, which will provide the dentist and lab technicians with a blueprint of your mouth. A good dental impression can ensure dentures are created to perfectly fit onto the contours of your gums, for comfort and stability.

Creating Mouth Models

The lab technician will create a plaster mold of your gums based on your dental impressions. Next, the technician will fabricate a wax replica of your gums, adding a preliminary denture base to the model. You may be asked to try on the base at this point. 

Creating a Custom Denture Base

The base of a denture fits over the upper or lower arch of the mouth and is made from pink acrylic resin that mimics gum tissue. From the wax model, the lab technician will create a mold to fabricate your custom denture base. After the resin sets, the lab technician will polish and trim the denture base for the best fit and appearance.

Selecting and Affixing Replacement Teeth to Base

Dr. Bridges and the lab technician collaborate on creating artificial teeth. Together, they will design teeth of the best size, shape, and color for your smile’s optimal esthetics. Once fabricated, each tooth will be set in wax to evaluate the denture’s occlusion (how upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed).

Finalizing Dentures

After you approve the wax model, a technician will permanently affix each tooth to the acrylic base. Once they’re polished, your new dentures should look stunning! They’ll also improve your ability to eat a healthy diet and dine with confidence in front of others. Your self-esteem will get a big boost, too.

Fit and Fix Your Dentures

The final appointment involves trying on your new dentures so Dr. Bridges can adjust the fit, if necessary. Minor adjustments may be made later, once you’ve adjusted to wearing the dentures. 

Denture Care and Maintenance

To keep your dentures beautiful and clean, daily maintenance is necessary. C for soaking the appliance. Also, plan to see Dr. Bridges regularly for six-month checkups and every two to four years for relining your denture. If you take good care of your dentures, they’ll look gorgeous and endure for many years.

Schedule Your Denture Consultation Today!

This blog should have answered the question, “How are dentures made?” For your in-person consultation, call our Duncan dentist’s office today at 580-255-4880. Dr. Bridges and our team look forward to helping you secure and maintain excellent oral health and a head-turning smile.

The post How Are Dentures Made? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

In Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team prioritize patient comfort, so don’t allow anxiety to rule your health. Instead, call us at 580-255-4880 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges. No one on our team will judge you for the state of your oral health. We will commend your efforts to pursue good health!

Prevalence of Oral Health Problems in the USA

Every year, dentists place 175 million dental fillings and 2.3 million dental crowns in the mouths of your fellow Americans. Crowns and fillings are the most common treatments in restorative dentistry. 

Only 1% of humans avoid tooth decay in their lifetime. The vast majority, 99%, need a filling or crown at some point.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 36 million adults in the USA have no teeth, while 120 million are missing one or more teeth. 

Nearly 59,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. Oral cancer claims the life of one person per hour, every single day. Early detection and treatment are imperative.

These stats should bring you comfort because you aren’t alone. Even better, we’re here to help you on your journey to restored dental health. 

Restorative Dentistry Services in Duncan, OK

As a family and restorative dentist, Dr. Bridges diagnoses, prevents, and treats oral diseases, using proven techniques and patient comfort measures. Our restorative dentistry services improve oral function and appearance while also improving oral (and in turn, overall) health and boosting patients’ self-confidence.

In addition to preventive and cosmetic treatments, we offer these restorative dentistry services:

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Implants
• Dentures
• Root Canal Therapy
• TMD/TMJ Treatment
• Sleep Apnea/Snoring Cessation
• Full Mouth Reconstruction
• Nitrous Oxide for Patient Comfort

Full-Mouth Restoration

When a patient needs more than two restorative dentistry procedures, Dr. Bridges may create a full mouth restoration treatment plan. Some patients need crowns, fillings, root canal therapy, gum treatments, and replacement teeth, while others simply need extractions and dentures. 

For convenience, affordability, and comfort, we often break big treatment plans into quadrants of the mouth. This means, the dentist will treat one-quarter of the mouth before moving to the next quadrant, over multiple appointments that suit your schedule. 

Full mouth restoration repairs damaged teeth, replaces lost teeth, and heals diseased gum tissue. Furthermore, the dentist makes certain that the patient’s occlusion–how upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed–is balanced. Healthy occlusion prevents tooth wear and breakage and deters temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD/TMJ).

A full set of strong, beautiful teeth and good oral health will also prevent bad breath caused by tooth decay and gum disease. So not only will you feel and look healthier, but your breath will smell fresh after brushing and flossing at home. 

