BG - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, April 23, 1997

Ye.
aa

7 JW,

dentures

WILL. MY DENTURES LAST FOREVER?

Dentures are very durable, but they are not any more per-
manent than eyeglasses. Just as the condition of your eyes
change, so too does the canditian of your mouth. Replacing
dentures at intervais of 5-7 years makes it possible to
maintain. a healthy natural smile and prevent intracral
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 that you
bring it in. Repairs & relines can usually be done within a
few hours.

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

f

: . : 2 : at | os
‘Gerald H.Eckland; D.D. CAD.”

Yes! Chances are you won't need anything, but its a good _ : ;
idea to visit a denture clinic for a check up every 2 years. [°°

You should see your denturist regularly for an coral examina-

tion because your mouth is continually changing. Mouth tis- os

sues can reveal signs of disease. Your denturist will exar-

ine your gum ridges, tongue and jaw joints. This will ensure Bee

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 con-
struct dentures directly for the public. A person who is
trained EXCLUSIVELY in the field of removable dentures.

“Tracey L. Eckland, D.D._

‘Questions about

"ADVERTISMENT.

Denturists

WHAT ARE A DENTURISTS
QUALIFICATIONS?

All licensed Denturists specialize in fabricating dentures
directly for the public. In order to become a denturist, they
have passed a coniprehensive exam on fitting & making
dentures, plus related theory exams in applicable areas,
such as oral anatomy and pathology. All examinations are
under the supervision of the College of Denturists of B.C.
and very strict regulations are maintained. It takes a mini-
mum of 4 years of formal training to become a licensed
Denturist in the Province of 8.C, They are also required to
continually upprade their education.

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 per-
formed by the same operator, resulting in an, accurate and
personalized denture product. All denture procedures are
performed on the premises and by the same person that
does all the precise and intra-oral measuring. Services are
at a very reasonable cost.

ARE ALL DENTURISTS THE SAME?

Nol! All denturists specialize in the fabrication of dentures.
Just like all professional service, there is a great range in
the expertise, aptitude & capabilities from one denturist to
another, Most reputable denturists will belong to an asso-
ciation such as the Denturists Association of 8.C.

WHAT IS THE DENTURIST ASSOCIATION
OF B.C.?

This association is a group of licensed Denturists dedicat-
ed to the following principles:

*To keep abreast of the latest developments in the denture field.

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

*To duarantee that all services are properly executed,

«You should always try to find a denturist who is a member of this
assoclation to ensure quality,

much do
dentures
cost?

There is a big difference
in the price of dentures
depending on where you
po. Denturists have an
advantage over dentists
when it comes to price
because denturists actu-
ally make their dentures
in their own labs. This is
a big saving to the den-
turist. Dentists send their
dentures out to commer-
cial labs to be made.
This increases their cost,
which generally increas-
es your cost. However,
there can be quite a dif-
ference in cost between
two denture clinics.
There is a big difference
in the quality of the teeth
and materials that den-
tures 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 reputa-
ble. Someone whe cares
enough to take the time, |.
and has the skills to pro-
vide you with quality
denture services.

The Denture Myth Collection

When it comes to

myths, dentures have Myth No, 2

Once yau have den-

spawned a colorful col-
lection. Unfortunately,
many of these common
misconceptions about
dentures have prevent-
ed people from achiev-
ing their best health,
appearance and self
confidence. The fact of
the matter is that proper
denture fit, maintenance
and regular. denture
care can positively
impact everyone whoa
wears full or partial den-
tures. So check out the
following 11 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. 7
How often 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 mini-
mum of 5 years, but
there are some people
that will wear the same
dentures successfully
without any substantial
change for up to 15 or

20 years!

tures, you don’t need
to see a dental
practitioner
anymore

This is probably the
most common. myth
about dentures, and it's
wrong for several very
important reasons, You
should see your den-
turist regularly for an
oral examination,
because your mouth is
continually changing.
Mouth tissue can
reveal signs of diseas-
es, Besides checking
you dentures, the den-
turist will examine your
gum ridges, tongue
and jaw joints for
abnormalities,

Myth No. 3
Everyone knows
when your wearing
dentures. 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 den-

turist’s instructions on
home care are essen-
tial steps in assuring a
“natural appearance.”
Confidence in wearing
dentures comes’ from
realizing that you have
taken a positive step
towards improving your
health and appearance.
Protecting your oral
health with properly fit-
ting dentures is a smart
move!

