Functionality-Focused Smile Restoration

Missing teeth can be a big problem. Difficulty chewing and speaking are problems enough, but add to them a loss of self-esteem and confidence, and you now have missing teeth causing serious quality-of-life issues.

As functional, removable devices, it is crucial that your dentures are designed and placed with expert execution. Dr. Lesniak is an Edmonton-area prosthodontic healthcare provider, which also means he is a St Albert dentures expert, using them to give you a bright and healthy smile.

Attention to detail, diligent planning, clinical execution, and follow-up care are vital to achieving and maintaining fully functional teeth. At his modern clinic in St Albert, Alberta, he utilizes time-tested protocols that produce predictable and satisfying results. This methodical approach integrates with his artistic eye and compassionate heart to help his patients realize their best lives through their most radiant smiles.

Denture Treatment Overview

At their most fundamental level, dentures are prosthetic devices used to replace lost teeth and mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth and gums. This solution to missing teeth has been used for centuries, with some of the earliest applications consisting of wood, bone, and porcelain.

Modern dentures are constructed of acrylic that can be reinforced with a rubberized compound or cobalt chromium. They are precisely molded to replicate a patient’s missing teeth, and because they are custom-made for each patient, they can be adapted to fit almost any condition. Dentures may be used as a long-term solution, sometimes placed immediately following extraction surgery, or as a stepping stone to implant overdentures, making them versatile solutions to missing teeth for patients with various concerns.

Categorized by their scope, types of dentures include:

Partial Dentures

Partial Dentures replace a contiguous set of teeth on a particular arch, and most are removable.

Overdentures

Overdentures are used when a patient has remaining natural teeth or implants have been installed. These are removable and fit over the teeth or implants, which provide anchoring support.

Complete Dentures

Also known as “full dentures,” these replace a complete set of teeth on the top (maxillary), bottom (mandibular) arches of the mouth. One of each can be utilized simultaneously to replace all of a patient’s teeth. These can be removable or fixed in place if the situation allows for implants placed in the correct positions.

Prosthodontist vs. Denturist

A provider known as a “denturist” is part of the dental community specializing in making dentures.

While denturists train to make dental dentures, they do not have the same level of training as a prosthodontist in fields like bite dynamics, tooth positions, hard and soft tissue connections, and other factors. In some cases, this lack of specialization can leave patients with sub-optimal results, including ill-fitting results, improper bite function, and complications that can be painful.

Prosthodontists have a complete and thorough understanding of the interrelationship between dentures, the soft tissues that support them, and the stable function of their dynamics. Proper fabrication relies on a thorough understanding of where to place teeth in space to function optimally in the mouth, sometimes with no reference points. A prosthodontist has a minimum of three additional years of specialized training following four years of initial dental school.

A denturist has one or two years of training. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Lesniak has the specialized training that a denturist lacks, with an in-depth understanding of how your teeth should fit and function. He has years of experience helping people restore their teeth with various treatments. His passion for treating each patient as a member of his family can ensure that the job doesn’t just get done, it gets done right, and you get the care you deserve.

Which Denture solution is right for me?

During your initial consultation for dentures St Albert Prosthodontist, Dr. Lesniak will complete a detailed, comprehensive examination of your current condition to determine your best solution.

Alternatively, you may have existing dentures that are deficient or aged to the point that a new set is required. Extensive generalized decay, deficient quantity and quality of teeth, or significant bite problems that cannot be resolved through other means may qualify you for dental dentures. In general, anyone who has lost a significant number of teeth may be a dental dentures candidate. However, there will be several questions Dr. Lesniak will consider, including:

Support

How well will the underlying tissues resist vertical forces into the existing tissue during use? Chewing will apply pressure to the gums and other tissues under the dentures. Their health and resilience will contribute to proper function and long-term viability.

Stability

How well will the base of the dentures be prevented from moving laterally? Lateral sliding can lead to complications. Ideally, the ridge of tissue and bone will provide smooth and continuous contact with the denture base, preventing movement.

Retention

How well will the dental dentures hold? If the remaining oral structure is poorly shaped, the dentures may be more likely to fall or lift from the surface. The design of the denture base is critical to follow the topography of the ridge and create sufficient surface tension, suction, and friction to keep the dentures in place.

If your remaining teeth are not sufficient to work with, you may need to transition to prosthetic replacements.

Understanding the Denture Process

The first phase of your dentures treatment will involve a complete dental examination and assessment of existing dentures, if applicable. This may involve special imaging as well as a review of your previous dental procedures, dental records, and medical history.

