2014年12月12日
I feel worried about getting non-clasp type dentures.
Q. For the last year I have been using 4 partial dentures supported by my farthest back molar on the upper right and 2 of my front teeth on the right-hand side (miracle dentures). They felt firm when I first put them in, but lately I feel a wiggling sensation and so I would like to ask your advice.
I live in Fukuoka so I am curious about how many times I will need to visit your clinic and how often I will have to go in for maintenance. I am also wondering if it is frightening getting the abutment teeth filed and if taking out your dentures changes your facial expression. It seems like there are a few clinics offering Konus telescope, but the Riegel telescope method seems a little more reliable to me. Sorry to bother you with my questions, but can you offer some advice?
A. I think that the number of affordable and easy-to-make dentures are increasing these days. As you suspect, there is no way to avoid the extra burden on your abutment teeth, so it is feasible that you may lose more teeth in the future.
In recent years, cheap and easily made dentures such as non-clasp type ** dentures are increasing. However, these dentures have no established history and there are no long-term case studies supporting their efficacy.
Almost all non-clasp dentures lack a rest. A rest is a piece that transmits force. It transfers force to the tips of the teeth roots. Clasps are necessary to keep the false teeth in place, but you should really prioritize the rest piece. It is important to have your teeth examined using a 3-D method.
This way you can see what may happen to your teeth if your implement does not have a rest. Your teeth will wiggle and you may lose them in just a few years.
Even if dentures like these are esthetically pleasing, there is a good chance that patients will be very sorry to have used them and to lose their trusts in the future.
I truly feel that the telescope system, which is trusted throughout the world and has more than 120 years of history in Germany, is a technology that has grown in demand in Japan, a country that has already welcomed an aging society. Also, in order to provide this technology, we must maintain meaningful ties with dental technicians of the highest caliber. The telescope system is costly, but since it is conducted by the most skilled dental technicians in the field and uses the best materials available, you can feel at ease with your dentures.
Since we have many patients who come to us for treatment from very distant locations, we can certainly make sure that you visit us as seldom as possible. It is possible to reduce the number of your visits if we can schedule an extended period of time when you do come.
It can be a little nerve-racking to have your teeth filed, but since we use anesthetics you will not feel a thing.
There is little need to remove your false teeth so you can leave them in almost all the time. We understand the importance of facial expression and esthetics, so please don't feel ashamed to consult with us about it.
Also, we would like to establish long term relationships with our patients. So do not be afraid to consult with us about periodic maintenance. We also want you to feel as comfortable as possible.
2014年10月 2日
I live in Guam. Please tell me about the treatment process.
Q. I have 2 damaged molars. I currently live in Guam and the dentist here recommended that I get implants. But after seeing your website, I would like to look into getting dentures. I am sure my teeth have many other problems as well.
As for my examination, I was told that the upper tooth corresponding to the lower one that I lost has a cavity and that I will need treatment. In regards to having dentures made, should I have the same dentist working on me now make them? If so, can I have a mold taken of my cavity-ridden biting tooth at the same time that I have a mold taken for dentures? If it is better to have the cavity treated first, I will have it done in Guam, but I really would like to have you examine my teeth. Please tell me about the treatment process.
A. So let's talk about whether you should get implants or dentures.
It is possible to have a mold taken for dentures and a crown at the same time. It depends on the time frame in which you will return to Japan but as for tooth extraction or a root canal, it may be better to receive treatment in Guam as there is the possibility of swelling and pain post-treatment.
So you have 2 damaged molars. The key factor for answering this question is whether or not the nerves remain in your 2 front molars which can serve as a foundation. If you still have nerves in these molars than it is possible to treat you with Riegel telescope dentures. However, if you are missing the nerves in these molars then your teeth will be weakened and it will be necessary to increase the number of teeth used as foundations.
Either way, I would be very happy to hear the whole picture and hopefully I would be able to provide you with a helpful explanation. When you get a chance please make an appointment and come in.
Thank you
I am currently living in Indonesia. I am worried because my teeth keep falling out.
