Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Gary R. Martine on Dentures
Dr. Gary R. Martine is a dentist and has answered some common questions bizymoms visitors have about Dentures.
Q. What are dentures?
A. They are one method in which patients may replace missing teeth. They are usually easily removed, which is both good and bad. Dentures consist of a pink acrylic base that looks like gum tissue and acrylic teeth that are tooth colored.
Q. Why should I use a denture adhesive?
A. In dentistry the goal is to not use adhesive, but we frequently do not obtain that goal. If patients have flat palates or moderate to severely reabsorbed arches, the dentures will not have enough retention on their own. The least expensive way to help gain retention is with dental adhesive. Using as little as possible and gradually adding more to find the least amount that will provide the patient with adequate retention.
Q. What types of cosmetic dentures are possible?
A. We substitute custom for "cosmetic." Custom dentures are not made from stock. They require more visits and most dentists will ask for patients’ input. This may include their wishes, old photos, or even bringing a friend or spouse to the visit.
Most patients ask for the perfectly white and straight teeth. Although that may sound beautiful, it is not necessarily realistic. The issue with that is the teeth tend to look fake and more like one is wearing a denture especially on more mature patients.. If a patient had a turned tooth or a space in their original smile, we’ll try to include that in the new denture for a more realistic look. Now they look like real teeth!
Q. How long do cosmetic dentures take to make?
A. Custom dentures take 3- 5 weeks to fabricate.
Q. What are the alternatives to cosmetic dentures?
A. Full dentures which are dentures that replace all of a patient’s teeth, have very few alternatives. Implants are one option. Implants can help hold dentures in place or implants can be placed for each tooth. Partial dentures, dentures that replace a few missing teeth have more options. They include implants and bridges that can be used as the space dictates.
Q. Are dentures uncomfortable or painful to wear?
A. Dentures should not be painful to wear. If there is pain, then they need to be adjusted. Comfort is a different story. Everyone has different tolerances. Ideally they should be comfortable, but dentures may take some time to get use to. Patients must learn to eat differently; food can lose some of its flavor, and one must be careful with hot beverages.
Q. What’s the difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?
A. Immediate dentures are usually a patients first set of full dentures. The patient never has a time without front teeth. The dentures are delivered same day the front teeth are extracted.
Conventional dentures are fabricated when the patient has no natural teeth remaining.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Martine if we have further questions?
A. We can be reached in our Indianapolis office at 291-2119 or Martinedental.com. Our Zionsville office’s telephone number is 769-4880 or Stonegatedentistry.com
