The Denturist's Chair

Tarvo Puust I am often shocked, yet not all that surprised, when hear that some people have had the same dentures for over 10 years; sometimes even 25 years.

It leaves me wondering, how people can let something as important as their teeth go on the back burner. Your teeth and your smile gives a lasting impression on people you meet, and it plays a key role in eating, speaking, and even laughing out loud.

I once had a 75-year-old patient who initially came in to see me because he broke his denture. He was convinced that his dentures fit wonderfully and loved the way they looked. I could see that these dentures were about 20 years old and definitely needed replacing. After a consultation, he understood that he should get the new denture, but joked that he would continue to wear his old dentures because they were like an old shoe. He loved them. When he finally received his new denture and put it in for the first time, he still was not convinced. However, two days later when he came in for his check-up, I had never seen a more pleased patient. He said that he could bite into an apple again and he was able to chew his food much better. He even looked younger because his face no longer had a sunken appearance around the mouth. He hadn't felt that good in years and was so happy that he decided to go ahead with it.

Patients such as these leave me wondering how many other people have also convinced themselves that their dentures fit and function how they are supposed to? Can people really convince themselves that their dentures are wonderful when they are actually worn flat, harbouring harmful bacteria and are occasionally falling out when speaking? Are they afraid of change? When I ask, I hear, "What if it doesn't fit as well as my old ones" or "I might look different and then everyone will know that I have dentures."

Very few of these individuals realize the severity of wearing old dentures. The most obvious problem that arises from wearing worn dentures is that they begin to feel loose and the back teeth wear flat. You may have been able to eat an apple at one time, but have since slowly switched to applesauce.

Do you find that you are mashing your food instead of chewing? Has your face developed a sunken appearance? This is all due to your jaw bones naturally changing and shrinking over time. A new set of dentures will not only give your face an instant lift, but will also give you the ability to enjoy some of your favourite foods again and laugh out loud without worrying that you will lose your denture.

There are now many different types of dentures to chose from. When it comes to tooth selection, the teeth look far more realistic than they did five to 10 years ago. At the Innisfil Denture Clinic in Alcona, we carry a wide range of teeth that are made up in many dynamic layers for a highly aesthetic appearance. Tooth shades are also highly specific, ranging from reddish, brownish or grayish undertones. These variances are so subtle that most people cannot notice the difference, however once placed in the mouth, the differences become obvious.

I like to only use the highest quality teeth because I end up with a far more natural and superior product. I also set up the teeth in a more realistic arrangement instead of the typical 'denture' arrangement. Sometimes patients even bring in a picture of themselves so that we can match up their smile to the way they looked when they had their healthy natural teeth.

During our free, no-obligation consultation, we will be able to discuss the various options that pertain to your specific case. There are more options for the denture wearer than ever before. More recently, our clinic is now offering a revolutionary dental advancement which is permanent teeth-in-a-day for full denture wearers. More information about our clinic and procedures can be found at www.innisfildenture.com, or if you are specifically interested in permanent teeth, visit www.secondsmile. ca.

To set up an appointment to see how we can create a new, customized denture for you, call the clinic at 436- 1886. We're located at 958 Innisfil Beach Road, across from the Innisfil Public Library's Lakeshore branch.