Q. I am currently living in Indonesia.
I first got partial dentures at the dental clinic that I go to here. However, the dentist told me that the teeth that have had their nerves removed keep fracturing and eventually I am going to need full dentures. There is no way to stop it so I feel like the only thing left for me to do is to wait for the inevitable.
I know that what is happening is my own fault, but I can't help but feel depressed.
Since I live overseas and I don't have much problem grinding, I don't think that implants are for me. When I asked about dentures with invisible clasps, I was told that they put even more stress on my remaining teeth than conventional dentures. Either way, my teeth have had the nerves removed so there really is nothing to do but wait.
Despite this, I have been searching the internet frantically looking for an alternative option. That is how I came across Dr. Inaba's website.
The teeth in my upper jaw are all missing their nerves. I have 10 left but I am worried that they will fall out one by one.
Actually, when they start to hurt, I just yank them out myself. I would really like to keep the rest of my own teeth so I am finally getting real about dealing with this.
I would like to ask a question. If I have dentures made and my teeth that are missing nerves continue to fall out, can I have you fix my dentures so that I can continue to use them without getting a new set made each time? Also, due to circumstances, I live overseas and only travel to Japan about twice a year. Is it possible to be examined once and then have you set up a treatment plan for me? I will be coming home at the end of this year but I will not have much free time, but if you can set up a treatment plan for me, I can adjust the date of my next trip to match up with my treatment schedule. Thank you
A. So you basically no longer have nerves in your upper teeth and they continue to fracture. This must be an unpleasant situation for you.
In the same way that a living tree is not easy to knock over or fracture when its roots are healthy, and in the same way that a withered tree falls over and fractures easily, the nerves in your teeth protect them from fracturing or falling out due to outside forces. When we design our dentures, we pay special attention to whether the patient's teeth have nerves or not. We choose a design that balances force in a way that puts the least amount of resistance possible on teeth without nerves. It is very dangerous to simply use a bridge supported by teeth on either side as if you are only dealing with tooth loss, or to use partial dentures that hook onto your teeth. This may eventually cause root fractures.
When it comes to implants, if you don't properly consider the balance of force and the design, then you may find yourself repeatedly troubled with problems in your natural teeth. This is especially true in your case where you virtually have no nerves left. Even if you get implants, it is impossible to protect the other teeth. You will need to keep replacing fractured teeth with implants and the treatment process will never end. I think it is best if you use a method where dentures are designed with your nerve-less teeth in mind so that they put as little burden as possible on the remaining teeth and can be easily adjusted should any more fall out.
Q. For example, if I have dentures made and my teeth that are missing nerves continue to fall out, can I have you fix my dentures so that I can continue to use them without getting a new set made each time?
A. I believe I can answer this question. Dentures made using the telescope system developed in Germany can be used to treat your situation. Germans are known for their unique national character of using the same items for many years while making only minor repairs and adjustments. This is also true when it comes to dentures. Their denture technology has more than 120 years of history and is widely acclaimed throughout the world, even though it is still relatively unknown in Japan. I think it is a testimony to your determination that after many experiences looking for treatment you have found our clinic's website.
Q. Also, due to circumstances, I live overseas and only travel to Japan about twice a year. Is it possible to be examined once and then have you set up a treatment plan for me? I would like to be able to adjust the dates of my trips to match up with my treatment schedule.
A. Of course this is no problem. I am always happy to do anything I can even if it only amounts to offering advice. If you can provide me with further information I may be able to provide consultation to some extent through mail. If you don't mind, I would like to know more about the condition of your mouth (for example, how many teeth do you have, etc.). If you only come home to Japan for a short period of time, we may not be able to provide treatment but we would be happy to give advice, explain your current condition, and help you out. So please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for the question and please take care.
2014年9月18日
To patients who desire treatment from overseas
We take questions from people living far away through mail.
Since all examinations are by appointment only, we will be able to allot a more concentrated amount of time if you make an appointment before coming to Japan.
However, please be aware that telescope system dentures have a complicated manufacturing process and they can take a long time to craft.
