What is a dental implant?
Very simply, a dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a replacement for the root of a tooth. Many years ago (1952), Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark of Sweden discovered that a metal called titanium has a unique property of integrating (or becoming one) with bone. Dental implants can support individual teeth (crowns). Several dental implants can be used to support prosthetics such as a bridge containing a number of teeth. |
What is the Chrysalis Same Day Teeth technique?
In simple terms, the patient usually receives an arch of permanent (non removable) teeth on the same day they have their procedure. One or two preliminary appointments are required so that we can ensure the patients new teeth have been designed to their satisfaction. |
What are the common complaints of denture wearers and how can dental implants and Chrysalis Same Day Teeth help overcome them?
Denture Challenge #1: Difficulty Eating When was the last time you were able to bite into a crisp apple, or dig into a juicy steak? If you wear dentures, then you probably can’t recall what a lot of your favourite foods even taste like. Wearing dentures can significantly reduce your ability to eat and enjoy your favourite foods. Denture wearers experience a reduction in bite-force (ability to bite) of up to 10 times, and a decrease in chewing efficiency of nearly 30%. In fact, 17% of denture wearers claim they eat more efficiently without their dentures! (What is the point of having false teeth if you can’t even use them?) This reduced ability to chew means that denture wearers are swallowing larger pieces of food. This can lead to digestive complications such as indigestion, choking hazards, and constipation. The bite force achievable by fixed, non-removable teeth is close to what can be achieved with natural teeth. |
Denture Challenge #2: Reduced Taste Of course, there are foods that denture wearers can still eat. However, the joy derived from these foods is greatly reduced by the fact that upper dentures cover your palate (the roof of your mouth). Along with our tongues, our palates also contain taste buds. So, an upper denture covering your palate will greatly reduce your ability to taste. As a result, many denture wearers tend to over-salt their food in an attempt to taste what they are eating. More salt puts people at an increased risk of higher blood-pressure, which can lead to serious health consequences. Fixed, non-removable teeth are very small relative to a conventional denture. They do not cover the palate whatsoever. There is no loss of taste. |
Denture Challenge #3: Sore Spots Some people think that wearing dentures is a real pain – both figuratively, and literally! Sore spots are a common complaint from people who wear false teeth. When wearing tissue-supported dentures, your prosthetic will often move around, and rub on your gums. This movement of a loose denture can cause blistering of the area called sore spots. These sore spots can be very painful, and make it even more difficult to eat. Fixed, permanent teeth using the All-On-4 technique are supported by dental implants. The prosthetic arch of teeth do not rub against your gums so there are no sore spots. |
Denture Challenge #4: Inconvenience Think of dentures, and you probably envision a set of false teeth in a glass of water. Denture wearers need to remove their dentures before they go to sleep. Just imagine the inconvenience of having to remember to remove and clean your dentures night after night. Furthermore, many denture wearers would agree that there is nothing more frustrating than losing their dentures! However, any time you take your dentures out of your mouth, there is always the chance that you’ll forget where you put them. Worse yet, imagine your panic when a visitor rings your doorbell, and you can’t find your dentures! Certainly not an enjoyable situation, proving yet again, just how inconvenient wearing dentures can be. Fixed, non-removable teeth are always easy to find. They are in your mouth (where teeth should be). |
Denture Challenge #5: Social Phobias There are few things more humiliating than having your dentures flop out your mouth while speaking to someone else. But that is precisely what many people who wear dentures are concerned about every time they open their mouths. For many denture wearers, balancing false teeth with their tongue becomes almost an art form unto itself. No doubt, loose dentures can lead to very embarrassing situations. Often, denture wearers simply withdraw from social activities, such as going out with family and friends, and even dating. The idea of a new friend or partner finding out about their dentures is just too intimidating. Some denture wearers are so concerned that someone might discover they wear dentures, they simply prefer to stay home – alone. This behaviour can lead to isolation, loneliness, and even depression. Permanent, fixed-teeth remain in your mouth. They will not fly out of your mouth when you sneeze and you will not lose them while you are swimming. Feel confident in your social interactions. |