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We live in a time where the advancements in technology are ever-changing and evolving, these technological advancements combine convenience with science to better everything around our growing and changing world every day.

When we combine technology with dental restoration – we have individualized art!

Olds Denture and Implant Clinic isn’t behind the times when it comes to our patient’s comfort and confidence. We know that the process of getting dentures can be painful and time-consuming, which is why we are constantly looking for new technology to make it as easy as possible for our patients.

There are many aspects of Dentistry that evolve with new technology, whether it comes in the form of a new tool rendering older ones obsolete or improving a current technique. Changing the way we make personalized things for patients can change the overall care provided to the patient in terms of comfortability and satisfaction.

Many patients find that the process of getting dentures can be stressful and time consuming. With technology changing all of the time, most digital denture procedures can be done in as few as two appointments! This means, less stress for the patient with more communication, faster procedures and less recovery time for procedures that are usually uncomfortable for the patient, and among many other benefits.

• Improving Dental Restoration
• Reducing invasive procedures
• Reducing recovery times
• Making sedation more comfortable for the patient
• Removing the need for older, less effective tools/technology
• Improving imaging quality and reduced radiation exposure (by up to 90% when compared to standard film)
• Increased customization options for cosmetic dentistry
• Quicker and potentially less expensive manufacturing of dental prosthesis, including digital dentures.

There are many benefits to Digital Dentures – and Olds Denture and Implant Centre is dedicated to helping you make an informed decision when stepping forward into new dental technology.

Digital Dentures are dentures that are created digitally from start to finish.

Using a simple scan of the patients’ mouths, the dentures are made using 3D printing technology.

You can learn more about Digital Dentures here. 

At Olds Denture and Implant Centre, making digital dentures is a simple process! First a digital scan is taken of the patients’ whole mouth. Photographs and dental records are useful at this time to make your dentures look and feel natural to the patient’s mouth. This scan is saved to the patient’s dental file for future use.

Then, a solid block of cured, hard resin is used to make the denture, by way of carving. This resin does not bend, shift, or move around – allowing for strong, dependable dentures that are sure to provide you with the bite you need for comfortable living.

When the denture is aligned properly and the denture is fit perfectly to the individual patient’s mouth, you will have a perfectly suitable set of teeth for your everyday life.

The hope for the appearance of digital dentures, is that you will look like you! Digital dentures are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth!

Olds Denture and Implant Centre will have your digital dentures file saved, so if a patient needs to make some changes to the ones they have, the process will be much easier and much quicker than with conventional dentures!

The cosmetic benefits have been proven to provide great confidence to denture wearers!

Life happens! Something as important as your dentures shouldn’t be so hard to replace.

With digital dentures being made of very strong resin material, the chances of them being broken or needing repair is minimal. The dentures are made of a resin that is 8 times stronger than acrylic, which is what conventional dentures are made out of.

If your digital dentures get lost or broken, Olds Denture and Implant Centre will already have your digital scans on file and (depending on the patient’s situation) can start to work on your replacement dentures right away.

Digital dentures are usually delivered within two appointments!

At the patient’s first appointment, a digital scan of the patient’s mouth is taken. The digital dentures are then perfected by the dentist or denturist, there is no need for the patient to be present during this.

At the patients’ second appointment, the denture is worn by the patient! During this time, the dentist will be sure that they are a good fit and size for the patient. As with conventional dentures, it will take some time to get used to wearing them. The dentist or denturists will explain how to take care of the dentures, how to clean and store them when not in use and be sure that you are confident with using them by yourself.

Most conventional dentures will need to be replaced every 5-10 years, digital dentures last longer!

Olds Denture and Implant Centre will make their recommendation to you at your check up appointments, but digital dentures are made out of much stronger and longer lasting materials, in most cases.

As with anything you own, taking proper care of your dentures will help to preserve them for a long time. Be sure to ask your dentist or denturist how to properly care for them, and how to spot the signs of aging/wearing or needing replacement.

The cost of dentures is different for every individual patient, everyone’s circumstances are different.

The cost of digital dentures does not necessarily increase as opposed to conventional dentures. The cost of having them replaced, however, is much less than the initial cost because the saved digital scan of your mouth will already be on file.

Conventional dentures have more issues from the very beginning of the process that needs to be sorted out before they are to be presented to the patient. This can be costly and time-consuming.

Overall, digital dentures are much more cost-effective and worth every cent!

The short answer is, yes, but for many reasons!

Conventional dentures are expensive, uncomfortable, can break or chip easily, are harder to take care of and the time it takes for the patient to have their full denture set can be drawn out – whereas the patient will receive their digital denture set in in about 2 appointments.

