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ACP News   March 22, 2013

Prosthodontists: Denture Care Is as Easy as A, B, C

The American College of Prosthodontists Publishes Popular Patient Brochure in Spanish, with grant from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –CHICAGO–“My prosthodontist brought back my smile and made me whole,” said Ms. Ross whose oral care for her denture is much like caring for her finest china.

Today, 33 million Americans have no teeth.  Patients from age 20 to 100+ are in urgent need of dentures due to car accidents, hockey injuries, bone loss, cancer treatment, cavities, disease, or decay.  After Hurricane Sandy, the American Red Cross reached out to prosthodontists to request replacement dentures for Americans in need.

 “As a prosthodontist in private practice, I know that a smile can transform someone’s life.  I see the happiness in my patient’s eyes when we bring back a smile.  It’s rewarding to design something as complex as a tooth, several teeth or complete dentures,” said board certified prosthodontist Douglas G. Benting, D.D.S., M.S., F.A.C.P., of Phoenix.  “Prosthodontics converge art and science for oral health, and patients can help care for their dentures with a few simple steps.”

Just like all teeth, care is needed for any prosthetic for one’s overall well-being and optimal oral health.  The care is much like that of caring for your finest china after a dinner party, and now it’s as easy as A, B, C.

Prosthodontists:  Advanced Denture Care Is as Easy as A, B, C

A–Avoid bleach, whitening toothpaste and extended wear. Annually, go to a prosthodontist for a checkup;

B–Before bed, remove and clean teeth (prevents biofilms, bacteria, bad breath and MRSA);

C–Clean like fine china—use a soft brush and gentle dish soap.

To help more consumers learn how to care for their dentures, GlaxoSmithKline’s consumer healthcare provided a grant to the American College of Prosthodontists to produce and publish its popular patient brochure in Spanish as well as English to convey the importance of proper oral care for all.

“Once patients love their new smile, prosthodontists recommend how to preserve the natural beauty of the teeth, proper fit, optimal function and longevity,” said Dr. Benting, whose private practice is listed on the Top Dentist list of Phoenix Magazine for five years in a row.

"Like medicine, dentistry has become more highly specialized," said Dr. Benting. "For me, I chose to specialize in prosthodontics to help patients speak, chew and smile.  It’s artistic yet must function in daily life for years to come and be beautiful at the same time.  As a prosthodontist, I’m committed to improving patient outcomes.”

Prosthodontists are proficient in comprehensive oral health diagnosis, treatment planning and oral reconstruction.  From restoring smiles damaged by accidents or time, to helping 178 million Americans missing one or more teeth get implants, crowns, veneers or dentures, prosthodontists offer oral health solutions. 

Some patients have interest in exploring dental implants while someone else may wear complete dentures or may want to improve the appearance of his or her smile. Others find their local prosthodontist on prosthodontics.org  who checks the health of one’s teeth before beginning whitening to prevent pain; prior to beginning head, neck, and throat cancer therapies to protect teeth during radiation and chemotherapy; or to screen for oral cancers, sometimes caused by HPV. Simply put, a prosthodontist has the skills and training to restore optimal appearance and function to your smile.

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The American College of Prosthodontists is the professional association of dentists with advanced specialty training who restore and replace teeth to create optimal oral health, both in function and appearance including dental implants, dentures, veneers, crowns and teeth whitening. For more information or to find a prosthodontist near you, visit prosthodontics.org.  The ACP is a proud sponsor of the Ad Council’sfirst oral health campaign in its 70-year history.

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