If you are missing only a few teeth scattered over either arch (upper or lower teeth), or even if you have a minimum of two teeth on both sides of the arch, then you can most inexpensively replace the missing teeth with a removable partial denture (RPD). There are several types of RPD’s. All of them use standard plastic denture teeth as replacements for the missing natural teeth. The differences between them are the materials that are used to support the denture teeth and retain the RPD in the mouth.

 A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Types of Partial Dentures

There are two types of partial dentures: fixed and removable type. The type of partial denture is prescribed on the basis of the health of the teeth surrounding the gap.

1. Fixed Partial Dentures

*These are also known as dental implant bridges, and involve the permanent attachment of artificial teeth directly to the jaw or under gum tissue via a dental implant bridge. These dental bridges are preferred over the removable type, due to their striking resemblance to natural teeth and comfort level. However, their implantation requires healthy teeth for support. They also are harder to clean, as compared to the removable type. Moreover, since they cannot be removed, they are susceptible to inflammation, bad breath and other oral problems. This fixed partial denture is expensive and is recommended for replacing one or two missing teeth.

1. Removable Partial Dentures

*This type as the name implies, refers to partial dentures that can be removed and placed back as and when desired. They are also known as removable dental bridges. They feature metal framework along with metal clasps, artificial teeth and resin base material. They fill the gap between natural teeth, with a false tooth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. The tooth denture is connected by a metal framework which keeps it in place. Those possessing diseased, injured or partial tooth loss can opt for these removable dentures. There are several types of removable partial dentures, which use the same standard plastic denture teeth for the dental partials. They differ only in the materials used to support the denture teeth in place.

The different types of partial dentures are:

• Flipper Partial Denture:

This type is the least expensive of all the available partial dentures. Acrylic material is used to create the pink plastic denture base, which is the standard material used for all removable partial dentures. Onto this base is attached the false teeth to fill the gaps. Wrought wire clasps are cured into the base, whose role is to clasp the natural teeth and keep the denture in place.

Initially a person may find wearing these dentures very uncomfortable. Talking and eating may become cumbersome. Nevertheless, one gets used to these flippers after sometime. To reduce trouble while eating, one should remove the denture before eating. This way food won’t get stuck in the denture. Moreover, the denture is at no risk of damage, by hard food items.

• Cast Metal Partial Denture:

This type comprises cast metal frameworks and is more advantageous as compared to the flipper type. They are strong, rigid and durable, thus, are considered for the long run. Modern frameworks are cast from chrome cobalt (strong alloy), which is less likely to break. The metal used in these dentures is not seen to cause any allergies.

These partial dentures are attached to the teeth in a very stable fashion. The denture rests on the teeth and not on the gums, as in the case of flippers. This stability is achieved by slightly altering the natural teeth surface so that the dentures can fit properly. However, this modification will in no way alter the way the teeth bite into each other or their grinding function.

• Flexible Framework Partial Denture: 

The application of nylon-like materials to the fabrication of dental appliances, is a recent advance in the dental industry. The metal parts and the pink acrylic base is replaced by this nylon-like material. This material is unbreakable and colored pink to resemble the gums. This type of denture blends well with the tissue of the palate and is not noticeable to the opposite person.

Moreover, since this nylon-like material is quite thin and flexible, it is used to build clasps as well. This solves the problem of clasp visibility. Thus, people who are uncomfortable wearing the conspicuous metal dentures, find this type more appealing.

The clasps in these dentures rest on the gums instead of the teeth, unlike the cast metal type. This can lead to sore spots. Nevertheless, these dentures require no alteration of the teeth structure, on which they rests and are quite stable.

• Nesbit Partial Denture:

This type of denture is made to replace one or two lost rear teeth and can be used as a temporary or permanent tooth replacement. These dentures can be legally built only out of flexible framework material variety. The single tooth removable partial denture is referred to as Nesbit.

Unlike the earlier denture types we’ve looked at, this type does not have the region of acrylic or nylon-like material crossing over the arch. Small, flexible material clasps fit around the teeth adjacent to the gap. So the entire weight of the denture rests on the two teeth besides the gap. This results in extreme pressure application on the clasped teeth. Therefore, dentists don’t recommend this type.

In terms of cost, it is an inexpensive dentures type. However, this type of denture is only recommended for temporary purpose. The reason being, this denture is so small, that it can be accidentally swallowed. However, with the new flexible framework material, even if it is accidentally swallowed, it is not prone to cause harm. Nevertheless, they are not good permanent options.

• The Cusil Partial Denture:

This is a full denture with holes, thereby allowing the remaining natural teeth to protrude through. This acrylic denture is lined with a rubber gasket which grasps the teeth. Cusil partial denture is primarily meant for people, who have lost maximum teeth and want to salvage the remaining few, for as long as possible.

Here are tips for caring for your dentures:

• When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
• Don’t let your dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you’re not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
• Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
• Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
• See your dentist if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don’t be tempted to adjust them yourself this can damage them beyond repair.

