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Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues.  If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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A: All dentures are not created equally. Just like any consumer service or product there are low, medium and high quality dentures. All licensed dentists are allowed to make dentures, but most dentists rarely see denture patients and only do the occasional denture when someone walks into their office needing one. Some dental schools don't even require the dental students to make a denture on a live patient. In most cases a dental technicians actually makes the dentures, and their skill level can vary greatly. Don't be afraid to see more than one dentist before making a final decision. Choose a dentist who has taken extra training in denture contruction and delivery, always view before and after photo's from the dentists you are considering, and ask the dentist for the phone numbers of previous patients for references. Remember you are the one who has to live with your new dentures, not the dentist. Your dentist should be someone you can trust, talk to, express your concerns and most of all, will be there if there is a problem after delivery of your new denture.
A: There will be a difference in the amount of pressure you can bite down with using your new dentures. People with all of their natural teeth can exert approximately four hundred fifty pounds (450) per square inch of pressure when they bite or chew. Full denture wearers generally can exert approximately thirty-five (35) pounds of pressure per square inch. This may be the biggest change and you may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish. One or more follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness be sure to consult your dentist
A: A full denture, also called a complete denture, replaces all of the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. By replacing missing teeth, dentures not only support sagging facial muscles, but also may improve a person's ability to speak and eat. A removable partial denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored acrylic bases, which are connected by metal framework, and attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Precision attachments are nearly invisible, but often require crowns on your natural teeth for a precise fit, and generally cost more than those with metal clasps. Partial denture should fit with relative ease; however, inserting and removing it will require some practice. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down, as this could bend or break the clasps. A partial denture usually cost more than a full denture since it is custom designed to fit around existing teeth and require metal framework or attachments for support.
A:

There are many differences between conventional dentures and Geneva 2000"! Dentures, but the main difference is the occlusion technology. This means- how the back teeth are shaped and how they occlude, or contact, together during normal activity such as chewing or talking.

The back teeth of conventional dentures look essentially like natural teeth, with bumps and grooves. This design is perfect for natural teeth, which have roots that are securely set into the jawbone. The tremendous forces that the grinding and crushing of food, over these bumps and grooves exerts, creates forces that direct down through the teeth, and roots into the jawbone. This combination of teeth set into bone is vital for stability as well as comfort and creates a very efficient system for crushing and grinding food. With conventional dentures though, this pressure exerted unevenly during normal function creates torquing forces. These torquing forces are transferred through the teeth into the acrylic denture base that rest on the tissues of the mouth. The uneven torquing forces, caused by the bumps and ridges, can cause the denture to tip, rock and/or dislodge.

Geneva Dentures have a design for the back teeth that eliminates all of the bumps and grooves that create torquing forces during normal function. When these torquing forces are eliminated the pressure from chewing and biting is transferred through the teeth to the denture base directly down onto the bony ridge of the jaw at a 90-degree angle creating more stability. Having a flat plane tooth for the upper or lower against a bladed tooth design does elimination the torquing forces. This occlusial design called linear non-interceptive occlusion, has the results of a more stable denture during all phases of normal physiologic function. Clinical studies of patients fitted with dentures using Geneva technology have shown these same denture wearers were able to chew and bite comfortably with pressure up to one hundred and thirty-five (135) pounds per square inch. This is an increase of approximately one-hundred (100) pounds per square inch over conventional dentures. In some cases this technology has been able to eliminate temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) dis-function and neuromuscular facial pain disorder.