Each case varies but treatment usually takes 4 visits starting with the taking of the mold.
The dentures are manufactured according to plan so even if the technician concentrates solely on one set, it can take 2 - 3 weeks before they are ready for the next step.
(There is a 3-day course available for full dentures that is by appointment only.)
It is not unusual for the telescope system to take longer than one month. So please be aware that 1-months stays may not be enough.
We ask that our patients from overseas plan on coming in for 4 appointments.
Please keep this in mind when considering your options.
Return to the free denture consultation application form
2014年9月12日
Is there another way to protect remaining teeth without using the telescope system?
Q. Earlier I sought consultation concerning dentures for my upper and lower teeth. Due to the cost, I am thinking about getting Riegel telescope dentures for my top teeth first and then getting them for my bottom teeth at a later date. I was told that my supporting teeth would go bad if I continue to use dentures covered by health insurance. I definitely want to get the best dentures for my upper teeth. But, with the high cost, I won't be able to switch to dentures that I can pay out-of-pocket for my lower teeth right away. Is there something that I can do for my bottom teeth to preserve them for 5 years or more while I save?
A. I always recommend to have the upper and lower teeth treated at the same time if at all possible, but some patients have no choice but to receive treatment at separate times due to cost. The clasps on dentures covered by insurance will accelerate tooth loss, as you have said. And, unfortunately, I often find it the case that these dentures must be replaced after as little as three years due to tooth loss. Telescope treatment is costly. So if you have no other option but to wait 5 years before treating your bottom teeth, then I would have to recommend a treatment known as cast partial.
As opposed to clasps, there is a treatment method called I-bar partial. Teeth are weak to sideways wiggling, but the I-bar disperses wiggling forces around the axis of the tooth. This causes less damage to the tooth than clasps that wiggle teeth sideways, providing relatively better protection. Also, the bar piece of partial dentures covered by health insurance causes the force of lopsided bites to be absorbed almost completely by that side, but partial cast dentures are designed so that subduction force is absorbed as much as possible. But just like the telescope system, these dentures are not covered by health insurance which means that you will have to pick up the tab, which often comes around 650,000 yen.
2014年9月10日
I am currently living in Singapore. How long does it take to make dentures?
Q. I am currently living in Singapore. I was thinking about having your clinic make me a set of partial dentures using the telescope system the next time I travel back to Japan. How long does it take to make dentures? I want to know so that I can schedule my next trip to Japan.
Up until now I have been using removable false teeth and crowns, but it is hard to close my bite. It looks like I may be suffering from TMJ arthrosis and some other mouth problems. My molars have developed cracks and upon thinking about what I am going to do, I came upon your homepage and got excited about your unique partial dentures. I am looking for a treatment option other than implants.
Thank you.
A. Since you are living overseas, I think it is best if we conduct consultation to some extent through mail. If I can only have a little more information about the condition of your mouth, I may be able to provide a more concrete answer.
For example, how many teeth are you missing? And do you have any other false teeth or crowns? If I know, can you please tell me the region of your tooth that is undergoing nerve treatment? Once I have this information I may be able to recommend a treatment.
Our examinations are all set up by appointment so if you can make an appointment beforehand then we can focus our time better. That said, our clinic offers the telescope system. It is a fairly complicated manufacturing process and it takes quite a while for the technicians to make a set of dentures. It usually takes around 1 month to progress from one step of the process to the next.
Every case is different but typically we start by taking a mold of your inner mouth. This requires 4 separate visits to our clinic. During that time our dental technicians begin work on the dentures. The manufacture according to a planned schedule and it takes them 2 or 3 weeks before they are able to move on to the next step in the process.
(There are complete courses that only take 3 days in some cases of full dentures.)
Normally, if using the telescope method, even a stay in Japan of 1 month may not be enough time to finish the dentures. We have a number of patients who live overseas and come to the clinic when they are in Japan. We ask that they can make at least 4 visits to our clinic. Please consider this point when deciding what to do.
2014年9月 9日
Is there any way to remove the denture foundation on my upper jaw?
