Q1. Do I need a referral to see a Dental Prosthetist?No, a referral is not necessary to see Nathaniel. In some circumstances general practitioners or dentists may refer patients for treatment.
Q2. How long will my dentures last? The soft tissues and underlying bone in the mouth are continually shrinking and changing. Over time your dentures will need to be adjusted, relined or replaced to maintain a stable fit. The average life of a denture is about 6 to 8 years. Nathaniel can advise when this is necessary.
Q3. What happens if I don’t regularly replace my dentures? Old dentures can cause permanent damage, affecting the health of the denture wearer. Some possible symptoms are: headaches, neck and joint pain, poor digestion and dietary problems, difficulty chewing, sunken face, over-closing of the jaw, red irritated gums, as well as premature bone loss.
Q4. How much do they cost?There are many different treatment options available for denture wearers. A consultation is required so Nathaniel can discuss with you the best treatment plan for your individual situation.
Q5. Will I look different? With the changes of dental technology dentures can be customised to suit you and give you a natural appearance. Each patient’s individual expectations are catered for to ensure that they will be happy with the appearance of their new dentures.
Q6. How will dentures affect the way I eat? Eating with your new dentures for the first time will take a little practice and patience but with time you will be able to bite and chew more naturally. In the beginning, try avoiding large portions of hard foods. Try taking smaller bites and chewing gently to help you get used to the new sensations. It generally takes 2 weeks for your new dentures feel like a part of you.
Q7. Will my dentures affect my sense of taste? For some people this can happen for a short while, but it generally takes 2 weeks for things to go back to normal.
Q8. Will they affect my speech? You may notice some slight differences in your speech at first but with time you will get accustomed to the contours of your dentures.A great excersize to help speed up the process:Sit in front of a mirror with a favoured book or magazine, read aloud slowly, when you hear yourself sound funny, repeat the sentence 3 times, each time talking slowly and over pronouncing the words. Then move on until you find a similar problem. 15 minutes a day for week should make a dramatic improvment.
Q9. What should you do if your dentures crack or break? Call Denture Visage to make a same day emergency appointment. Normally dentures can be repaired quickly on the same day. Never attempt to repair dentures yourself.
Q10. What is the best way to clean my dentures? Twice daily cleaning with a soft bristled brush and denture cleaning paste will help to prevent the build-up of plaque and stains on your dentures. Toothpaste is abrasive, and can scratch your dentures, which in time will allow bacteria and stains to settle into the scratches, making them difficult to remove.Denture Visage can also clean and polish your dentures with an ultra-sonic cleaner and 5 polishing pastes restore your dentures to their original state. Think of it like polishing the paint on your car.
Q11. Should I take my dentures out at night? For the majority of time the answer would be yes, your soft tissues need time to breath, however this depends on your situation and should be discussed with Nathaniel.
Q12. How often should I have my dentures checked? Nathaniel will advise you on how often you should have your dentures checked. For most people we advise a 12 month check up of your dentures and to assess the health of your mouth.This is important to help your general oral health. Physical changes in relation to the supporting bone in your mouth. The use of certain medications or rapid weight loss, can contribute to reduced firm fit of your dentures.
Q13. What payment facilities do you have?Denture Visage accept all major credit cards, EFTPOS and in some cases cheques.There is a Hicaps terminal for on the spot health fund claims.
Q14. What is a denture? A denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient, restoring function and preventing other teeth from changing position.
Q15. What is a dental implant? A dental implant is a often a titanium fixture shaped like a screw. It acts as an anchor in your mouth to attach a range of prostheses, ranging from a single crown (tooth) or even dentures. The titanium implant fuses with the bone (Osseointegration) giving it a very strong bond.
Q16. What is an implant retained denture? An implant retained denture is a denture that is further secured by implants, given you far more security, more like having real teeth. There are different options such as the all-on-four which is a fixed denture that doesn't come out, or a locator based denture, which clicks in and out of your mouth similar to how lego bricks attached together.
Q17. Do my medications affect the fit of my dentures? Many drugs, even over the counter medications can affect the amount of saliva produced in your mouth, this affects your denture fit and overall comfort. Artificial salivas can make a huge difference to your quality of life and can help to treat the symptoms of dry mouth.Please inform Nathaniel of any medications you are taking.
Q18. Do I have to pay for my first appointment?Yes. When Nathaniel first meets you, he will conduct a thorough oral exam, which is amalgamated with a consultation. This means Nathaniel will go through your medical history with you, and he will also check the health of your mouth. For insurance and legal purposes, this cannot be done free of charge.In some circumstances Nathaniel can provide multiple treatment plans and quotes to help you select the most cost effective way of meeting your needs and expectations.
