Same Day Dentures vs. Dental Implants

April 16, 2010

When facing the decision to get dentures, there are many options you should consider. In my opinion, the two biggest contenders are dentures and dental implants. While they each have their own benefits, one of the biggest things you need to find out initially is if you are a candidate for one or both.

There are times when dental implants may not be for you. First of all, there is a cost barrier. While dental implants are great because they are similiar to your natural teeth, they are also very expensive. Secondly, you may not be a candidate. There are times when your mouth may not be able to accept the implants. You’ll want to consult with your dentist on all of your options and what you are and are not a candidate for.

Almost everyone is a candidate for same day dentures. While these are also costly, they are a less expensive alternative to dental implants. While I don’t think it’s necessary to get your dentures THAT day unless you have to drive more than 45 minutes to the dental office, a same day dentures dentist can create your dentures within just a few days, rather than a few weeks like traditional dentures dentists.


Same Day Dentures Repairs

April 14, 2010

Just like any doctor, it can take up to a few weeks to get an appointment with a same day dentures dentist if you haven’t been seen by them before. Going to a dentist that offers same day dentures has many benefits, the biggest being that you can get your dentures within hours or days instead of weeks.

If you choose to go to a dentist that offers same day dentures, it’s also going to beneficial for you if you need denture repairs or relines. After all, these dentists not only specialize in offering top quality custom dentures fast, they’re able to create them within hours because of their own on-site lab. So, if you need denture repairs, you’ll be able to get them done quickly, without much waiting, because everything the dentist needs to repair or reline your dentures is right in his office.

Like I’ve said before, while you may be going to a dentist that offers same day dentures, you don’t actually need to get your dentures in one day. You can save a significant amount of money if you decide to get your dentures within a few days to a week, rather than the day you go into the office. A huge portion of the cost comes from the rush that the dentist puts on their lab to create your dentures that day.


My Dentist Says I Need Dentures: Now What?

February 23, 2010

Has your dentist told you that you need dentures and you don’t know what to do now? I know that it can be scary and you may not know that you have options.

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that are custom made to replace missing teeth and still look natural. There are many types of dentures, including full and partial dentures as well as denture implants.

  • Full dentures are made to replace all of your teeth.
  • Partial dentures are made to replace some of your teeth.
  • Denture implants can be made to replace just a single tooth or many teeth.

The type of dentures your dentist recommends will be based on the heath of all of your teeth, the health of your jaw bone, and the health of your gums. Your mouth may not be able to support your desired solution; however, you should always consider getting a second opinion.

If you’re looking for a second opinion, consider getting one from a dentist who offers same day dentures. These dentists have on-site denture labs and specialize in creating dentures. While they offer same day dentures, it’s usually not your only option, and you’ll typically get your dentures faster than other offices that don’t offer same day dentures.


Make Sure You Have A Dentures Dentist On Call

February 17, 2010

When you have dentures, it’s important to see the dentist regularly. Your dentist will tell you how often you should schedule visits depending on your needs and they will check how your dentures fit, the health of your gums and mouth, and the health of your jaw. If you’re experiencing pain when chewing or any discomfort with your dentures, you should call your dentist and have the fit of your dentures checked.

If your insurance has recently changed, your dentist retired, or you recently moved, you should immediately start looking for a new dentist that specializes in dentures. I suggest looking for a dentist that offers same day dentures, even if you don’t plan on ever getting same day dentures. These dentists specialize in custom made dentures and can make your dentures the same day you go in for your appointment.

One of the biggest reasons I suggest keeping a same day dentures dentist that you trust on hand is because if something happens to your dentures, you don’t want to wait weeks, or months, to get them fixed. Same day dentures dentists can reline, repair, or create a new set of dentures for you quickly, without the long wait that everyone is accustomed.

Even if you choose a regular dentist, you should always have their number on hand in case of an emergency. If your dentures break or crack they can start causing you pain immediately and you don’t want to waste time looking for a dentist you trust.


The Importance of Getting a Second Opinion Before Getting Dentures

February 8, 2010

Most of us have been going to our dentists for years and trust them impeccably. However, when your dentist tells you that it’s time for dentures, you should consider getting a second opinion from a dentist who specializes in dentures. I don’t want to give you false hope: over 25% of people over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth. However, with the advances in technology, there may be other options available to you that dentists who specialize in dentures can offer.

When you’re first going through the process of determining whether you should be getting dentures, make sure your dentist goes over the entire process and why they believe their recommended option is the best. Then, go to another dentist who is a specialist for a second opinion. I suggest a dentist that offers same day dentures or one who specifically states that they specialize in dentures.

A dentist that offers same day dentures often specializes in creating custom made dentures. They’re able to offer same day dentures because they have an on-site lab. The great thing about these dentists is that most of their clients are denture wearers – they have the experience in determining if you really need a full set of dentures or if you’ll be able to get by with just a partial denture. Plus, since they have an on-site lab, you’ll be able to get your dentures faster than the typical dentist’s office.


Finding a Dentist who offers Same Day Dentures

January 27, 2010

If you’re looking for custom same day dentures one of the top things you should look for is a dentist that has an on-site denture lab. Having an on-site lab shows that they specialize in making and repairing dentures. Not every city has a dentist that offers same day dentures, so you may have to drive a few hours to get your same day dentures made.