To maintain your restored smile, brush twice a day and floss once, using antibacterial mouthwash afterward. Adding a tongue scraper to your oral care arsenal will help by removing smelly bacteria from grooves in your tongue. Additionally, visit Dr. Bridges every six months for a thorough dental checkup and cleaning. 

Call Today for Your Restorative Dentistry Appointment

We offer everything you need to restore oral health, freshen your breath, and beautify your smile, without anxiety, judgment, or fear. Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, now at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment. We welcome new patients and accept insurance. For large cases, financing is also available.

The post Strengthen Your Smile with Restorative Dentistry  appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

As for esthetics, old dentures may appear larger than your natural teeth, making them look fake. No one wants to share a smile with obviously fake, large teeth. Modern dentures are made with contemporary dental materials that make both the teeth and the gum portions look natural. 

You’re living in a time when dentistry has excellent options to replace your teeth. Now, dentures can be securely attached to your jaws with dental implants. You’ll never experience loose, wobbling, slipping dentures or the need to reline your false teeth. In today’s blog, you’ll learn:

• What implant-retained dentures are
• Benefits of implant-retained dentures
• What the procedure is for getting implants
• Care and longevity of implant-retained false teeth
• How to find out if implant-retained dentures are right for you

Implant-Retained Dentures

If you have generally good overall and oral health, you will probably qualify for implant-retained false teeth. Issues like gum disease, poor jaw density, bruxism (clenching and grinding teeth), and some health conditions and treatments can make a person ineligible for dental implants. In the case of poor bone density, a bone graft may improve candidacy. 

Usually, four to six dental implants can reliably anchor one arch of false teeth. Dentures are fabricated with snaps, and they click in place onto implants. Implant-retained dentures can be fixed or removable, based on the patient’s desires. For patients with age-related cognitive impairment, we suggest fixed implant-retained dentures to avoid misplacing or breaking the prosthetics.

Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures

• Will not slip, wobble, or fall out when eating a meal
• Strong enough to allow the patient no dietary restrictions
• Implants help protect the integrity of the jawbone, reducing the chance of deterioration
• Dentures will not rub against gum ridges and cause sores
• Dental implants can last a lifetime
• Easy care and maintenance
• Look natural and attractive
• Feel confident eating in public

The Implant Placement Procedure

To secure implants in the jaw, a brief outpatient surgery is required. During this procedure, the dentist will insert small, screw-shaped dental implants into the jawbone. Over about six to nine months, your jawbone will naturally grow around the implant posts. At the end of this period, the patient will return for exposure of implant heads and attachment of abutments. The abutments connect a set of false teeth to the patient’s jaw. 

All in all, getting dental implants to secure your false teeth will take under one year, unless you require prerequisite bone grafting or gum disease treatments. 

Care and Longevity of Implant-Retained False Teeth

Implant-retained dentures are easy to maintain. Use a soft nylon denture brush for twice-daily brushing. Floss daily. Do not smoke or drink an excessive amount of alcohol. Visit Dr. Matthew Bridges every six months or as often as directed. Your dental implants should endure your lifetime. If the false teeth wear down or become otherwise damaged, they may need replacement. 

Are Implant-Retained Dentures Right for You?

The only way to know for certain if you should replace your traditional false teeth with implant-retained dentures is to visit our Duncan dentist’s office for an evaluation and consultation. Dr. Matthew Bridges is accepting new patients and will be happy to answer all of your questions at your appointment. Call 580-255-4880 to schedule your dental implant consultation today!

The post A New Dawn for Patients with False Teeth appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

In fact, the all-on-four implant with dentures system offers patients many benefits that our grandparents didn’t have. In today’s blog, we’ll review some of those benefits and explain how four little implants with dentures can vastly improve your quality of life. 

What Is All-on-Four?

The All-on-Four dental implant technique involves creating a surgical template to guide implant placement so that posts are placed in the most ideal position within the jaw. Four dental implants can hold an upper or lower denture in place. 

The procedure is done in one day, and in most cases, the patient is fitted with a temporary denture at the same time. The temporary will not endure forever, but it will allow the patient to eat, speak, and smile with confidence as osseointegration occurs. The term osseointegration refers to bone growing around dental implant posts, and it takes about nine months. 

After the bone has sufficiently anchored the implant posts, the long-term, actual denture will replace the temporary. 

