- |} tion.

Questions about

dentures

Wit MY DENTURES LAST FOREVER?

:Dentures are very durable, but they are not any

more Permanent than eyeglasses. Just as the condi:
| your eyes change, so too does the condition
of your mouth, Replacing dentures at intervals of 5-7

| years makes it possible fo maintain a healthy natural

smile and prevent intra-oral deterioration.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A
~ DENTURE RELINED OR REPAIRED?

Advances in technology make it possible for your
Denturist to reline or repair your denture in the same
day thal you bring it in. Repairs & relines can usu-
ally be done within a few hours.

ONCE I GET NEW DENTURES WILL! HAVE
TO RETURN TO MY DENTURIST?

Yes! Chances are you won't need anything, but its a
geod idea to visit a denture clinic for a check up
every 2 years. You should see your Denturist regu-
larly for an oral examination because your mouth is
continually changing. Mouth tissues can reveal signs
of disease, Your Denturist will examine your gum
ridges, tongue and jaw joints. This will ensure you of
continuing good oral health & properly fitting
dentures, .

WHAT IS A DENTURIST?

A person licensed by the government of B.C. to fit
and consiruct dentures directly for the public, A per:
son who is trained EXCLUSIVELY in the field of
removable dentures. :

The Denture

When it comes to up to 150r 20 years!
myths, dentures have

spawned a colorful col- Myth No. 2
lection. Unfortunately, Once you have den-
many of these common tures, you don’t need
misconceptions about to see a dental practi-
dentures have pre- fioner anymore
vented people from

achieving their best
ealth, appearance
and_ self confidence.
The fact of the matter is
that proper denture fit,
maintenance and regu-
lar denture care can
positively impact every-
one who wears full or
partial dentures. So
check out the following
1] myths. You may be
surprised to find out
that one or two of these
myths that you have
accepted as “fact,” are
actually “fiction.”

Myth No. 1
How offen should |
change my dentures?!

Everyone is different.
You should have your
mouth and gums and
general oral condition
checked at least every
2 years, Normally den-
tures should last a
minimum of 5 years,
but there cre some
» people that will wear
the same dentures suc-
cessfully without any

This is probably the
most common myth
about dentures, and it’s
wrong for several very
important reasons. You
should see your dentur-
ist regularly for an oral
examination, because
your mouth is continu:
ally changing. Mouth
tissue can reveal signs
of diseases, Besides
checking your den-
tures, the denturist will
examine your gum
ridges, tongue and jaw
joints for
abnormalities.

Myth No. 3
Everyone knows when
your wearing den-
tures. It's
embarrassing.

This should not hap-
pen. Many of the tell
tale signs of dentures -
clicking or slipping,
unpleasant odor or
stains are actually
signs of poor fit or
improper home main-
tenance. Regular pro-
fessional examinations

and following your
Denturists’s instructions
on home care are
essential steps in assur-
ing.a “natural appear-
ance.” Confidence in
wearing dentures
comes from realizing
that you have taken a
positive step towards
improving your health
and appearance.
Protecting your oral
health wih properly fit-
ting dentures is a smart
move. |

Myth No, 4
Denhure wearers can’t
eat normally, or even

speak properly.

This should not be the
case! While not all
denture wearers can
eat everthing that they
would like, many have
few restrictions in their
diets. So, if you
develop persistent
speech or eating prob-
lems at any time, have
your Denturist check
the fit of your denture
as soon as possible.
Good nutrition is just
as important tor
mature adults as it is
for younger persons.
Properly fitting den-
tures may actually
encourage you fo eat a
varied, well balanced

Questions about
Denturists

WHAT ARE DENTURISTS
QUALIFICATIONS?

All licensed Denturists specialize in fabricating den-
tures directly far the public. tn order to become a
denturist, they have passed a comprehensive exam

on fitting & making dentures, plus re ated theory .
as oral anatomy ~

exams in applicable areas, suc
and pathology, All examinations are under .the
supervision of the College of Denturists of B.C. and
very strict regulations are maintained, I}-Jakes a
minimum of three years and six months of educa-
tion, two years of school based training and an 18
month internship, prior to being able to take the
license exam. They are also required to continually
upgrade their education after being licensed,

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF
CONSULTING A DENTURIST?

You will be in the hands of a person who specializes
only in the making of dentures. All phases of this
service are performed by the same operator, result-
ing in an accurate and personalized denture prod-
uct. All denture procedures are performed on the
premises and by the same person that does all the
precise ond intra-oral measuring, Services are at a
very reasonable cost.

ARE ALL DENTURISTS THE SAME?

No! All denturists specialize in the fabrication of
dentures. Just like all professional services, there is a
reat range in the expertise, aptitude & capabilities
rom one Denturist to another. Most reputable
Denturists will belong to an association such as the
Denturists Association of B.C.

WHAT IS THE DENTURIST ASSOCIATION
OF B.C.?

