A Tall Order But That’s What I’d Like

Question:

I grew up in a remote village in Northern Alberta. Few amenities were available to us and because we were a large family, there was not a lot of money for my teeth. At a relatively early age I decided, after being persuaded by family members and a bad dental experience, to have my teeth out and get a denture to replace my top teeth – anyway, it would be so much cheaper, went the reasoning. Many good teeth were simply pulled out. Because of that experience, I’ve tried to save my lower teeth – what few I have left. I count nine and only three are in a good state of repair. Because I’m prone to decay and some of the bad ones are far gone, I must do something. I hate my denture but the shock of losing the rest of my teeth brings back bad memories. I’ve lived with the inevitability of making this decision for the past five years. I’ve gotten opinions about my options. A lower denture is out – I want something that really works, and I know a lot of people with lower dentures who say to avoid it at all costs. I’m leaning towards implants, but the recovery time seems long, and I don’t think I can adjust to seeing my lower teeth gone, left with a loose denture and stitches in my mouth. I’d like a quick transition. I’d like teeth on implants soon if not immediately, after my own teeth are gone and I’d like to be able to clean my teeth like my own. I know that’s a tall order but that’s what I’d like.

Answer: You have several options if you make a few allowances, but only one if you insist on cleaning the implant teeth exactly as your own.

Because your situation pertains to lower implant teeth and you have lower teeth in place now, albeit in compromised condition, teeth replacement on the day of your appointment can readily be accomplished. This option is the fastest of all options and there is no down time, no time for you to look at yourself without teeth and barely will you see any stitches. The only drawback is that you have to clean under the teeth like a bridge. This takes a bit of practice but is quite manageable.

The second situation would have you replace each tooth with an implant – wear a denture for several days to a couple weeks, while temporary crowns are made to fit the implants. Then in two to three months, porcelain teeth are made and fitted to the implants. This option is more expensive, but you will be able to clean them just like normal teeth – flossing and brushing as if you’ve been given a new set of adult teeth.

Veneers, Veneers, Veneers

Question:

I am in a good time of my life. Family raised and now I have time for myself. One of the things I have put off over my adult life is my teeth. They are still all mine, but they have never looked nice. I have been speaking with friends about my front teeth and have come away with mixed messages. One of my friends said, “You have to get veneers, they are the best.” Hers look great so I said, yes, that’s what I want. “Why did you have them done,” I asked? “My teeth were getting a bit dingy, I thought. They were straight, but I wanted a pop and that’s what I got. Do it,” she said, “you’ll love them.” “My teeth are a bit crowded and overlapped,” I said. “Will veneers still work?” “Oh sure,” she said, “get it done, girl!”

By chance I ran into another friend who also had veneers, but her experience wasn’t the same. When I asked her why she’d had veneers done, she said she was told they would straighten her teeth and look amazing. She said at first she loved them but after two weeks, she said they began to chip off at the edge. She said she was startled and went back to know what the problem was. The dentist said he didn’t know why. I asked what had to be done. He said he’d have to grind them off (the ones that broke) and make some new ones. “Won’t they just break again,” she asked? “They shouldn’t but I don’t know why they broke in the first place.” She said she consulted another dentist, and he said, “It’s your bite. You are a grinder.” “I know that,” she said. “Well, there’s a different standard of care for grinders,” he said. “Do all dentists know this,” she asked? “Apparently not,” the dentist said. She’s paralyzed now – she’s spent a lot of money and doesn’t know what to do. Everybody is talking about veneers but what of me, what do I do?

Answer: Porcelain veneers were introduced to the profession over forty years ago. As with all new technologies, there is the good, bad, and ugly. People with good bites and little parafunction (grinding and clenching) do well. Those with bad bite and parafunction often fall into the bad and ugly outcomes. Dentists trained in making poor bites good, know when veneers would work and when they are a risk.

Stronger white materials (stronger than porcelain) are now being used to better success but still there are problems with breakage when they are put in mouths that are subject to heavy grinding and clenching.

In your case, find an office that will take study models (moulds) of your teeth for analysis before beginning any work. Ask for reasons that support functional and parafunctional success of your treatment. Good analysis and planning will give your teeth beautiful and long-lasting results.

There is a saying in business that the customer is always right. Veneers are not for everyone so go with an open mind. Find out what is best for your mouth. A well-planned approach will give you both confidence and direction on how your teeth will best be treated so they will treat you in the same fashion for years.