 Maintaining proper dental care and hygiene, is necessary to avoid tooth related problems that lead to complete dentures. Follow the instructions given by the dentist, regarding denture care diligently and in case any damage occurs, take the denture to your dentist immediately. Do not try to repair it yourself. Keep visiting the dentist regularly and happy smiling!

Grand Prairie Dentist

Contact Us:

223 Main.
Suite #30
Grand Prairie, Tx 75052

Telephone: (817) 259-XXXX

Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile with gleaming white teeth and now, thanks to the invention of teeth whitening products, they can. There are all kinds of products, when it comes to achieving a brighter smile, out on the market and the important thing is to make sure to sit down with your dentist, or oral care professional, to see what they would recommend for you. You want to be sure that your teeth and gums are healthy before you apply any chemicals or whitening materials to your teeth and your dental care provider will be able to recommend specific whitening methods that would work the best for you. This is because your dentist or your hygienist understands the type of teeth you have and will be able to remove deeper stains to make the whitening process more effective.

A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks. A great smile is perfected with an amazing set of white teeth. Aside from that, having stained or dark teeth can furthermore be very embarrassing. Smiling without inhibitions not only shows confidence but displays a genuine personality as well as a range of upbeat emotions. The real question is not about how to smile but how to get that admirable set of teeth that is ideal to have in order to attain an attractive smile.

Getting pearly white teeth is expensive. More often than not, it entails frequent visits to your dentist for what could be a complicated and/or long dental procedures or process. Aside from the usual grueling and time consuming dental sessions, there are also a wide array of products that you can use to improve your teeth. These products include toothpastes, mouthwashes and whitening strips. But then again, there is another teeth whitening product that stands out among the rest: a teeth whitening pen.

A teeth whitening pen is a cost-effective innovation in dental care. For one thing, it is very easy to use. You only have to rotate the bottom part of the pen to dispense the gel. What makes this certain gel remarkably effective is the essential component in it that makes teeth whiter: hydrogen peroxide. At lower concentrations, it is proven and tested to be safe and effective. The gel covers the teeth and starts dissolving any stain particle and formations.

Some people are advised by their dentists, especially those who have invested in professional teeth whitening procedures to use and apply products like gels and mousse to maintain the results. Some even use low formulation whitening gels and trays to eliminate staining pores that have lodged in the micro pores of the teeth especially those that can’t quit smoking and drinking coffee.

Aside from maintaining the whiteness of your teeth, there are also after care steps that you should take in order to prevent any discomfort. Don’t drink anything hot or cold for the next 24-48 hours, depending on the sensitivity of your teeth, after an in-chair teeth whitening procedure. Use desensitizing gels to lower any teeth sensitivity. Avoid eating acidic foods like citrus fruits and consuming acidic drinks. This should also be done while undergoing procedures using at home kits. And most of all, make it a habit to clean your teeth and use teeth whitening and cleaning products recommended by your dentist.

CONTACT US

Jeff C. Jenkins, D.D.S.
Richard Martin, D.D.S.

5601 Bridge St, Ste 480
Fort Worth, TX 76112
(817) 259-1371
(817) 937-4369 Fax

Sets of dentures have been found dating from the 15th century and probably existed before that time. Carved from bone or ivory, or made up of teeth from dead or living donors, these dentures were uncomfortable and rotted after extended use. The first porcelain dentures were made around 1770 by Alexis Duchateau. In 1791 the first Britishpatent was granted to Nicholas Dubois De Chemant, previously assistant to Duchateau. De Chemant’s patent specification said (in part): “A composition for the purpose of making of artificial teeth either single double or in rows or in complete sets and also springs for fastening or affixing the same in a more easy and effectual manner than any hitherto discovered which said teeth may be made of any shade or color, which they will retain for any length of time and will consequently more perfectly resemble the natural teeth.” He began selling his dentures in 1792 with most of his porcelain paste supplied by Wedgwood. Single teeth in porcelain were made from 1808. Later, dentures were made of vulcanite and then, in the 20th century, acrylic resin and other plastics. In Britain in 1968 79% of those aged 65-74 had no natural teeth, by 1998 this proportion had fallen to 36%.

There are many accounts of scavengers who, in ancient times, after hand-to-hand battles, searched the battlefields and removed healthy teeth from dead warrior’s mouths and then sold those teeth to local dentists who invented ways to make the “recycled” teeth into new dentures for their patients.
Today, dental problems can be solved with the assistance of dental implants. It is a prosthetic device of alloplastic material inserted into the oral tissues beneath the mucosal or periosteal layers to provide support and retention to a partial or full denture. Basically, dental implant is a ‘screw-in-tooth.’ Completely edentulous patients now enjoy the security and function of a fixed restoration in the form of implants. Patients missing posterior teeth can enjoy the benefits of a fixed restoration with dental implant. Trauma victims who are missing teeth and bone can be successfully rehabilitated with fixed restorations. Even patients missing only a single tooth can receive a restoration similar to the missing natural tooth. Similarly, patients with the available bone can receive complete fixed implant rehabilitation.