Myth No, 4
Denture wearers can’t
eat normally, or even
speak properly.

This should net be the
case! While not all den-
ture wearers can eat
everything that they
would like, many have
few restrictions in their
diets. So, if you develop
persistent speech or

eating problems at any.
time, have your dentur- .

ist check the fit of your
denture as soon as
possible. Good nutrition
ig just as important for
mature adults as -it
is for younger per-
sons. Properly fitting
dentures may actually
encourage you to eat a
varied, weil balanced
diet that maximizes
your overall health and
you'll be able to enjoy
the social benefits that

make dining with
friends such a pleasant
experience.

Myth No.5

| have to use-adhe- ,

sives to make my
dentures fit, or I can’t
wear them all day.

This is a particularly
dangerous myth.
Dentures are made to
fit precisely and should
not require regular use
of an adhesive for com-
fort. In an emergency,
denture adhesives can
be used to keep the
dentures stable until
you see the denturist,
but prolonged use can
mask infections and
cause bone loss in the
jaw, Likewise, a poorly
fitting denture, which
causes constant Irrita-
tion over a long period,
may contribute to the
development of sores
and tumors. If your den-
tures begin to feel
loose, or cause pro-
nounced discomfort,
see. your .denturist
immediately.

Myth No. 6
Which are better,
porcelain or plastic

teeth?. -

Discuss with your den-
turist what is the best

option for you. Both

} at fixing toasters, leaky
materials have their

pipes or automobiles,

place! In some cases
porcelain teeth are the
answer. They are hard-

er, sharper, they don’t

wear out at readily as
plastic and they retain
their natural looks much
longer. Plastic is softer
but the new high density
acrylic teeth available
now stand up to wear
much better than plastic
teeth have done in the
past and look much
more alive and natural.

Myth No. 7
Ihave a fixed income.
Requtar
dental care is tao
expensive.

Before deciding that oral
examination and den-
ture care is too costly,
discuss the situation
with your denturist, Be
frank, Ask about charg-
es for denture adjust-
ments, repairs and pos-
sible replacement. The
Health Professionals at
Ecklands will provide a
consultation at na
charge.

Myth No, 8
ican make my own
denture repairs.

Even if you are a whiz

do not try to adjust or
repair your dentures

yourself, Improperly
relined dentures can be
bulky, causing

increased pressure on
the jaw and more rapid
loss of jawbone. De-it-
yourself reliners can
also irritate the soft tis-
sues of your mouth.
The handyman
approach can cause
irreparable damage and
may result in the need
for a new denture.

Myth No. 9
lll 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 dentures
quickly right in the
office, usually in the
same day.

Myth No. 10
I know I should have
my denture replaced,
but I just don’t want to
go through along
adjustment
period again.

In most cases, with

proper care and fitting
y your denturist, there
should be little or no
adjusting. There are
some patients that
have poor gums with
substantial bone loss
or loose tissue that
may require an extend-
ed treatment plan in
order to acheive
ultimate success,
These patients may
need treatment, such
as tissue conditioners
to get their oral tissues .
and gums back to.
proper health and-
maybe soft liners to.
provide a cushion for-
sensitive gums.

Myth No, 11
I will fook 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 clum-
sy. You may look
younger and feel like
you have facial support
that you did not have
with your old dentures,
but of course this is a
very positive, good
thing.

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 Dentures in 24 Hours

Same day service for Relines, Rebases and Repairs

No Charge fo

r Adjustments # All Dental Plans Accepted

Phone: 692-7626

Phone: 635-1288

TERRACE: #206-4650 Lazelle Ave., Terrace, B.C.

BURNS LAKE: Box 1349, Burns Lake, B.C, VOJ LEO, Lakeview Mall.

Phone: 847-5318

SMITHERS: Box 3339, Smithers, B.C. VO) 2NO, 1306 Main Street.

a
{|