Can a Dentist Make My Implant Denture Teeth Smaller?

Posted on by .

The front teeth in my implant denture are too big. Although I didn’t take care of my teeth most of my life, I never had buck teeth, but I do now with my implant dentures. I talked to the dentist about it, but he said that for the low price, which was 2/3 of what most dentists charge, some aspects of the denture might not be exactly what I wanted. I knew his price was lower, but the dentist never mentioned that I would have buck teeth. It doesn’t make sense to me, anyway. Why make the teeth too large when I didn’t request it? Can I find another dentist to reduce the size of the denture teeth? Alan from Topeka, KS

 

Alan,

Thank you for your question. We are sorry about your disappointing experience. Although you wanted to save money on implant dentures, it is unfortunate that your dentist was not upfront about what you could expect. You can find a dentist who offers affordable implant dentures without sacrificing quality.

Can a Dentist Reduce Your Implant Denture Teeth?

Depending on the condition, fit, and quality of your denture, a skilled cosmetic dentist, can drill out the denture teeth and reprocess the denture with smaller teeth. Revising the denture will help you feel more comfortable about your smile, and the denture will feel better.

What Are the Causes of Oversized Denture Teeth?

Oversized denture teeth result from a lack of planning and attention to aesthetics. A cosmetic dentist provides dentures that fit your mouth and complement your facial features. Therefore, dentures may cost more than bargain prices. Also, a dentist with attention to aesthetics makes a wax model of your denture for you to try to examine how they look and feel. The dentist will consider these:

  • Your facial appearance and profile
  • Lip fullness
  • Your bite
  • Your speech

Will You Need a New Denture Instead of Replacing the Teeth?

Whether you need a new denture is something that a second-opinion cosmetic dentist can determine. The denture quality, condition, and bite determine whether your existing denture will have long-term success.

We suggest listing what you do and do not like about your implant denture. Then, schedule an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist to explain your concerns and examine your denture.

Best wishes for a smooth resolution.

Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

Before and after dentures pictures from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Brooksher.

Dr. Brooksher’s advanced training helps him create natural-looking dentures.

What Can I Expect After Dental Implant Surgery?

Posted on by .

Are you thinking about getting snap-on dentures? Affordable dental implants are a great option for securing your dentures. But what can you expect after surgery?

After Receiving Affordable Dental Implants

If you’re choosing snap-on dentures for affordable dental implants, you’ll receive minimally invasive surgery and minimal downtime.

Bone grafting procedure

Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.

Snap-on dentures are affordable dental implants

If all your teeth have been missing for many years and your jawbone has begun to shrink, you might need bone grafting. Bone grafting builds the bone up to ensure your affordable dental implants have enough support. The grafts will heal in three to four months, after which you can receive dental implants.

Minimal pain

Your dentist will make two small openings in your gums to position affordable dental implants in your jawbone. Soft tissue heals quickly, and bone has little sensitivity. And you’ll receive a local anesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain during the surgery.

You’ll also receive mild sedation to help you stay relaxed. Sedation also lowers your sensitivity to pain.

Mild swelling

During three to four days after surgery, you’ll experience mild swelling. Activity increases swelling, so rest as you heal.

Pain management

Your dentist will give you a prescription or recommend ibuprofen to relieve pain. After a few days, most patients can switch to ibuprofen for pain relief.

Follow-up visits

You will have follow-up appointments to check the progress of the healing process and to ensure the implant sites are healthy.

What to avoid

As you do your part in ensuring the healing process goes smoothly, avoid the following:

  • Strenuous activity for the first few days after surgery
  • Smoking and tobacco products because they restrict blood flow and inhibit healing
  • Sucking on a straw, which can loosen blood clots
  • Touching the surgical sites or pulling on sutures
  • Chewing hard or sticky foods
  • Chewing directly over the implant sites

Permanent dentures

After the surgical sites heal, your dentist will secure your permanent dentures to the affordable dental implants.

Schedule a Consultation for Information Tailored to Your Case

Schedule a consultation with a highly trained and experienced implant dentist. He or she will answer your questions. A review of your health history, an examination, and x-rays will be required to determine if you are a candidate for affordable dental implants.

In Baton Rouge, Steven Brooksher, DDS is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He sponsors this post.