Digital dentures provide the patient with increased comfort, a better bite and more confidence! Digital dentures can be made and ready for the patient in fewer appointments, they are more cost effective and durable. Meaning they will not be broken or need to be replaced as often.

Olds Denture and Implant Centre would love to give you the confidence and quality of life you deserve. Call and make an appointment today!

What are Flexible Dentures?

Dentures have come a long way since their earliest forms, where the teeth weren’t ‘false’ at all but rather animal or human teeth.

Nowadays, patients have a variety of false teeth options to choose from, including something called a Flexible Denture.

So…What are Flexible Dentures?

A newer type of denture that has been gaining popularity lately is the flexible denture. More and more patients are getting flexible dentures because of their high level of comfort. While most traditional dentures are quite rigid, flexible dentures are usually made from thermoplastic materials and don’t have metal hooks or clasps, and they don’t have any sharp edges, making them gentle on your gums. They absorb pressure instead of transferring it to your gums, which results in less gum soreness for the patient. They are also much less likely to loosen and move while you’re eating. When one side experiences more force than the other, they simply flex in the middle and don’t get levered out of place. This also makes them less likely to get broken as compared to traditional rigid dentures.

With so many different types of dentures to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which denture is right for you. That’s why it’s important for patients to learn more about the different types of dentures available to them. If you are considering getting a flexible denture, this article will explore what makes them great as well as their flaws so you can make the best decision for your oral health.

Advantages of Flexible Dentures

Flexible dentures provide patients with many benefits, some of which include:

• a soft, thin, and bendable material that makes them more comfortable
• a thermoplastic material is BPA-free and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction
• they are more resistant to staining
• they don’t absorb unpleasant mouth smells
• an aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking smile
• a strong hold with your gums that usually doesn’t require denture adhesives
• less time required to make as compared to traditional dentures
• modern manufacturing techniques that offer patients more convenience since they require less time in the chair

Disadvantages of Flexible Dentures

Because of their name, some patients may worry that flexible dentures sacrifice durability for comfort. This is not true. Flexible dentures can actually be longer lasting than traditional rigid dentures because they absorb and displace pressure better to avoid costly chips and breaks.

However, despite their many benefits to patients, flexible dentures also suffer from drawbacks such as:

• increased costs due to the complicated fabrication process
• if your denture does chip or break, they cannot be repair and instead have to be replaced
• a weaker bite as compared to rigid dentures
• they are more prone to bacterial buildup

Are Flexible Dentures a Temporary or Permanent Fix?

Each patient has their own unique oral needs, and so there is no one-solution-solves-all option when it comes to dentures. While flexible dentures may make the perfect solution for one wearer, they may not provide all the benefits required for another patient.

Typically, flexible dentures make a great short-term or temporary solution, especially for patients who are considering dental implants as a permanent fix for their missing teeth. Flexible dentures can help foster healing after teeth extractions since they are gentler on the wearer’s gums. They also help the wearer adapt to wearing partial dentures with their thin and flexible design. If you have to wait between extraction and receiving your dental implants, a flexible denture can be used to hold a place for the implants while providing the patient with a means to eat normally.

How to Choose the Right Denture

Whether or not you feel that a flexible denture is right for you, it’s important to know all the options available to you. Olds Denture & Implant Centre offer FREE consultations so you can discuss all your denture options with a certified and experienced denturist in order to feel confident when making your denture selection.

Schedule your appointment today by visiting their website or give them a call at (403) 791-3303.

If you are missing teeth, you may be wondering if dentures are a possible tooth-replacement solution. There are many different types of dentures available today, each one filling a different set of needs. Patients who are missing all their natural teeth can benefit from a complete denture, while patient who are only missing a couple of teeth can benefit from a partial denture.

Like its name suggests, a partial denture acts as a replacement for only the teeth you are missing and does not replace the entire upper or lower set of teeth. There are many different types of partial dentures available, depending on which teeth you are missing. There are partial dentures which replace missing front teeth to help patients feel confident in their smiles and there are also partial dentures that can replace your missing back teeth.

If you are missing the teeth at the back of your gums (also known as your molars), you might be wondering if a partial denture will actually benefit you since people cannot see that you are missing teeth when you talk or smile. The answer is absolutely YES! While there may not be many cosmetic benefits, getting a partial denture to replace your molars is critical for good oral health. A partial denture has many benefits for patients without their back teeth, including:

Support for your existing teeth

Losing even a single tooth can have a negative impact on your jaw. A missing tooth causes your bite pressure to chance, which impacts the jawbone. Missing teeth create a lack of stimulation to the jawbone, which can lead to structural changes in your cheeks and bone volume loss which cause your teeth to shift. This is because your existing teeth will naturally move to fill the spot left by the missing tooth.

