Why Denture and Gum Hygiene Are Imperative To Oral Health

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Classic Denture Center

Here at Classic Denture Center, your denturist in Portland OR is constantly working to educate you on your oral health. One major part of keeping those pearly whites healthy is keeping up with your hygiene.

It might seem surprising but research consistently shows that those who wear dentures are at a higher risk for developing infections in their mouth than those who do not wear dentures. Even more surprising is the fact that the majority of those who wear dentures will eventually be infected as time moves on. Infection can be detrimental to hygiene and oral health.

Here are just a few types of bacteria that frequently colonize on dentures:

Candida Albicans
Streptococcus
Staphylococcus
Actinomyces

While bacteria is everywhere and is not always dangerous, when it comes to your mouth, the above infections can lead to Oral Thrush, Stomatitis and Pneumonia. Each of these is so common that millions of people are infected each year.

The symptoms of an oral infection are:

Redness
Discomfort
White tongue
Loss of taste

Most people who have the beginning stages of oral infections may not even know that they are sick because the symptoms can be so mild.

What puts you at a greater risk for oral infection?

Things like your age, the medication you are taking, illnesses you might have, and your personal habits can make you much more prone to an oral infection. This is especially true when you use your dentures beyond the recommended replacement time and those who do not clean them properly. In some cases, medications can further exacerbate your oral condition by causing dry mouth and other conditions.

A major issue we see is that many of these infections are left untreated due to a variety of factors… Maybe you are not aware that your symptoms are pointing to a problem, or maybe you regularly visit the drugstore, not a dental professional. Either way, we at Classic Denture Center take pride in educating our patients about the hygienic risks associated with the regular use of oral appliances.

A reminder from your denturist

Classic Denture Center - denture hygiene — Do NOT clean your dentures with regular toothpaste.

One of the most common problems we see is that many patients do not know or forget that toothpaste is much too abrasive for removable oral appliances! It might seem harmless to brush your dentures, partial dentures, mouth guards, or snoring devices with a toothbrush and toothpaste, but it can damage them more than you realize. The bristles can cause microscopic scratches, leading to a visible difference in shine, finish, and color… but even worse, these scratches become the perfect breeding ground for dangerous pathogens.

To fight back against infection and keep your oral appliances in tip-top shape, your denturist in Portland OR recommends properly cleaning them, your mouth, and your gums regularly. A soft toothbrush used with a low-abrasive denture gum paste or any antibacterial soap is best! If you need suggestions, please feel free to contact our office! We are happy to help you every step of the way.

*Major brand denture cleansers can only claim to kill “odor-causing bacteria”, and do nothing to prevent recurring diseases from infected dentures. Doctor Lorin Berland, DDS developed Cleanadent Crystals, a soak cleanser that instantly kills Candida, Strep, Staph, and Actinomyces without harmful chemicals like bleach or chlorine.

Classic Denture Center: Additional Services

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Classic Denture Center

At Classic Denture Center, we know that having missing or damaged teeth may lead you to feel self-conscious about your smile and appearance when you are around other people. This is especially true if you are missing most or all of your teeth. In these cases, the first solution introduced is dentures in Vancouver WA. That said, we understand that some people feel insecure about the idea of having dentures and would prefer another option.

So are there any alternatives to dentures?

Dental Implants

In many cases, dental implants are the most common and effective option for those who are looking to avoid dentures. A dental implant is a titanium fixture that is surgically inserted into your jawbone. These fixtures act as anchors to hold your replacement teeth in place. Following the procedure of getting implants, you will need to wait 3-6 months for bonding to occur between your jawbone and the implant to make sure that it was successful.

Many people choose to go with dental implants because they are a long-term and durable solution for missing or damaged teeth. As a matter of fact, unlike dentures that need to be replaced every so often, your dental implants could last a lifetime. Unlike dentures, your new dental implants are not removable, meaning that they are extremely comfortable when eating or speaking. If you are hoping to qualify for dental implants, you will need to have healthy gums and enough supportive bone present to bond to the implant.

Over-dentures

For those who have lost most or all of their teeth, over-dentures may be a good option. Unlike traditional dentures that are held in your mouth by an adhesive, over-dentures are very secure because they are held in place by dental implants or any remaining teeth in your mouth. They are very stable and will not move around while you are talking or chewing, making them an appealing option for missing teeth. Over-dentures also stimulate the jawbone due to how secure they are, this means that they can help slow down and even prevent any future bone loss.