If new dentures or the transition from failed teeth to prosthetic replacements is needed, we usually review several options with conventional dentures as a baseline of treatment, followed by implant overdentures, and in certain patients, fixed implant reconstruction options. This is all part of our comprehensive treatment planning process. If you are struggling with existing dentures, we will also do a detailed assessment of them and determine why they are deficient and if we can produce a superior result. In most cases, we can. Although occasionally, the existing dentures are satisfactory, and we are honest and tell the patient we cannot significantly improve upon them without adding implants or other corrective measures.

The denture treatment process will typically require several visits to Dr. Lesniak’s clinic to thoroughly assess your needs and try on, adjust, and revise your denture design to ensure a predictable final result. The procedure is painless, but treatments needed in preparation for denture installation may involve some discomfort. However, the pain associated with procedures required to fabricate dentures like extraction, implants, shaping teeth, or pre-prosthetic surgeries is generally minimal and manageable with over-the-counter medications.

If no preparatory treatments are needed, or your body has healed from these procedures, measurements and impressions are taken. In some cases, patients require provisional or interim dentures. After your long-term dentures have been custom-made, they will be meticulously examined for fit and bite equilibrium. During your follow-up visit after dentures St Albert prosthodontist, Dr. Lesniak will check your them to ensure proper fit and function and provide you with comprehensive instructions for their use and care.

How long will my denture results last?

Ridge remodeling will be significant during the first 12 months after extractions (if required), and gradual thereafter as your bone continues to heal and grow. Most St Albert denture patients need soft relines every two to three years to maintain the close contact between the dentures and supporting soft tissues.

Dentures last seven to 10 years in most patients, although this duration is variable based on forces applied to the dentures, diet, care, and other factors. Your results should be reassessed semi-annually with occasional radiography of the jawbones to monitor ridge resorption and the development of any pathology, such as cysts or growths.

Dentures
Frequently Asked Questions

Will dentures hurt?

If fitted properly, there should be no pain when wearing dentures. Likewise, the design and fitting process are typically pain-free. However, there may be pain associated with any supporting procedures — like extractions, reshaping existing teeth, or installing implants. Dr. Lesniak will provide you with the proper care to minimize any discomfort to the greatest degree possible.

What are the risks?

Dentures have been used to replace teeth for centuries and are considered effective and very safe. However, as with all prosthetics, there is a low risk of complications. These can include sore spots, speech problems, stomatitis, or other conditions. Generally, these conditions are preventable with proper fit, dental hygiene, and avoiding wearing dentures overnight. Dr. Lesniak will go over all associated risks with you in detail prior to initiating treatment.

Another potential complication is called “ulceration.” This condition can occur with improper fit, and there is repeated stress put on localized areas of the gums under the dentures.

Will insurance cover my treatment?

Some insurance plans can include assistance for covering the costs of your denture treatment in St Albert. Some plans may only include coverage for standard, low-cost dentures, while others may cover a portion of the costs. We recommend that you contact your insurance company to determine your treatment coverage before your consultation with Dr. Lesniak.

Brilliant Smiles. Unmatched Professionalism

St. Albert and Edmonton Implant Dentistry

For results you will love for years to come, turn to the prosthodontic dental skills of Dr. Robert Lesniak. Dr. Lesniak operates out of St. Albert. Conveniently located just north of the Anthony Henday, Dr. Lesniak makes sure each new patient is treated like family and receives undivided attention and impeccable care. Schedule your consultation today and get the smile you’ve been waiting for so long to share with the world!

202-225 Carleton Drive, St. Albert, Alberta

DenturesSt Albert, Alberta

Dentures Before & Afters

Denture Treatment Overview

Partial Dentures

Overdentures

Complete Dentures

Prosthodontist vs. Denturist

Which Denture solution is right for me?

Support

Stability

Retention

If your remaining teeth are not sufficient to work with, you may need to transition to prosthetic replacements.

Understanding the Denture Process

How long will my denture results last?

Schedule your consultation for Dentures in St Albert with Dr. Robert Lesniak today

Dentures
Frequently Asked Questions

Will dentures hurt?

What are the risks?

Will insurance cover my treatment?

Brilliant Smiles. Unmatched Professionalism

St. Albert and Edmonton Implant Dentistry

DenturesSt Albert, Alberta

Dentures Before & Afters

Denture Treatment Overview

Partial Dentures

Overdentures

Complete Dentures

Prosthodontist vs. Denturist

Which Denture solution is right for me?

Support

Stability

Retention

If your remaining teeth are not sufficient to work with, you may need to transition to prosthetic replacements.

Understanding the Denture Process

How long will my denture results last?

Schedule your consultation for Dentures in St Albert with Dr. Robert Lesniak today

Dentures Frequently Asked Questions

Will dentures hurt?

What are the risks?

Will insurance cover my treatment?

Brilliant Smiles. Unmatched Professionalism

St. Albert and Edmonton Implant Dentistry

Dentures
Frequently Asked Questions