A partial denture is important for patients missing their back teeth because it will support the structure of your mouth and keep your jawbone engaged to stop your remaining natural teeth from shifting. This will not only help prevent the loss of your remaining teeth but also preserve your beautiful smile.

Support for your upper denture

Having a partial denture is crucial for patients who wear an upper denture. Complete upper dentures rely on your molars for support, especially when eating and talking. Missing back teeth can lead to an ill-fitting upper denture if it loses suction.

Proper Nutrition

Partial dentures are not only helpful for good oral health but your physical health, as well. Your back teeth, also known as your molars, are how we eat solid and crunchy foods. They help crush, grind, and mash food to make it easier to swallow. Without back teeth, it will be difficult to eat crunchy or hard foods, such as vegetables, nuts, and red meats. These foods are all part of a healthy diet and need to be eaten.

Partial dentures replace your missing teeth and can perform most- if not all- of the same functions. This will make it easier to eat the foods required to maintain a healthy diet.

Preventing gum disease

Once eating becomes a challenge, you’ll notice that the gums where the missing tooth used to be will become irritated. Your gums can become red and inflamed, which can be very uncomfortable. If left untreated, the gum space becomes susceptible to gum disease. This can spread through the rest of your gums and even to the surrounding teeth and underlying bone.

Partial dentures are available in both fixed and removable forms. Each type of partial denture offers different benefits and costs a different amount, depending on your how many teeth you are missing and your overall oral health. Your denturist will explain the different partial denture options that are available to you during your consultation appointment, including:

Removable Partial Dentures

Cast Metal Partial Denture

A cast metal framework is the most common type of partial denture used by denturists today. They are made up of a gum-coloured acrylic base and high-quality replacement teeth which are held together by two or more metal or hard plastic clasps. Patients often like a cast metal framework because of its light weight and advanced durability, which make it a long-term solution. With proper care, this partial denture is also resistant to plaque build-ups.

Acrylic Partial Denture

An acrylic partial denture consists of a removable acrylic base and replacement teeth, which are often held together by metal clasps. Since they are not as durable or comfortable as a cast metal partial denture, acrylic partials are more commonly used as a temporary solution.

Flexible Partial Denture

A flexible partial denture is made from a flexible, plastic material, which offers a great alternative for patients who are allergic to acrylic. These dentures also more closely resemble your natural teeth and gums. However, flexible partial dentures can be very difficult to repair if they get cracked and often need to be completely replaced. Because of this, flexible partial dentures are usually used as a temporary solution.

Fixed Partial Dentures

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges are non-removable dentures that are surgically implanted in your jawbone. While this may sound intimidating, they actually provide many benefits to the wearer, such as increased comfort, durability, and a natural-looking aesthetic. Because of their fixed nature, fixed bridges are a long-term permanent solution. There are different types of fixed bridges, including Traditional, Cantilever, Maryland, and Implant-Supported.

If you are ready to take the next step in replacing your missing molars, talk to your denturist to find which partial denture best fits your needs, budget, and remaining teeth. Whether you are interested in removable or fixed partial dentures, the experienced team at Olds Denture & Implant Centre can handle it all.

Take advantage of a FREE consultation and talk with Mike and his team about how a partial denture can benefit you. Give them a call today at (403) 791-3303.

Just like natural teeth, dentures require regular cleaning and care. If dentures aren’t cleaned regularly, it can negatively impact your oral health through bad breath, discomfort while wearing your dentures, and even inflamed gums. What you may not realize is that these are all symptoms of gum disease.

The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is usually painless so many denture wearers don’t realize that their oral health is deteriorating through improper care. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive in maintaining not only the cleanliness of your dentures but also the health of your gums.

Gingivitis is caused when plaque and other bacteria gets built up underneath your dentures and along your gum line. Wearing dentures does not increase your risk of gum disease, but if they are not cleaned properly, dentures can hold on to dangerous plaque and bacteria that lead to gingivitis.

Common symptoms of gingivitis are red and swollen gums, frequent bad breath, and gums that bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into more serious gum disease, but luckily it is easily preventable.

Keep your gums happy and healthy by following these 6 tips.

1. Regularly clean your dentures

Like your natural teeth, your dentures also require regular care and maintenance because they can accumulate tartar and plaque buildups. If left to harden on your dentures, plaque can irritate your gums and make wearing your dentures uncomfortable.

