We make our dentures with careful attention to detail. We use the Provisional Training Denture (PTD) technique which differs from the traditional approach to denture fabrication used by most dentists. In the PTD technique, the patient first receives a provisional diagnostic training denture. The patient wears the diagnostic denture for two to three weeks in order to determine proper function and aesthetics and to identify any problems during actual use. Once all of the patient's needs are met, the diagnostic denture is used as a blueprint for fabricating the final denture. In this way, the patient gets to first try out the denture for tooth size, color, and shape and for overall aesthetics, function, and fit. At the same time, the trial denture is used to create a functional impression for the final denture. In this way the patient gets a denture exactly as she ordered! No surprises! And the functional impression creates a snug fit with few, if any, sore spots or adjustments. Patients love my dentures - I make sure of that!
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Old dentures and decayed teeth |
New Dentures |
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Decayed teeth
before being extracted |
New Denture |
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Before |
After |
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Old Dentures |
New Dentures |
What about implants instead of a denture?
Dentists often recommend implants in order to stabilize dentures.
Dental implants are very small titanium posts that are surgically
placed into the jawbone. Over several months the titanium bonds with
the bone, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. The
implants can be used to support a fixed bridge or they can support a
removable denture. The advantage of the fixed bridge is that the teeth
are cemented and not removable by the patient, but the disadvantage is
the cost. The advantage of the implant supported removable denture is
that it is less costly than the fixed bridge, but the disadvantage is
that the denture is removable. In order to be a candidate for either
type of implants a patient needs to have adequate bone and a health
assessment.
The problem is that many people who are retired and on fixed incomes
cannot afford either type of implant. Yes, implants are a wonderful
service and have revolutionized what modern dentistry can do to improve
lives. I love implants! But due to the laboratory and materials costs
involved, they are expensive and time-consuming.
My approach in treating edentulous patients with limited finances is
different from most other dentists. Understand that dentists today have
lost the art of making fine dentures and often rely on implants for
added retention. But it makes no sense to add implants to a denture
that doesn't fit properly - and once they have a well fitted denture
patients may find that they don't need the implants.
I do not tell patients that they must have implants if they want
comfort. I do not tell them that they might have to go into debt. I
make excellent custom-fitted dentures, and I tell the patient that if
the new dentures don’t fit and function well, we can then add implants.
I carefully design each denture and let the patient wear a “trial
denture” before going to finalization. That way, patients are always
satisfied, and I have the gratification of knowing that I have
delivered dentures that fit and function well and look great. My
experience is that the denture patient very rarely decides to add
implants. Implants are always an option, but they don’t have to be the
first option. I believe that patients like these can be well served
with high quality dentures.
What about Removable Partial Dentures?
Many patients want to keep things as simple as possible. Sometimes a
removable partial denture is a viable option for people with limited
finances.
At our East Setauket, Long Island dental office we will take the time
to explore all of the options for you so that you can make an educated
decision about your dental treatment.
Terry S. Shapiro, D.M.D.
Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
20 Old Post Road
East Setauket, NY 11733
631.751.4433
drshapiro@drterryshapiro.com