This association is a group of licensed Denturists

dedicated to the following principles:

*To keep abreast of the latest developments in the

denture field.

*To ensyre all premises of its members are sanitary
& professional.

*To guarantee that all services are properly
executed.

*You should always try to Find « Denturist wha is a
member of this association to ensure quality.

yth Collection

The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, April 7, 1999 - BS

“commercial: labs

much do
dentures
cost?

There is a big difference in
the price of dentures
depending on where you
go. Denturists have an
advantage over dentists
when it ‘comes to price
because Denturists actually
make their dentures in their
own labs. This is a big sav-
ing to the Denturist. Dentists
send their dentures out to
to be
made, This increases their
cost, which —generall

increases their cost, which
generally increases your
cost. However, there can be
quite o difference in cost
between two denture clin-
ics, There is a big differ-
ence in the quolity of the
teeth and materials that
dentures are made of, The
best thing to do is to speak
to friends who have found
someone they like, Search
for a Denturist who is repu-
table. Someone who cares
enough to take the time,
and has the skills to provide
you with quality denture
services,

diet that maximizes
your overall health and
you'll be able to enjoy
the social benefits that
make dining with
frierids such a pleasant
experience.

Myth No. 5
| havalic use adhe-
sives to make my den-
tures fit, or | can’t
wear them all day.

This is @ particularly
dangerous th.
Dentures are made to
fit precisely end should
not require regular use
of an adhesive for
comfort. In an emer-
gency, denture adhe-
sives can be used fo
keep the dentures sta-
ble until you see the
Denturist, but pro-
longed use can mask
infections and couse
bone loss in the jaw.
Likewise, a poorly fit-
ting denture, which
causes constant irrita-
tion over a long
period, may contribute
to the development of
sores and tumors. If
your dentures begin to
eel loose, or cause
pronounce iscom-
ort, see your Denturist

*

immediately.

Myth No. 6

Which are better, por-
celain or plastic teeth?

Discuss with your
Denturist what is the
best option
Both materials have
their place! In some
cases porcelain teeth
are the answer. They
are harder, sharper,
they don’t wear out as
readily as plastic and
they retain their natural
ooks much longer.
Plastic is softer but the
new high density
acrylic teeth available
now stand up to wear
much beter than plas-
tic teeth have done in
the past and look much
more alive ond naturel.

Myth No. 7
| have a fixed income.
Regular dental care is
too expensive.

Before deciding that
oral examination and
denture core is too
costly, discuss the situa-
tion with your
Denturist. Be frank. Ask
about charges for den-
ture adjustments,
repairs and possible
replacement. The
Health Professionals at
Ecklands will provide a
consultation at no
charge.

or you,

Myth No. 8
| can make my own
denture repairs,

Even if you are o whiz
at fixing toasters, leaky
pipes or automobiles,
do not try to adjust or
repair your dentures
yourselt, Improperly
relined dentures can be
bulky, causing
increased pressure on
the jaw and more
rapid loss of jawbone.
Do-it- ourselt reliners
can also irritate the soft
tissues of your mouth.
The andyman
approach can cause
irreparable damage
and may result in the
need tor a new
denture.

Myth No. ?

I'll be without teeth for
days if | take my den-
ture to the Denturist
for refitting or repair.

NOT TRUE! Advances
in modern techniques
make it possible for
your denturist to reline
or repair Gentures
quickly right in the
office, usually in the
same day.

Myth No. 10
I know | should have
my denture replaced,

go through a fon
adjustment peri
again.

In most cases, with
proper care and fitting
y your Denturist, there
should be litte or na
adjusting. There are
some patients that have
poor gums with sub-
stantial bone lass or
loose tissue that may
require an extended
treatment plan in order
to achieve ultimate suc-
cess. These patients
may need treatment,
such as tissue condi-
tioners to get their oral
tissues and gums back
to proper health and
maybe soft liners to
provide a cushion for
sensitive gums.

Myth No. 1}
| will look like | have a
mouthful with new
dentures and every-
~ one will notice.

New dentures should
never look out of place
and should not feel or
look too bulky or
clumsy. You may look
younger and feel like
you have facia support
that you did not have
with your old dentures,
but of course this is o
very positive, good

isubstantial change for
: thing.

but | just don’t want to

Take time to find a Denturist with the
highest qualifications

Eckland Denture Clinics

A Division of Eckland-Tech Denture Corp.
_ Trust Your Smile To Experience And

_ + The Eck-Tech Denture Technique -. -

Quality Dentures* Natural looks*New Dontures in 24 Hours
Same day service for Relines, Rebases and Repairs
No Charge for AdjustmeniseAll Dental Plans Accepted

BURNS LAKE: Box 1349, Burns Lake, B.C. VO) 1E0, Lakeview Mall,
Phone: 692-7626 ee

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TERRACE: #206-4450 Lazelle Ave., Terrace, B.C.
Phone: 635-1288