To avoid plaque buildup, it is recommended that you brush your dentures at least once a day with a soft bristle brush and a denture-specific toothpaste. You can also try soaking your dentures in a deep-cleaning denture solution to help eliminate the spots that you might have missed with brushing. For more tips on how to properly care for your dentures, consider reading this article.

2. Give your gums a break

If you wear a removable denture, taking it out before you go to bed can actually help your oral health and keep your gums happy. Removing your denture for six to eight hours a night will give your gums a chance to rest and breathe. Your dentures were made to fit exactly to your mouth, but it is still a foreign object that sits on your gum line. Even the best fitting dentures can mildly irritate your gums, so letting your gums breathe will help avoid any potential discomfort.

3. Remember to care for the rest of your mouth

While your dentures are removed, consider giving the rest of your mouth some care and attention. Gently massage your gums and the inside of your cheeks with a washcloth or soft bristled toothbrush to help relieve tension in the face and jaw. This can also help improve circulation, decrease swelling in your gums, and even stimulate the repair of tissue.

If you have any natural teeth remaining, also be sure you are brushing and flossing once or twice a day. Always follow the advice of your denture specialist when it comes to caring for your dentures and remaining teeth.

4. Use a therapeutic mouthwash

Using a mouthwash every day has many benefits for your oral health, including the elimination of bad breath and lingering bad tastes, the control or reduction of plaque and gingivitis, and the prevention of tooth decay.

When choosing a mouthwash at the store, be sure to carefully read the label. There are two types of over-the-counter mouthwashes: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes may be slightly more affordable, but they do not act in the prevention of plaque buildup or tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwash is usually only helpful for eliminating bad breath.

Opt instead for a therapeutic mouthwash. This will provide you with the benefits necessary for good oral health AND pleasant breath.

5. Don’t smoke

According to a study done by the CDC, smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers. Smoking weakens your immune system, which is your first defense against infection. This makes it harder for your body to fight off an infection in your gums.

The longer you smoke, the higher your risk of getting gum disease becomes, so if you smoke, consider quitting for your physical and oral health. If quitting is not a realistic goal for you, try limiting how much you smoke to help protect your gums’ health.

6. Go for regular check-ups with your denturist

Your denturist is trained to recognize the early signs of gingivitis and other gum diseases, which can often be detected during your regular denture check-ups. Denture clinics are also equipped to give your dentures a thorough clean that will remove any tartar and plaque that you may have missed while brushing your teeth.

Regular visits with your denture specialist will also ensure that your dentures fit well in your mouth to avoid painful and unnecessary rubbing against your gums.

If you are experiencing persisting or painful swelling in your gums, be sure to contact your denture specialist right away. While these suggestions may be helpful in keeping your gums happy and healthy, there may be underlying reasons why your gums are irritated, such as an ill-fitting dentures or malnutrition, which may require specific treatment.

If you are searching for a reliable and experienced denturist, give the friendly staff at Olds Denture & Implant Centre a call at (403) 791-3303. They offer convenient, reliable, and free consultations and are always welcoming new patients.

Digital Dentures have revolutionized the way most denturists manufacturer removable dentures.

In order to fabricate these CAD/CAM milled full dentures, a modernized and standardized workflow needs to be followed, involving several innovative devices, software, and specific materials that result in higher quality and better fitting dentures.

Data driven design

Two things that set Digital Dentures apart from traditional dentures are the data they utilize and the way that data is collected.
During your initial appointment, your denturist will use a 3D scanner to take digital impressions of your bite. From this, they can create an accurate prototype for your dentures. With the help of computer technology, that prototype can be digitally printed and kept for years to come in case your dentures ever get damaged or lost and you need a quick repair!
Once your 3D prototype is ready, your denturist will ensure it has the correct fit, evaluate its functionality, and ensure you are comfortable while wearing the new set of prosthetic teeth. After the 3D prototype has been properly fitted and all necessary adjustments are completed, the final denture can be made.

Digital dentures allow for greater accuracy throughout the design process. By only your third appointment, the final dentures should be fitting comfortably and only need minor adjustments. Through data and technology, the creation of digital dentures have allowed for patients to have a more accurate experience and enjoy better fitting comfortable dentures with fewer appointments needed.

A bright future for dentures

If you are experiencing significant tooth loss, digital dentures may be just the right solution for you! Compared to traditional dentures, digital dentures involve fewer appointments, better precision, and a permanent digital record.
If you are curious about whether or not digital dentures are right for you, contact the team at Olds Denture and Implant Centre. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff are eager to help you along your denture journey.