LOW COST DENTURES
We provide a range of dentures, from Low Cost to the new BPS Ivoclar dentures. Many people don't realize that there are differences. A Low Cost denture is a denture which is set up without going into precision measuring and positioning of the jaws to the joints. They usually are teeth which are flat( without cusps) in the back. This is referred to as having centric occlusion or bite only. The teeth and gums, in the denture, are of a lower quality, so as to provide dentures at a more affordable cost. They are available in both full and partial dentures.

STANDARD DENTURES
Standard Dentures are a centric bite design using flat back teeth and without precision measurements and positioning, however the quality of the teeth and materials used are of much greater quality. This provides for greater longevity and better wear and more fracture resistance. This is the denture which most insurance companies factor in to their policies.

PRECISION DENTURES
For dentures to be precision dentures it requires that precision measurements and particular attention to bite and placement of teeth be attended to. This is usually achieved by using a precision articulator, which is a mechanical jaw, doing a face bow transfer and using cusp teeth, set in balance to maximize stability and efficiency. Two such dentures are the Swissident Dentures and BPS (Biofunctional Prosthetic System).

1. Swissident Dentures
Swissident dentures where developed over 30 years ago and are designed on a principle of non-interceptive occlusion, which eliminates cusps for bladed teeth. This kind of denture can be very helpful for patients with gums which are really worn down and retention is a problem.

2. BPS Dentures (Biofunctional Prosthetic System)
BPS dentures are the latest in precision dentures, developed by the Ivoclar, a multi national research and development company specializing in dental products and materials. Their researchers developed this method of denture construction and to maintain quality control they require providers to be licensed. In April of 2000, we became the only licensed practitioners in the Cambridge area, licensed to provide BPS dentures.

What makes BPS different?
To make BPS dentures we take preliminary impression and bite blocks are made to record a general bite opening to facilitate the fabrication of intra oral tracer to trace the jaw movements and vertical opening of the patients natural opening, as if they had their own teeth. A face bow is also used to accurately place the impressions in exact location to the joints. The special artificial jaw is the Stratos Articulator, also developed by Ivoclar. The teeth used are the revolutionary Antaris and Postaris teeth. These teeth are more accurate to natural teeth in every way. The teeth are made of very hard material designed to stand up better and are more artistically correct. When the dentures are processed into plastic gums a new process, Ivocap, which controls the shrinkage during curing, therefore better fit and accuracy is achieved.

IMPLANT DENTURES
Implant dentures can involve as few as two implants to as many as six and even more. This might mean a ball over denture, or a fixed bridge and many treatment options between. The cost can be very expensive, however the result outperforms traditional treatments. Implant dentistry is the technology of the day. Many people expect dentures to fit as well as natural teeth, however because dentures are not rooted in, they cannot possibly remain seated against the forces during mastication. If people have this expectation the only possible way science has discovered to deliver the result are with implants.

PARTIAL DENTURES

CAST PARTIALS
are dentures which where designed to replace intermittent missing natural teeth. Metal is used to provide strength in areas where the denture would be too thin and would otherwise break. Special alloys have been developed, which are resistant to the acid's of the mouth and are lightweight and most important are safe and non toxic. Precision fittings are only possible when metal connectors are used.

ACRYLIC PARTIALS
are dentures, as with Cast Partials, replace missing teeth between natural teeth. This type of plate is usually used as a temporary replacement while the gums resorb after surgery or recent tooth extractions. This type of plate is less expensive but more likely to fracture. After a reasonable healing time it's recommended to have a Cast Partial denture made.

IMMEDIATE DENTURES
Immediate dentures are dentures which are which inserted at the same time as the extractions of the natural teeth. These dentures allow a person to have their teeth immediately, however there are issues of fit and cosmetic concerns which should he discussed with the Denturist so you understand the risks and benefits of this procedure.

DENTURE REPAIRS
It is important to realize that denture plastics, although are made of very strong plastics, are not unbreakable. Fracturing can happen if the situation presents. No practitioner can assure or guarantee against this unfortunate occurrence. It must always be understood that the best plastics made have been known to break. Special plastics have been developed to so that repairs can be done quickly and the same day.