Flippers

These are a much less permanent option for those struggling with tooth loss. A Flipper is a removable partial denture that acts as a temporary replacement if you have missing teeth.

Flippers are made from a denture acrylic that very closely resembles your gums and is used to support your replacement tooth or teeth.

The look of your flipper can vary depending on how many teeth you are missing. It might even have clasps like a retainer to hold the replacement tooth in place around your existing teeth.

Here are a few benefits of a dental flipper:

You will achieve improved appearance: Your flipper fills in the gaps where your teeth are missing
It can be prepared in advance: If you are having a tooth removed, a dental flipper can be made in advance so you can avoid walking around with gaps in your teeth
It will make it easier to eat: A flipper helps you chew food more easily than with a missing tooth or teeth
They provide stability for your teeth: Your flipper works to keep the teeth that are around the gap in place, preventing shifting
They are convenient: You may find that you enjoy how simple they are to wear
They are affordable: Dental flippers can be much cheaper than other options
They are easy to make: Your new flipper can be made quickly and be ready to wear within a few days

Ask your denturist today!

If you have damaged or missing teeth and want to know about options outside of dentures in Vancouver WA, contact your knowledgeable denturist at Classic Denture Center today. Tanya Poleon L.D. can help you decide which option is right for you and get you on your way to a bright beautiful smile!

9 Reasons to Take Advantage of Our Free Denture Consultations

Posted on April 3, 2018March 30, 2018 by Classic Denture Center

You might be wondering if you are ready to take the plunge into a full set of dentures. Even investing in partial dentures or implants can be a big decision that will definitely affect your life.

At Classic Denture Center, your Portland OR Denturist Tanya Poleon doesn’t want you to have to live a life of discomfort, pain, or low self-confidence while you make the decision that dentures are your next step. She understands the importance of this choice, which is why she offers free in-office consultations for anyone who may be considering new dentures, or for those who are struggling with the functionality or comfort of their current ones.

Tanya Poleon was a licensed dentist and oral surgeon for over 20 years before making the switch into dentures over 8 years ago. She made this change because of her strong belief that making the switch to dentures at precisely the right time is a major component of oral health.

Common symptoms that might suggest it is time for an oral change include:

You are getting regular headaches
You are having trouble eating hard or chewy foods
Shoulder, neck, and back pain from tooth misalignment
You are experiencing tooth pain
You have recurring facial pain
You are self-conscious about smiling
You are experiencing chronic tooth decay
Your teeth are loose, shifting, or the gaps between your teeth are wider
You have red or swollen gums

Your denturist’s experience in the dentistry and surgical fields gave her the experience of witnessing how the mouth wears over time first-hand. This unique experience is exactly why you can fully trust that you will be treated with honesty and dignity during your no-cost evaluation, and leave with new knowledge about your oral health.

Whether now is the right time to make some important dental changes or not, you can be sure that your denturist in Portland OR will help you devise a plan for your mouth that will get you on the path towards optimal health. Dentures may be the solution or maybe some proper care and maintenance can restore your mouth to its original luster.

At Classic Denture Center, we do not just provide our clients with dentures, we offer a variety of services that could improve your smile. These services include:

Dentures
Partials
Relines
Same Day Denture Adjustments & Repairs
Immediate Dentures
Teeth Whitening
Private Consultations & Oral Exams
Denture Rebases
Ultrasonic Denture Cleaning
Dentures Over Implants

Denturist Tanya Poleon understands that your oral health depends on overall optimal health. This is why she dedicates herself to making sure that dentures are the number one best choice for you.

Her classic values for you include:

To feel well
To eat and chew properly
To look and feel beautiful

Encompassing these values, Tanya Poleon will help you make this important decision. She feels that the best way to respect your health goals is to provide you with the personalized, confidential, and honest care that you deserve.

So if you are ready to find out if dentures are the right choice for you right now, do not hesitate to contact your trusted and experienced Denturist in Portland OR today. A bright and white smile is just a phone call away!

When Should You Replace Your Dentures?

Posted on January 15, 2018January 31, 2018 by Classic Denture Center

At Classic Denture Center, we offer cosmetic dentistry in Portland OR that can provide you with a beautiful and comfortable smile day after day! Our removable dentures are custom made to fit your mouth and can be expected to last 5-7 years. They are designed with denture teeth and denture acrylic.

