Time Frame
I understand that at least 6-8 Appointments will be required to fabricate my dentures, starting with the first appointment to make diagnostic casts. If there have been recent tooth extractions, I understand that denture fabrication cannot begin until a minimum of 8 weeks following tooth removal to allow for adequate healing time. Additional appointments may be required for denture relines or remakes.
Possible Delays
I am aware the there may be delays in the fabrication and delivery or my dentures due to: The need to additional healing time (8 weeks or more is recommended healing time) due to my own individual healing response.
The need for additional surgeries (i.e., Alveoplasty and tuberosity procedures) which will require additional healing time.
Holidays and working days of the Dentist.
Difficulties and Problems with Wearing Dentures
The difficulties and problems associated with wearing dentures have been presented to me, along with my treatment plan. These issues include but are not limited to:
- difficulties with speaking and/or eating
- Food under dentures
- Functional problems
- Loose dentures
- Lack of retention
- Need for adhesives
- Feeling of fullness
- Saliva production — Certain medications decrease the amount of saliva produced resulting in an increase in sore spots and more difficulties adapting to the dentures. Some denture patients may experience an excessive amount of saliva initially, but this usually returns to normal.
Effects of poor ridge shape and form
- The need for future relines and remakes of either immediate or conventional dentures.
- Sore spots initially which can be adjusted by the dentist
Immediate Dentures
I have been provided written information about immediate dentures and understand: Immediate dentures are transitional dentures and must be relined or remade, usually about three to six months following insertion.
Fees for required laboratory relines or remakes of immediate dentures are NOT INCLUDED in the immediate denture fee.
Minor adjustments and temporary (tissue conditioning) reline may be required with immediate dentures and are included in the immediate denture fee, but only for a period of three months.
Immediate Dentures vs. Conventional Dentures
Immediate denture procedures involve insertion of a denture on the same day as the remining front teeth are extracted. Fabrication of conventional dentures is delayed 8-12 weeks after removal of all remaining teeth. I understand the advantages of delayed dentures (conventional) fabrication are: Relines or remakes may not be required as soon as with immediate dentures.
The fee for a conventional denture is lower than for an immediate denture.
Denture relines and remakes
I understand that: Dentures made 8 weeks after tooth removal may still need to be relined or remade before one year due to continued bone resorption (shrinkage) of the ridges. This is especially true for a patient with a history of smoking or periodontal disease or extensive oral surgery associated with tooth removal.
There will be a charge for any laboratory relines or remakes necessary due to continued ridge resorption (shrinkage) or bone loss following delayed construction of dentures.
Benefits of longer healing time for denture wearers
A longer healing time after tooth extraction and before denture fabrication is started (longer than 8 weeks) is preferable. Patients who have dentures made 6 months or more following tooth loss rarely need relines or remakes during the first year of wearing new dentures. However, there is no guarantee that a reline or remake will not be required due to continued bone resorption. I understand that: I will be charged for a reline or denture remake when it is required due to the continued bone resorption of the ridge.
The average denture usually requires a laboratory reline or remake at least ones every 4 years due to functional wear and/or continued bone resorption.
I have been informed that this is bone resorption will continue throughout my lifetime making subsequent denture construction more difficult, less satisfying, and less comfortable for me then my previous denture experience.
Patient expectations for dentures
The Dentist cannot guarantee a patient will be able to successfully and comfortably wear a well fabricated denture. The Dentist promises to do the best job they can for the oral conditions that exist in my mouth.
I have been told that dentures should not be considered a replacement for teeth, but a replacement for no teeth. I am aware that dentures are not real teeth. I am also aware that at best, I will end up with about 15-20% efficiency as compared to my natural teeth.
I am aware there are NO refunds on dentures.
