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My dentures are ruining my life!

Posted on by smiles4u.

I feel like I made a horrible mistake and I’m afraid there’s no remedy for it. I tried to find affordable dental implants and I came up short. Most of my teeth were shot, and the dentist told me all of my remaining upper teeth had to go. I really wanted to go with dental implants to replace them all, or at least the ones that show when I smile, but I wound up getting a denture to save on costs.

I knew I wouldn’t be overly-thrilled with the aesthetics, but I had no idea this thing would ruin my life. It hurts. I can’t eat or talk. I can’t even smile. The dentist says I’ll get used to it. No. I won’t. Now the time has passed and I’m afraid I’m stuck with this thing for life. I really wish I would have gotten another opinion or tried to save my remaining teeth. Any advice? — Laura

Dear Laura,
It’s a shame you went through this ordeal. Try not to beat yourself up about your lost teeth. They may not have been savable, so try to focus on what you can do now to make things right so you can get back to eating, talking, and smiling again.

In some cases, people do adapt to their dentures over time. Equally, your gums may be sore for a while after extractions, and as time passes, that will feel better, too. Adjustments can also be made to dentures at any point if the soreness is being caused by something other than the healing process. Sometimes, just smoothing out a small area can make a world of difference in how they feel. If your dentist didn’t check them and try, he probably should have. Give the office another call and let them know exactly what’s happening. If it really is related to the fit of them, they should be able to help.

Snap on Denture

As far as affordable dental implants go, you may have one more option. You can get something called a “snap-on denture,”  which relies on dental implants to hold the denture in place. This gives you a firmer hold than traditional dentures, but without the expense of a full set of implants. It often only takes two for it to work. Depending on your preferences, you can also have more placed, and have a partial denture designed to fit around them. Either method is less expensive than a full set, and will provide a better hold.

It’s also worth noting that dentures can look beautiful and natural. If you’re not happy with the appearance of your dentures, it may be worth having them remade by someone who specializes in them.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Do I see a general dentist or oral surgeon first for dentures?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have had a fear of the dentist all my life. It all stems from one bad experience as a kid. I just turned 52 and most of my teeth are broken or missing and it really affects my quality of life because I am so embarrassed by them. I want a confident smile back so I think I want to get dentures. Do I need to see a dentist or an oral surgeon to remove the rest of my teeth? — Michael

Michael,
Find a dentist who can do the extractions, surgery and dentures. There are typically dentists out there who do all three so it’s just a matter of calling and asking a particular dentist what he or she usually does. You’ll also want to address your dental fear and find a dentist who also offers sedation. You’ll take a pill that will enable you to have “amnesia” or a state of sleep during the entire procedure.

There is a certain amount of coordination that is needed between the surgery and the denture – particularly if you choose to get an immediate denture which is placed the same day. If you go the traditional denture route, there are still certain things a dentist can do during surgery that will help your dentures fit better and an oral surgeon would not be as familiar with that.

If you do decide to have an oral surgeon take out the teeth, go to your dentist first so that he can coordinate the procedures.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

We can’t afford all-on-4 dental implants so what are the options?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My moms teeth are really bad, and they are starting to like chip away and stuff, and we can’t afford dental implants. We went to one dentist and we talked about something called all-on-4 where she could get the implants and dentures all on the same day. But we found out the cost and because its like thousands of dollars, and insurance doesn’t cover it so we can’t get them. What are other, cheaper, alternatives? I feel really bad for my mom, because she is really upset about it and embarrassed about her teeth. – Jada

Jada – All-on-4 dental implants are placed in the front of the jawbone and are highly angled so that bone grafting is not needed. In some cases, the procedure can be completed in the same day. But this technique is not right for everyone.

Your mom can consider complete removable dentures. A cosmetic dentist can give your mom dentures that are customized to fit her facial features. The dentures will look like her natural teeth.

Many people worry about dentures falling out, which sounds as if it may be your mom’s concern. Mini implants are more affordable than standard implants. Dentures can be secured with as few as two mini implants, but the more implants there are, the more secure her dentures will be.

Insurance companies generally do not provide coverage for dental implants, because there are other means of replacing your teeth. Many dentists offer financing, payment plans, and accept major credit cards for payment.

Be sure to let your mom know that she should see an experienced cosmetic dentist to get natural-looking dentures that fit well.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune, who was voted a top dentist in New Orleans magazine.

My dentist keeps botching up my dentures

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I’ve been wearing dentures for about 15 years now and I have never been fond of them. I moved from Georgia to Tennessee three years ago. About a year and a half ago I paid my new dentist a lot money for a new denture that I hate. I know that’s a strong word but I really hate these false teeth. That’s just what they look like. I am 60 years old. I was blessed to be able to retire at 57. I am happy and I have a very active social life. I’m a volunteer two days a week for two different organizations and these false teeth are embarrassing me. My dentist tells me I’m too picky. I think he forgot how much cash I dropped for these things. He has done the dentures over again twice but I am no where near satisfied. What can I do or say to help him understand what I want and get it right? Thank you. Ricky P.

Ricky, Your situation is unfortunate, but common. Many people see their regular dentist hoping for natural-looking dentures, only to be disappointed. Most dentists lack artistic inclination.

Find a cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist is an artist who is committed to giving you a beautiful smile. He or she will listen to your concerns, and to what you want to see in a smile. Your smile with dentures will be designed to fit your personality and your preferences.

As an active person, you probably have concerns about slippage with dentures. Your dentures can be secured with as few as two dental implants. Implant dentures will look and feel more like your natural teeth.

If you need help finding an experienced cosmetic dentist, mynewsmile.com is an excellent resource.

This blog post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

Dentures or a dental bridge for mom’s missing teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My 69 year-old mom has lost many of her teeth. Fortunately her front teeth are left, so she’s not too embarrassed. But she basically has no teeth to chew with, and this is causing lots of problems and inconveniences for her. I’ve done some research trying to find out her options, and I read about dentures and dental bridges, but we could use some help. – Rachel, Arkansas

Rachel – A dental bridge is not an option if all of your mother’s back teeth are missing. There are two options for replacing the missing teeth—dental implants or removable partial dentures, which would be attached to the front teeth.

The removable partial dentures are the least expensive option. With this option, many teeth can be replaced with one appliance. Although less expensive than implants, removable partial dentures would put stress on your mother’s remaining teeth.

Dental implants are healthier, will function as natural teeth, and they are more comfortable. But they are also more expensive—the cost is per implant. Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, and after the jawbone heals, replacement teeth are secured to the implants.

Another advantage of implants is that they help prevent jawbone shrinkage. When teeth are missing, the body resorbs the jawbone in the area that once supported the tooth. When a dental implant replaces a missing tooth, there is no jawbone shrinkage, and facial collapse can be prevented.

Find an artistic cosmetic dentist with whom you and your mother can discuss the implants and removable partial dentures, as well and the pros and cons for each.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.