Over time, the teeth may begin to wear or break, leading to them no longer fitting in the way they once did.

Today we would like to discuss the important advantages of investing in your smile by replacing your dentures on a regular basis.

Like we mentioned above, your dentures will need to be replaced every 5 – 7 years. Many patients will be surprised by this number and let us know that they have heard of dentures that lasted much longer, but it is unlikely that they lasted that long while being fully functional and comfortable.

Why your dentures won’t last forever:

In 5 – 7 years, you will enjoy eating approximately 7,665 meals! Not even including snacks
Most people chew about 12 times before they swallow. Meaning that your dentures can sustain over 5,518,800 chewing cycles before replacement
The average person’s mouth will change over that period of time, enough so that the dentures no longer fit into the grooves of your mouth
Dentures are fragile enough that they can break when dropped, and many people do end up dropping theirs at some point or another

So what happens to your dentures as they age?

The teeth on your dentures can be expected to wear over time. As this happens your bite will become a bit more “closed” and the vertical dimension of your face can actually start to shrink. Also, as your denture teeth wear, you will experience a more labored chewing experience and difficulty eating the foods you love.

Over time, your dentures will no longer fit as well as they did in the beginning. This is due to the fact that the gums and bone will shrink just a bit and cause the denture to no longer fit as close to the gums. This may cause slippage and a need for extra adhesive to be used. The stress caused by years of chewing can cause them to begin to chip, crack, or even de-bond.

So if you begin noticing that your dentures no longer fit as well as they did, or if you are experiencing difficulty in maintaining that beautiful smile of yours, contact your denturist at Classic Denture Center. We can replace your dentures before they really start to cause you major issues!

Don’t forget to ask us about how we can improve your experience with cosmetic dentistry in Portland OR. Your smile is our favorite part of what we do!

6 Important Times to Call Your Denturist

Posted on December 15, 2017January 31, 2018 by Classic Denture Center

Do you have cracked, broken or stained dentures? If you do, Classic Denture Center is here to help you with all of your denture repair needs.

It is important to seek help as soon as you notice damage to your dentures to avoid further damage.

If you are wondering about what types of repairs your local Denturist in Portland OR can perform, we have listed a few below:

Cracked or broken teeth: One of the most common types of damage we see is breakage. In many instances, this happens when our patients drop their dentures into the sink or onto the floor when taking them out or putting them back in place. Breakage can also occur when biting into something hard. In most cases, if you come into our office right away, your cracked or broken false teeth can be repaired. That said, if you attempt to use a DIY repair kit, you could make the problem worse. Try to remember that non-professional denture repairs may lead to further complications in adjustment and durability at some point or another. It is also important to know that poor quality repairs are in many cases more difficult to undo than repairing it professionally the first time.
Worn teeth: Wearing your dentures day after day can lead to wear and tear. If they are exposed to strong temperature differentials or teeth grinding habits, they could wear earlier and require repair. So if you notice signs of wear pop up early on, your denturist can repair or replace individual teeth.
Lost teeth: If you have experienced tooth loss, your denturist can replace them easily without making you compromise fit, comfort, or aesthetic.
Adding teeth: In some cases, our patients may experience the loss of additional natural teeth. When this happens, your dentures can in many cases be adapted to the new space. We can add extra teeth to replace the newly extracted or broken natural teeth and you can go back to your daily life.
Adjustments: At some point or another, you will likely need an adjustment for your dentures. This can happen for a number of reasons. Maybe you are experiencing normal wear of the denture or a change in the gums underneath. If this is the case, a denture can be relined to renew the contact area with the gum. On the other hand, your denturist may suggest having your dentures rebased, which means refabricating the pink acrylic of the denture that holds the teeth in place.
Stain removal: If you are noticing a great deal of staining on your dentures, your Denturist in Portland OR is professionally equipped to remove all kinds of stains from your dentures safely and without leaving behind damage to the finish.

Have you been putting off an important denture repair? If so, it’s time to take the next step and contact us! We want to make sure that you love your smile every single day, from how it looks to how it feels!

