Dentures
You probably wouldn't expect a cosmetic dentist to make dentures, but we believe this is one of the most valuable services we offer at the Dental Design Studio.
More than 20 million Americans are 'edentulous', or have no teeth. The area of dentistry dealing with dentures, prosthodontics, isn't emphasized in dental schools & consequently is overlooked by most practices. Historically, dentures have been considered a 'necessary evil' that many people must live with & the best that they can hope for is limited function, an uncomfortable fit & an artificial looking appearance. The Dental Design Studio can provide you with a valuable & viable alternative to traditional dentures.
What is different about Dr. Parker's dentures?
Dr. Parker is the only dentist in New Mexico & one of a very few in the United States who is trained in the most recent techniques of creating neuromuscular & cosmetic dentures. Because of this advanced knowledge, we can provide you with dentures that function well, feel comfortable & look beautiful.
How do you create dentures
that are comfortable?
At your first appointment, we will take an extensive history of the dental problems you had which lead to tooth loss & what your experience has been with previous dentures, if any. Gaining a complete understanding of your history is essential to finding out what your needs are as well as your expectations.
We will do a complete diagnostic examination including the necessary x-rays & taking impressions. Because each person's mouth is individual, the diagnostic exam gives us the information needed to create a 'study cast' so that we can determine the unique physical characteristics of your mouth as well as your general oral health.
After we gather the initial information, Dr. Parker will sit down with you to explain the results of his findings & discuss your options.
How do I know that my new
dentures will fit correctly?
This is where our advanced technology & training in neuromuscular dentistry really makes a difference – where form follows function & science meets art.
The process of creating an exact fit involves using the T.E.N.S. unit (Trans Epithelial Neural Stimulation) to completely relax the muscles of your face, jaw & neck, so that we can determine the unique curves & angles of your individual mouth without any distortions.
Next, we use the Myotronics K-7 to establish the natural position of your jaw & bite. This technology measures the motion of your jaw by using a computerized tracking system & electromyography to determine the proper relationship of your jaw & bite. The K-7 process provides Dr. Parker with pinpoint accuracy for establishing the placement & fit of your new dentures.
This combination of modern technology & advanced knowledge in neuromuscular dentistry provides us with an exact, measurable method for delivering superior dentures successfully & predictably.
Will there be foods I can't eat?
Get ready to enjoy all the foods you love once again! Since our dentures fit the unique contours & terrain of your mouth & have a proper occlusion (bite), lower dentures that 'float' & upper dentures that 'drop' are a thing of the past. If you've had dentures before, you can look forward to enjoying the foods you've given up because of loose & improperly fitted dentures.
How will I look?
This is one of the most exciting areas of the work that we do. Can you imagine having dentures that look as beautiful as a 'Hollywood' smile? That's what we're able to achieve by using the Golden Proportions measurement system as well as one of the most masterful denture labs in the country. During the course of treatment, you will have the opportunity to decide what type of smile you want to achieve. We can use our digital imaging service to give you a clear idea of what your smile will look like before we ever begin & you will consult with Dr. Parker on the shade and overall appearance of your new smile.
Just because you have dentures doesn't mean you shouldn't look and feel your best. With old-style dentures, most people begin to lose the shape & form of their face once their teeth have been removed, causing you to look tired or older than their real age. Our advanced cosmetic training combined with a superior, neuromuscular fit, allow you to regain the natural, more youthful shape of your jaws & face.
It's finally possible to eat what you want, have a comfortable bite & look fabulous. This is 21st century dentistry at its very best!