Uncomfortable Dentures? Here’s What You Can Do

Dentures have become the most affordable solution for replacing teeth, and can be a very effective option for patients. Although many patients opt for dentures, it can take a while to get used to these foreign objects resting on your gums. If your dentures are causing serious discomfort or pain, it is important you contact your dentist right away, but if you are simply trying to become accustomed to your new teeth, there are a few things you can do.

Practice in front of the mirror: Speaking and smiling with your new dentures can prove to be a challenge. It may be awkward to move your mouth in certain positions that seemed normal before. Stand in front of a mirror and practice smiling and saying words that cause your dentures to shift, taking note of the way your dentures move. As you practice, you’ll become more comfortable and your dentures will no longer get in your way.

Try an adhesive: If you find that your dentures are constantly slipping, try using a denture adhesive to keep them in place. An adhesive will stabilize your dentures while also providing a sealant against food debris. Denture adhesive can also make for a healthier smile in the long run by keeping bacteria at bay.

Start out smaller with foods: Chewing food might be your biggest obstacle with dentures. As you move your mouth to chew, your dentures may begin to shift. Start with soft foods and gradually introduce foods that involve more chewing. Foods that are sticky or crunchy may be difficult to eat at first, so save those until after you have become comfortable eating softer foods like eggs or oatmeal.

Don’t give up: It is definitely possible to wear dentures that function like natural teeth, all it takes is some patience and practice. Just give it time! Soon you will be smiling, speaking, and eating the foods you love in no time with your new dentures.

Call Us Today!

If you are experiencing issues with your dentures, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Michael Kowalik in Burbank! We can make adjustments to your dentures and help you get used to your new set of teeth.

For more information about complete or partial dentures or to schedule an appointment, call us today!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is becoming one of the most popular ways to enhance a smile. Now more than ever, dentists are offering a variety of cosmetic services to their patients. But besides its ability to improve your looks, cosmetic dentistry has other benefits as well – some of which you may not believe!

Here are some benefits of cosmetic dentistry that you may not have known.

Your appearance improves

Well, you probably knew about this one – it’s pretty obvious. No matter what cosmetic procedure you receive, your smile will become more attractive, which means that you can look and feel your best no matter what!

Your oral health improves

Some cosmetic procedures have restorative benefits as well. Treatments such as composite fillings and dental implants are able to create a more polished and healthier smile, while also keeping your mouth infection free.

Your pain is eliminated

When your teeth are crooked, infected, or have gone missing, it’s likely that you will start to experience some physical discomfort. Some patients experience jaw or joint pain, headaches and toothaches when their smile isn’t in its best shape. Cosmetic dentistry can rid your smile of what’s causing your pain!

You’ll make a better first impression

Studies have shown that those with a straighter, brighter smile make better first impressions socially and professionally. Since a healthy-looking smile is associated with good oral hygiene, it’s important to gain a smile that looks its best and advance your personal relationships.

Your self-confidence will boost

A cosmetic fix to your dental issues will take away any apprehension about smiling. You can rest assured that you no longer need to hide your teeth when you opt for a cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Call Us Today!

Dr. Michael Kowalik offers cosmetic dentistry services in his Burbank dental office. For more information about the services he provides or to schedule an appointment, call us today!

Bone Grafting: How it Can Make You a Candidate for Dental Implants

It’s true that dental implants have revolutionized the field of restorative dentistry, and many patients with one or more missing teeth have jumped on the opportunity to receive dental implants. However, during their initial consultation, their dentist may inform them that they will need a bone graft in order to proceed with implants.

Bone grafting sounds scary, but modern technology has created a way for patients to restore their oral cavity with minimal pain and predictable results.

Here’s How it Works

Typically, bone grafting involves the placement of the mineral content from animal bone into the deteriorating human jaw. The bone is sterilized and used as a placeholder for the human bone. 

Through a process called “guided tissue regeneration,” the human body begins to recognize the animal bone as human and, over time, replaces the animal bone with natural human jaw bone tissue.

There are three common bone grafting procedures that a patient may receive.

• The Alveolar Ridge Preservation Graft
• The Autogenus Ramus Chin Graft
• The Subantral Graft

Patients may receive one or a combination of these bone grafting procedures. The most beneficial procedure will be determined by your dentist. During a consultation, your dentist will discuss varying bone grafting options, as the procedure may be a prerequisite for dental implants.

Why Would You Need Bone Grafting?

Prior to dental implants, dentures were the main form of restoration for patients with missing teeth. Dentures, however, have caused some setbacks for patients. It turns out that the main reason why we have strong jaw bones is due to their support of our natural teeth. If our teeth go missing, the jaw bone immediately begins to deteriorate.

Atrophy of the jaw bone also occurs in long-time denture wearers, since there is nothing within the jaw bone for it to support. And when a denture wearer opts for dental implants, a bone grafting procedure may be needed to restore the bone that has been lost from years of denture use.

If your dentist suggests bone grafting before your implant procedure, there is nothing to fear. Your dentist will thoroughly explain which procedure they think is best, as well as how each of them work. 

Your dentist can answer any questions about the procedure pre or post-operative.

Have More Questions? Give Us a Call!

Dr. Kowalik places and restores dental implants in his Burbank dental office. For more information about dental implants and bone grafting or to schedule a consultation, call us today!