Going to a dentist that offers same day dentures can be a huge benefit for you: even if you don’t get same day dentures, the typical wait time is 3 – 5 days instead of 3+ weeks. If you would like to get same day dentures and your dentist doesn’t offer them, here are a few things you can do to find the best denture dentist for you:

  1. Ask your dentist if he (or she) could recommend a dentist who specializes in same day dentures.
  2. Ask your friends and family, neighbors or other members if their dentist offers same day dentures, or if they know of a dentist who does.
  3. Look online for a dentist who offers same day dentures or has their own on-site denture lab. Go through any online reviews and schedule a consultation (this should be free) so you can meet with the dentist and decide if you want to work with him/her.

You may need to go a few hours out of your way for a dentist who has their own on-site denture lab, but what’s a few hours compared to waiting a few weeks for your dentures? While you will need to do this for any repairs or new dentures, consider the fact that you’d have to wait even longer if your dentist had to send it to an off-site lab. The pros may definitely outweigh the cons in this situation.


Why An On-Site Lab is Necessary for Same Day Dentures

January 22, 2010

If your dental office offers same day dentures, it’s imperative for them to have an on-site denture lab. All dentures are made in a lab, the biggest difference is whether it’s located in the dentist’s office or off-site.

Most dentists will use an off-site lab. It’s expensive to have one in the office: you’ll have to pay for the extra space, buy the equipment and you’ll need to hire someone with the expertise to make the dentures. That’s a lot of overhead. However, it does allow dentists to offer a benefit to all of their denture patients: they’ll get top-quality dentures in a fraction of the time.

Same day dentures require an on-site lab because they are made while the patient waits: which means there isn’t time to transport the dentures to an off-site location after the impressions are made, and measurements and x-rays are taken.

If you’re looking for custom same day dentures, you should look for a dental office that has an on-site denture lab. This shows that they specialize in making and repairing dentures and you can often get a good price dentures if you’re willing to wait a few days. Not every city has a dentist that offers same day dentures, so you may have to drive even a few hours to get your dentures made. This can still have a huge benefit – I’ll discuss that in my next post.


Same Day Dentures: Permanent Dentures in 1 Day

January 11, 2010

Getting dentures in a day doesn’t seem possible for many denture wearers. If you’ve heard of permanent same day dentures in the past, you may think that they are just too expensive. Or, maybe you haven’t heard of them yet because your dentist doesn’t offer them.

If you need dentures, consider getting same day dentures. I know of so many people, my grandparents included, who waited until the absolute last minute to get their dentures. And continue to wait until they can’t stand it for denture repairs. I can understand not wanting to be without your teeth. But, dentists have come up with a way to help you out.

Same day dentures are created the day you get your molds. These are more expensive than traditional dentures, but the benefits can far outweigh the costs. You go in for an early morning appointment, typically as soon as the office opens, and by the time the office closes, you have your dentures. And, they can do repairs even faster.

Talk to your dentist about same day dentures. If they can’t do it, consider going to a dentist who can. Even if you choose not to do the same day dentures, offices that offer this solution typically can get you your dentures faster than offices that don’t.


A More Affordable Solution to Same Day Dentures

January 6, 2010

I really like same day dentures, heck, I’ve devoted an entire blog to same day dentures. However, with all the great things I can say about them, there is a downfall – the price. Same day dentures can be a budget breaker for many on a fixed income.

There is a solution. Same day dentures are typically offered in dental offices with their own denture labs on-site. You typically get an early morning appointment then the office spends the day making your dentures so they’ll be ready for you by the end of the business day. This is where the premium price comes in – they’re working hard to make sure your dentures fit you perfectly within 8 -10 hours. If you’re willing to wait a few days, say 3 – 5, you can get your dentures quickly: and often without that added expense.

Most traditional dentures can take weeks, if not months, for you to receive. Rather than asking about same day dentures, consider asking if an office has an on-site denture lab. This can take weeks off the time it takes to have your dentures created since typically the impressions and measurements need to be sent to an off-site lab then sent back, etc. until the perfect fit is created. And, if you’re willing to wait a few days, let the office know and see if they’re able to give you a discounted price – usually they are!


Dentures: When To Call Your Dentist

December 23, 2009

If you’re starting to notice that your dentures aren’t fitting like they once did, you need to call your dentist. Your dentures may need to be adjusted, dentists call it relining, or you may need a completely new set. If you visited a dentist who does same day dentures, they may be able to make the adjustments during your appointment.

As your mouth changes it can cause your dentures to fit improperly. In particular, your gums and bones can shrink which causes the changes in your denture fit. This is completely normal. When your dentures don’t fit properly, you can cause serious injury to your mouth: the irritation and sores are just the beginning. Call your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Looseness of the denture
  • Gum / mouth irritation
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Broken pieces
  • Chips or cracks in the denture
  • Loosened teeth in the denture
  • Significant wear of the teeth in the denture

Remember, with dentures you should still be taking care of your mouth, brushing regularly, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly. And, if you do need a new pair of dentures, you may be able to get same day dentures that fit perfectly from a dentist with an on-site lab.