View comparative diagrams with more information
A: The denture technology taught to undergraduate dental students is conventional denture technology. So if your dentist is not a denture specialist, and attended postgraduate training in advanced denture technology it is unlikely they would know about Geneva technology. Even though any dentist using Geneva denture teeth, tools, a dental technician trained in Geneva technology can create the Geneva asthetic technology, the functional technology, using linear non-interceptive occlusion requires special postgraduate training for the dentist to perform. Be sure your dentist has received this special training, through the Geneva Institute of Prosthodontics, before they deliver a denture using linear non-interceptive occlusion to you.
A: Full dentures are divided into two categories according to when they are made and inserted into the mouth. Conventional dentures are made and inserted after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient's jaws during a preliminary visit. An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require debasing or relining to fit properly.
A: An overdenture is one that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or dental implants that have been prepared by the dentist. The prepared teeth or implants provide stability and support for the denture. Your dentist can determine if an overdenture would be suitable for you.
A: Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. However this greatly depends on the quality of the dental professionals creating your new denture and the materials they are using. Some denture patients have stated that their new dentures improved the look of their smile and help fill out the appearance of their face and profile.
A: If you have a denture with conventional occlusion the experience may be difficult due to the instability of these dentures. If you have a Geneva 2000"! denture you will have better stability and chewing capabilities, and be able to use more force when you chew and bite than a conventional denture. But regardless of what type of denture you have it is still a prosthesis and is not a substitute for your natural teeth. It will take a little practice to adjust to your new denture. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet. Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells. With a partial denture, you should avoid foods that are extremely hard or sticky. Also, you may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to the denture.
A: Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures "click" while you're talking, speak more slowly. You may find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If a speaking problem persists, consult your dentist.
A: People who experience pain or discomfort while wearing their dentures will adjust their diet, and eat foods that are easier to chew such as overly processed foods. Over consumption of this type of diet lacks the necessary nutrient and vitamin level to maintain a healthy body. This can weaken the immune system affecting oral tissues creating sore spots, irritation and even jawbone loss. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes will also contribute to these problems and make it nearly impossible for healthy oral tissues to exist. Dr. Smudde recommends for all his patients a special mutli-vitamin liquid supplement called HEAL, a healthy diet, and not to smoke or drink alcohol, while they are going through the process of getting their new denture. This ensures a successful delivery and long-term health and happiness for the patient.
A: Your dentist will provide instructions about how long dentures should be kept in place. During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep. While this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest and easiest way to determine that the denture/s is a correct fit. After the initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and promotes oral health. Generally, it is not desirable that the tissues be constantly covered by denture material.

If you have Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) problems, and have been fitted with a Geneva 2000"! denture you may be instructed to keep your denture in while you sleep to combat these problems. Consult with your dentist or call Dr. Smudde directly to answer questions about TMJ dysfunction.
A: Dentures are made to fit precisely and usually do not require use of an adhesive for comfort. In an emergency, denture adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable until you see the dentist, but prolonged use can mask, ill-fitting denture, infections and cause bone loss in the jaw. Likewise, a poorly fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of sores. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, see your dentist immediately.
A: Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped even a few inches. Stand over a folded towel or a basin of water when handling dentures. When you are not wearing them, store your dentures away from children and pets. Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth stay healthy. It's best to use a brush designed for cleaning dentures. A toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes that can damage dentures. Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid, which are both acceptable for cleaning dentures. Avoid using other powdered household cleansers, which may be too abrasive. Your dentist can recommend a denture cleanser. Look for denture cleansers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. The first step in cleaning dentures is to rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage. Dentures may lose their shape if they are allowed to dry out. When they are not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. Your dentist can recommend the best method. Never place dentures in hot water, which could cause them to warp. Ultrasonic cleaners are also used to care for dentures. However, using an ultrasonic cleaner does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
A: You can seriously damage your dentures and harm your health by trying to adjust or repair your dentures. A denture that is not made to fit properly can cause irritation and sores. See your dentist if your dentures break, crack, chip, or if one of the teeth becomes loose. A dentist can often make the necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day. A person who lacks the proper training will not be able to reconstruct the denture. This can cause greater damage to the denture and may cause problems in your mouth. Glue sold over-the-counter often contains harmful chemicals and should not be used on dentures.
A: Over time, dentures will need to be relined, remade or rebased due to normal wear. To make a rebased denture, the dentists use the existing denture teeth and makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced because a mouth naturally changes with age. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, causing jaws to align differently and the bite to become over closed. Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections. A loose denture also makes chewing more difficult and may change your facial features. It's important to replace worn or poorly fitting dentures before they cause problems.
A: Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important for maintaining a healthy mouth. A multi-vitamin nutritional supplement will help keep the oral tissues healthy. Dr. Smudde recommends a liquid multi-vitamin tonic called HEAL. The liquid nature of this product promotes faster absorption into the blood stream through the oral tissues.
A: Your dentist will advise you about how often to visit. Regular dental check-ups, such as every year, are important. The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit properly. Also the dentist should examines your mouth for signs of oral diseases including cancer. With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile.