Standard or Precision Dentures?
Everyone’s mouth is different and the type of denture you choose should best reflect your individual needs. Most Denturists offer standard and precision dentures however, determining which type to choose will depend on your current situation and the expectations you have for your restoration. Fit, function, and aesthetics are the three goals to keep in mind when making your final decision. There is much more to making dentures than taking impressions and setting teeth. Let’s look at what they are:
Materials & Selection
Denture teeth come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, shades and degrees of hardness. Standard dentures do cost less, but standard denture teeth have limited selection and are made with softer materials that wear down more quickly. Consequently, you will need to replace them more often.
Precision dentures use high quality durable materials. A wide range of shapes, sizes, and shades of teeth are available to choose from. Precision Dentures have a more lifelike appearance and you can expect them to last longer with proper care.
Brookswood Denture Clinic is BPS Certified and uses the SR Ivocap® Injection System to finish its precision dentures. This method ensures that the pink portion of your denture does not shrink during processing as it does with traditional processing methods. Shrinkage can cause a host of problems, including an inaccurate bite and sore spots. The SR Ivocap® system ensures superior fit with reduced pressure points. These dentures are stronger and resist odour and stains.
Function
Standard dentures include a Tactile or Intra-oral Pin Tracing Device to measure your “bite”. Proper alignment of your bite is very important, because it affects how the jaw will function when the teeth are in contact during chewing.
Precision dentures use both an Intra-oral Pin Tracing Device and a Face-bow Bite Registration Device. This is the most accurate method to measure and align the relationship of the jaw and the position of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The upper jaw in the human skull is positioned uniquely to the lower jaw and is different for every person.
After the ‘Bite’ registration is complete your results are mounted on a fully-adjustable articulator to duplicate your exact jaw relationship. This ensures the best fit, function, and aesthetics.
Comfort
Standard dentures provide for some customization, but not at the level of precision dentures. Precision dentures work with your jaw and allow for more natural motion. They tend to be more comfortable and can make a significant difference when chewing. The denturist will contour and shape the denture base to work in harmony with your chewing, speaking and tongue muscles.
Gum (Gingiva) Appearance
Precision Dentures also include “gingival contouring”. It is the process of reshaping the dentures around the denture teeth prior to processing the denture in acrylic. It creates a more natural gum appearance. Brookswood Denture Clinic includes gingival contouring for Composite Precision Dentures, Lower Suction Dentures and Dentures on Implants. We can also add gingival contouring to any of our dentures for an additional fee.
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There is much more to making dentures than taking impressions and setting teeth. It’s about finding the right Denturist with the right experience and training. A Denturist that will understand what needs to be done to restore your smile, one that knows the importance of the ability to eat healthy food and to speak with confidence with your family and friends.
Both Darren Sailer and Colin Harty are Certified BPS Precision Dentures and SEMCD (Lower Suction Denture) Clinicians. For more information please visit www.yourdenture.com or call the office to set up an appointment for a complimentary consultation.
Live your best life and let us perfect your smile.
Brookswood Denture Clinic – Denture & Implant Solutions