4 Common Sense Reasons to Consider Dentures

Posted on November 15, 2017January 31, 2018 by Classic Denture Center

We are often asked if dentures or dental implants are a good solution for missing or decaying teeth and our typical response is an unequivocal yes. This is because there are so many benefits to moving to dentures if you are experiencing the following problems with your mouth:

A decrease in function because of pain or missing teeth
A loss of self-confidence because you don’t like your smile
The decay in your mouth is causing erosion or damage to your gums

Today we would like to offer 4 points to think about when considering dentures or dental implants in Portland OR:

Self-confidence: Your missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment for you; this is especially true if you are missing front teeth. Dealing with being self-conscious about your smile can cause discomfort during social and work interactions. Making the choice to get fitted with great-quality dentures from Classic Denture Center can allow you to regain self-confidence and actually enjoy interacting with others again. Your new dentures can also allow you to enjoy the food that you may have been missing out on due to your missing teeth.
Comfort: Getting fitted with dentures that are comfortable can make a big difference in quality of life. In fact, most of our clients inform us that they forget they even have them in place. Today’s dentures are not like the ones from previous generations. Nowadays we take the time to properly fit our patients for their dentures by getting an impression of their gums. This part of the process allows your denturist to perfectly fabricate a set of dentures that fit the gum contour and jaw. This technology allows dentures to hold in place with natural suction to the gums and cause no irritation.
Health: When spaces within your mouth are left empty by missing teeth, your teeth that are adjacent to and opposite of the empty spaces may shift to compensate for the open space. This can lead to discomfort with your bite and jaw. The best way fight shifting is to compensate for missing teeth with great fitting dentures.
Several options available: Your denturist is a great wealth of knowledge when it comes to your options with your brand new dentures. There are so many different factors to consider, like the condition of the remaining natural teeth, gum health, and cost. Your denturist can help you determine the best course of action for you! Some of the options you have with new dentures are partial dentures to replace one or more teeth, full dentures, temporary immediate dentures and implant retained dentures. Regardless of the option you choose, new dentures are a simple and pain-free alternative to dealing with the discomfort and embarrassment of missing or decaying teeth.

If you have any questions about dentures or dental implants in Portland OR, please contact Classic Denture Center today! Our friendly staff is always ready and happy to help you take the next step toward a beautiful smile!

5 Critical Tips For Proper Denture Care

Posted on September 15, 2017January 31, 2018 by Classic Denture Center

Our cosmetic dentistry in Portland OR from Classic Denture Center is a fantastic restorative option our clients who may be missing one or more teeth. Our professional team does a great job at giving you a healthy, complete, and white smile.

Here are five tips for properly caring for your dentures and implants, to ensure you keep that great smile:

1) Don’t forget to clean your dentures every single day

Your dentures should be cleaned daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Even though they can’t get cavities, it is still possible for bacteria to settle on them. Toothpaste is not a great cleaning product for your dentures because it is often too abrasive. Instead, just gently brush and rinse them with water when you are done. It is also a good idea to always rinse your dentures with water after every meal. This will help to flush away excess food particles.

2) Practice good oral hygiene

Along with cleaning your dentures regularly, it is a good idea to make sure that you keep taking good care of your overall oral hygiene too. Using a soft toothbrush on any of your remaining natural teeth, your gums, the inside of your cheeks, and your palate can help improve your oral health. You should also continue flossing any natural teeth you have.

3) Handle your dentures with care

Your dentures can become broken or bent out of shape if they are dropped, so remember to handle your dentures carefully whenever you are putting them in, removing them, or holding outside of your mouth for any other reason.

4) Properly remove your dentures and store them while you sleep

If you have regular dentures, removing them and properly storing them at night will be part of your regular routine. Never keep them lying out in the open, as they have been known to crack or warp if they become too dry.

5) Visit your denturist on a regular basis

One of the most important tips for denture care is to visit Classic Denture Center on a regular basis to have your dentures cleaned, examined, and adjusted if they require it. You should know that your oral structures can change shape over time, which can result in a poor fit and discomfort and irritation.

At Classic Denture Center we offer our clients a variety of options for cosmetic dentistry in Portland OR. We can provide you with any denture service you need and are happy to make adjustments for a more comfortable fit or perform emergency denture repairs when needed.

Our favorite part of offering denture and implant services to our clients is that we get to watch their smile and their self-confidence change for the better!

If you’re looking for a denture clinic in Portland Oregon to help with your denture care routine, contact us to schedule an appointment today.