Q. I am missing all of my upper teeth so I had full dentures made. I tried them out for a while but they always made me gag when I had them in so I stopped using them. Is there any way that I can have upper dentures made without the huge foundation piece on my upper jaw?
A. So you have full dentures for your upper jaw, right? It must be really difficult to get used to shape of them that completely covers everything.
Is it easy to take out the dentures that you have now?
Dentures that move around feel very awkward. If you could attach them and make the topper portion thinner, it would definitely alleviate the awkward feeling.
It is important for full dentures to completely cover the palate. This is equal to the lifeline of the dentures. By attaching this piece, biting force can be distributed evenly throughout the dentures. Also, through marginal sealing, full dentures can take advantage of the water-film phenomenon (this is the phenomenon where two panes of glass can be made to stick firmly together by introducing a layer of water between them). In order to create the water-film phenomenon with the oral membrane, saliva, and dentures, it is necessary to completely cover the palate.
Out of all of the patients whom we have treated, two of them have experienced a gag reflex so bad that they had to run to the bathroom. But now, even those two patients have gotten used to their dentures completely.
Our clinic does not make the type of dentures that leaves the palate open. In the long term, we believe that getting used to the experience from the beginning is much better than having to apply adhesive every day to dentures that can't even provide a secure bite. Once you get used to our dentures you will be able to use them comfortably as if they were a part of your own body.
Please consider this advice before deciding what you will do.
2014年1月14日
There is no pain, they don't come out, and they perform in top condition every day. (woman in her 30s, Chiba)
Happy New Years.
Thank you for all of your assistance last year.
I am always so grateful that I came across Inaba Dental Office and Dr. Yuriko.
It has been about 2 years I think. There I was thinking that there was no other choice but to go see the dentist. I put it off a day, a month, a year... I really didn't like going to see the dentist. The pain of filing and anesthesia was enough to traumatize me when I was a kid.
I had lost my front teeth and was lost at what to do. That is when I took a leap in the dark and started searching the net. I found Inaba Dental Office. I read the homepage from beginning to end and thought, 'Wow, I am not the only one'. So I decided to go in for free counseling with Dr. Yuriko. I still remember her smile now. She listened to me complain about my fear of dentists and quenched my fearful heart by saying, 'It's OK. We will fix you up wonderfully.' With those words I decided to leave everything in her hands and undergo treatment.
She had to extract my bad teeth and I needed some filing... She needed to do to me all the things I hated, but I was shocked that it didn't hurt at all! All I could think is, 'Are you kidding me? That is it?'
Everything proceeded smoothly and it was time to have a mold taken. I was worrying about nausea, but just like that I was able to get through the process with no bumps.
Only once did I need to have my dentures adjusted to take care of a spot that hurt. Other than that my dentures have been performing in top condition. Dr. Yuriko, I am now able to enjoy meals again (*^_^*). And what's more is that I never worry about the way my mouth looks.
I was fortunate enough to not have to experience insurance-covered dentures, so I cannot say much to compare them to the telescope system. But from reading the homepage, and hearing about the number of people who come to the clinic with multiple sets of dentures, I don't really have much faith in them. I can imagine that a lot of people are having a lot of problems with their insurance dentures.
I take them out so infrequently that I forget that they are even in at times. This just goes to show that German telescope dentures are excellent quality.
There is no pain, they don't come out (sometimes it is actually quite hard to get them off (^^)), and they perform in top condition every day.
It is thanks to Dr. Yuriko and the staff of Inaba Dental Office that I, who used to hate dentists, was able to come in.
Dr. Yuriko's kind words, 'It's OK. Things will certainly get better', give her patients confidence.
I was also really happy for the staff's incredible thoughtfulness. (When I had to call in and cancel an appointment due to my father needing surgery because of an illness, the staff said to me, 'Take care of yourself and best wishes to your father'. When I came in later the staff inquired about his health again. This really made me feel cared for and I was taken aback by their kindness.)
*Cases introduced on the website are completely unique to the patients and actual results may vary.