Retention is the phase of orthodontic treatment that attempts to keep teeth in the corrected positions after orthodontic (dental) braces. Without a phase of retention there is a tendency for the teeth to return to their initial position (relapse). To prevent relapse almost every patient who has orthodontic treatment will require some type of retention. There is a lack of robust evidence on which to base clinical practice in this area. This review found weak, unreliable evidence that a simple surgical procedure, combined with a retainer, is better than a retainer alone at keeping teeth in the corrected positions after orthodontic braces are removed. There is an urgent need for high quality randomized  controlled trials in this crucial area of orthodontic practice.

Glovsky Orthodontics

754 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite 107
Gilbert, AZ 85296

Phone: (480) 892-6200
Fax: (480) 632-0884
E-mail: drglovsky@yahoo.com

Does the thought of going to the dentist make your body tense with fear? Would you rather ignore the pain of a toothache than visit your dentist? You are not alone. There are a number of people who are afraid of going to the dentist, and these people prefer to suffer the pain than to get any treatment.

If you are one of those people, sedation dentistry can help you relax and let go of that anxiety. Sedation is usually used for most of the invasive procedures and also for simple tooth cleaning. Sedation dentistry will allow you to relax while you are on the dentist’s chair.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a procedure wherein the dentist performs dental treatment while the patient is in a calm, relaxed, and stress-free state. This procedure is best for people who suffer from the fear of going to the dentist.

It is a fact that a lot of people fail to visit their dentist and get proper dental treatment because of their fear. More often, these dental problems get worse because they are left untreated. Through sedation dentistry, the dentists can perform treatments on patients in a clam and anxiety-free environment. This treatment method can be used to almost any kind of dental procedure and condition.

Patients with phobias related to dentistry and children who cannot stay still are the ones who undergo sedation. Sedation dentistry does not necessarily mean that the patients are asleep or unconscious. It is only used to help the patients relax and reduce their anxiety. Since the patients are in a sleep-like state, the pain that is felt is very minimal and they cannot sometimes remember what happened during the dental procedure. Since Sedation Dentistry will keep the patient still for a long time, the dentist can work freely and will no longer have to worry about the patient moving every now and then. With this, the outcome of the operation is usually successful and fewer trips to the dentist will be needed afterwards.

There are three types of Sedation Dentistry that are applied by the dentist and this will depend on the level of anxiety of the patient. These are the following:

• Minimal Sedation – In this level of sedation, the patient feels relaxed and is less anxious. He is conscious and can still respond to his environment.
• Moderate Sedation – The patient feels even more relaxed and can only respond to a stronger stimulus.
• Deep Sedation – The patient is in a sleep-like state and is usually unconscious. He will have no memories of what has happened while he was sedated.

Thinking about getting braces? Experts say it’s never too late. These days, adults make up nearly half of orthodontic patients hoping to finally get the perfect smile they’ve always dreamed about.

Braces aren’t just for teenagers. No matter your age, it’s never too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile. About 1 million Americans and Canadians over the age of 18 wear braces. As a result, general dentists today are more familiar with potential concerns and special needs of their adult patients. Some general dentists have the training to diagnose and treat orthodontic problems.

Is orthodontic treatment different for adults?

Braces can provide adults the same benefits children receive. However, treatment may take longer than it does for children. The average adult wears braces for 18 months to three years. As with children, adults may need to wear a retainer to maintain the results of treatment after braces are removed.

How can I find out if I need braces?

Consult with your dentist and ask for an evaluation. Many general dentists have received additional training in orthodontics and have chosen to incorporate it into their practice.

• Depending on the complexity of your case and whether or not your dentist performs orthodontic work, he or she may choose to treat you or refer you to an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist has completed two to three years of advanced education in orthodontics in addition to a four-year dental graduate program.

Most initial consultations provide an opportunity to ask questions about orthodontic treatment such as:

• What are the costs involved?
• How will the braces correct my problem?
• How long will I need to wear braces?
• What is the dentist’s experience with my particular problem?
• Will I be able to schedule appointments at convenient times? If possible, obtain references from current or former patients.

Which foods should be avoided?

It’s a good idea to skip foods that can damage or dislodge braces. Avoid hard foods such as candy, raw carrots, corn on the cob, pretzels, nuts, popcorn and crushed ice. Other foods to avoid include sticky foods such as caramel, taffy and gum. These foods can get stuck between teeth and gums or bend wires and knock bands or brackets loose. If this results in damage to braces, treatment may be extended.

Remember that going to the orthodontist is not a substitute for regular dental checkups. You should consult your general dentist for a schedule of checkups and cleanings that’s appropriate for you.

Office Hours:

Monday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Drs. Griffiths and Truman

4240 E. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89104

Drs. Griffiths and Simister

8710 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite 150
Las Vegas, NV 89117