5 Benefits of the Implant with Dentures System

Patients who wear traditional dentures miss out on many benefits of All-on-Four or a similar implant with dentures system. With implant dentures, you can enjoy:

• Confidence: Knowing that your dentures will never slip, wobble, slide, or loosen will allow you to dine out with friends and family, without worrying about embarrassing denture accidents. You can smile confidently because you’ll look fantastic.

• Comfortable Function: Implants with dentures feel like natural teeth. They function like natural teeth, too. If you’ve experienced speech and enunciation issues due to missing teeth or improperly fitted dentures, don’t expect the same problems with All-on-Four.

• Longevity of Your Investment: With proper care and continued good health, you can expect your implant dentures to last the rest of your life! The denture itself will need replacement with time, but your implants should last forever.

• Jawbone Retention: Another benefit of implants with dentures is that implant posts stimulate the jawbone to aid in bone retention. When you chew foods with natural teeth, teeth roots create vibrations. The vibrations let the brain know that your teeth are still in use, so your jawbone needs nutrition to remain strong.

When teeth are gone, the jaw holds no teeth roots. Even if you wear traditional braces there are no teeth roots. So, your brain tells your body to divert bone-enriching minerals to other bones that are still working, like arms and legs. As a result, the jawbone shrinks, so dentures no longer fit well and your face looks older.

Implants replace teeth roots, so when you eat, they create the necessary vibrations to ensure good jaw health.

Learn More About Implants at Your Consultation

Might implants with dentures be a good fit for you? For an implant consultation in Duncan, call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580.255.4880. Dr. Matthew Bridges will meet with you, review your records, and let you know which treatment options are available to replace your lost teeth or to stabilize your dentures. Most patients in good health qualify for dental implants.

The post Benefits of the All-on-Four Implant with Dentures appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges combines cutting-edge techniques and modern materials to create quality dentures. Most importantly, he will carefully design your denture, taking all the time necessary to ensure a comfortable, functional, and beautiful prosthetic. 

To learn more about our innovative methods or to schedule your restorative consultation, contact our office today.

Dentures: An Overview

Tooth loss is very common. Over 120 million Americans have lost all their teeth, and 36 million are missing at least one tooth. Furthermore, in a survey of 19 countries, nearly one in five people wear some type of dentures.

There are two different sizes of dentures. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. Partial dentures are for patients who still have some remaining healthy teeth. Both types are appropriate for the upper and/or lower arch. Removable dentures have a plastic base that fits over the gums. Partials also have small metal clips that keep them attached to the adjacent teeth.

In addition to traditional removable dentures, qualified patients can also select implant-supported prosthetics. These dentures connect to permanent implant posts, which are surgically set in the jawbone. 

Fabrication Process

No matter what size or type of denture you choose, Dr. Bridges will begin with a thorough consultation. After taking impressions of your mouth, he will create a wax buildup. That way, you can try on a model, and the doctor can make adjustments to improve the look or feel of your prosthetic. Once you are both satisfied, he will send the buildup to a top-quality lab, which will create your final denture. When it is finished and back in our office, Dr. Bridges can make any necessary adjustments.

State-of-the-Art Materials

Removable dentures are made from several different materials. The base is usually a combination of metal and acrylic or polymer. The metal forms the framework of the prosthetic. The acrylic/polymer is carefully selected to match the color of your gum tissue. 

The false teeth are typically made from acrylic, porcelain, or zirconia. Not only do modern porcelain and zirconia come in a wide range of shades. Their slight translucence gives dentures a natural sparkle and sheen. 

With implant-supported dentures, there is no need for a framework. The teeth themselves will be crafted from the same high-quality materials as their removable counterparts. 

Dental Implants for the Ultimate in Realistic Dentures

All of our dentures look natural. But for the most lifelike appearance, nothing can rival implant-supported dentures. Implants replace your missing tooth roots. The attached prosthetic will rest directly on your gums with no plastic base, metal clips, or adhesives. 

If you are interested in implants, Dr. Bridges can assess your candidacy before referring you to a skilled oral surgeon. Once your implant surgery is complete, he will design and attach your custom denture.

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center

Find out how Dr. Bridges can provide you with more realistic dentures than you may have ever dreamed possible. 

Contact our office online or call 580-255-4880 to schedule an appointment. 

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The post The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Dentures appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers several types of dentures, including implant-supported restorations. Additionally, he has undergone advanced training in Predictable Esthetics and Functional Occlusion. Contact us to learn more about our dentures and how Dr. Bridges’ specialized education makes him an outstanding choice for your restorative needs. 

Traditional Dentures

When you think of dentures, you likely picture traditional removable restorations. There are two types of traditional dentures. The first, full dentures, will replace all of your teeth. You could receive an upper denture for your top teeth, a lower denture for your bottom teeth, or both at the same time. Partial dentures may be appropriate if you still have some remaining healthy teeth. 

Both full and partial traditional dentures have a gum-colored plastic base that fits over the alveolar ridge. The synthetic teeth maintain the natural alignment of the bite. Furthermore, they will match any remaining natural teeth. Denture adhesive can help to keep both types in place. Partial dentures also have small clasps that help keep the prosthetic connected to the adjacent natural teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

In recent years, implant-supported dentures have become a more common way to replace missing teeth. These state-of-the-art restorations offer greater stability than traditional dentures, and they also provide important health benefits. 

Implant-supported dentures are attached to small titanium implant posts. The dental implants integrate with the jawbone, essentially replacing missing tooth roots. In this way, they can uphold a new dental restoration. Plus, they can also help to regenerate bone tissue. This will reduce the risk of jawbone recession, a common side effect of tooth loss. Once your jaw has healed from implant surgery, your dentist can attach your denture. This type of restoration is permanently fixed in your mouth to fully restore your oral function with no dietary restrictions or embarrassing slippage. 

How to Choose a Dentist for Dentures

If you are researching dentures, you are not alone! The need for these restorations is incredibly common. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 36 million Americans are missing all their teeth, and these numbers are expected to rise in coming years. Furthermore, in a multinational study, 19% of the population in 19 countries wears some form of denture.

Once you know what type of dentist does dentures, it is important to find the right dentist for your needs. Look for someone who: 

• Has plenty of experience with dentures and other dental restorations
• Demonstrates a good track record of beautiful, functional results
• Possesses experience in cosmetic dentistry, in additional to restorative treatments
• Has advanced dental training 
• Is a leader in his or her field 
• Is dedicated to personalized care and detailed follow-up treatments 

Dr. Matthew Bridges meets all of the above requirements. His training in Predictable Esthetics means that he can provide stunningly lifelike results when designing dental prosthetics. Furthermore, thanks to his education in Functional Occlusion, he plans dentures that maintain a balanced bite and jaw health. Most importantly, he is committed to each of his patients as individuals. Along with his team, he wants to make everyone feel comfortable and fully informed about their treatment process. 

Learn More about What Type of Dentist Does Dentures

To learn more about dentures and to find a dental practice for your restorative needs, contact our Duncan, OK, office online today. You can also reach us by calling 580-255-4880. 

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Dental implants are highly recommended for patients with missing teeth. While traditional dental bridges and removable dentures are popular, adding implant support boosts their benefits because it replaces the tooth roots rather than just the crowns. Additionally, implants provide jawbone support that prevents tooth movement, more tooth loss, and facial sagging. The stability of dental implants also alleviates chewing struggles and improves speech. 

Dentists often refer their patients to oral surgeons for dental implant surgery, then the dentist designs and places the restoration. During an initial consultation with the general dentist or an oral surgeon, the type of dental implant and method of placement will be discussed. 

Types of Dental Implants

1. Endosteal. Endosteal implants include screw types, cylinder types, or bladed types. A dental professional will help you determine the best type of dental implant for you. The  safety and efficacy of endosteal implants make them the most popular choice in dental implants today.

Endosteal implants are inserted into the jawbone where they take the place of natural tooth roots. In order for the abutment (or base) to be placed, and the crown (or replacement tooth) to be attached, the gum must first heal and the bone must fuse with the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, can take several months. But once completed, the tooth looks, feels, and is as strong and as stable as a natural tooth. 

Endosteal implants are known for having one of the most stable, and natural-feeling results.

2. Subperiosteal. Subperiosteal implants are mainly used to hold dentures in place in patients who had insufficient bone structure. Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants are placed on the jawbone, and held in place only by soft gum tissue. The metal implant post juts out and is exposed through the gums. That metal implant is used to secure the denture.

With subperiosteal implants, the timeline for the healing process is often far shorter than with endosteal implants because there is no need to wait for osseointegration to occur. But because the implants do not fuse with the jawbone, and are held in place only by soft tissue, the level of support offered by subperiosteal implants is much less than that of endosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants are rarely used today because of this reason.

Dental Implant Methods

• Single-Tooth. Single tooth implants are the method used when a patient has one or just a few missing teeth in different areas of the mouth. A dental crown attached to a single implant fills the space where a tooth is missing, restoring the patient’s natural smile and mouth functionality.

• All-on-4. All-on-4 implants are ideal for individuals who are missing many teeth. It allows the teeth to be replaced with the help of only 4 implants inserted at strategic points in the gum. Dentures are attached to the implants. 

• Immediate Load Dental Implants. These implants are designed to attach with the bone right away, and eliminate the healing time needed for other types of implants. A dentist can attach a crown to the implant on the same day the implant is inserted, and they become part of the patient’s normal biting/chewing functions almost immediately.

All Your Dental Implant Concerns Addressed in Duncan, OK

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center can answer all your dental-implant-related questions and help you make the best decision for your case. Call (580) 255-4880 or conveniently schedule your free consultation online today to get started.

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The two most common types of dentures are traditional, or removable, dentures and implant-supported dentures.

Which option is best for you?

The amount of information to review may seem overwhelming at first, but a simple look at the pros and cons of each denture option can help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of Traditional Dentures 

Traditional or removable dentures require relatively little up-front costs. While premium dentures can cost $2,000-$4,000 per plate, the average cost of traditional dentures is around $700-$1,800. Partial dentures can cost even less at $300-$500.

The timeline for receiving traditional dentures is also relatively short at a few weeks. After teeth are pulled and the gums heal an impression of the patient’s mouth is taken so the dentures can be tailored to her mouth. The impressions are then sent to a lab so the dentures can be created.

After they are checked on the patient for look, fit and function, adjustments are made and the dentures are sent back to the lab for final processing. They are then cleaned, polished and returned for a final fitting. The entire process can take three to twelve weeks to complete.

These two qualities make traditional or removable dentures one of the most affordable and quick methods of replacing missing teeth.

Disadvantages of Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures require applying adhesive to get them to remain in place in your mouth. This adhesive may need to be re-applied several times throughout the day. Without continuous application of the adhesive, the dentures move around which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.   

You cannot wear traditional dentures to bed. Instead they must be stored overnight in a glass of water or denture cleaning solution to keep them sanitary.

Extensive wear of traditional dentures can cause your jaw to shrink, making the dentures feel loose or causing them to rub painfully on the gums. Because the jawbone diminishes, denture-wearers often experience facial sagging. 

Traditional dentures also do not allow for the same force as natural teeth when biting or chewing. Some wearers will have to cut food into smaller pieces or eat foods softer in texture while wearing them.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

The pros of implant-supported dentures are numerous. Because they look and feel like natural teeth, the wearer has no dietary restrictions. Daily care for implant-supported dentures also mimics that of natural teeth; simple flossing and brushing suffice.

Implant-supported dentures can also strengthen the inside of your jaw by allowing the formation of new bone around the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, can improve bone health, preserve natural jaw height, and prevent facial sagging. 

Downsides to Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are often more expensive than traditional dentures. A complete set of porcelain implant-supported dentures can cost between $1,500 and $4,000.

Patients must undergo dental implant surgery before their implant-supported denture can be mounted. This procedure consists of placing implant posts into the jawbone and allowing them to fuse with the jawbone. Once the posts have fully fused with jawbone tissue, small metal abutments are attached to the implants. The implant-supported dentures are then attached to the abutments. 

The process can take 6-9 months to complete. During that time a patient may not have full use of their dental implants.

To summarize:

Pros of Traditional Dentures: 

•  Affordable
• Can be created relatively quickly

Cons of Traditional Dentures: 

• Daily maintenance (adhesive must be applied daily and sometimes several times a day) 
• The wearer must watch what they eat 
• Have to be replaced every so often
• May affect bone health

Pros of Implant-Supported Dentures: 

• Look and feel like natural teeth 
• Low maintenance compared to traditional dentures (no messy adhesive, can be worn to bed) 
• Wearer can eat whatever they like
• Improvement in jawbone health

Cons of Implant-Supported Dentures: 

• Cost 
• Long, invasive procurement procedure

Each person’s needs are special, and at the Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, they are treated that way.

Dr. Bridges and his team take each patient’s health, budget and needs into consideration when advising them on the denture treatment that’s right for them.

Call us today for a free 1-on-1 consultation at 580-255-4880 or reach us through our contact page.

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