Smile Makeover

With Dr. Alisdair Colquhoun

Tracey had been considering more complex treatment for years, but was stuck in a cycle of having her teeth patched up and continually having teeth added to the loose upper denture. As well as restoring oral health and function, Tracey was keen to have a great smile again.

Tracey saw our dentist Ali for a full clinical assessment to check her general oral health, take full mouth radiographs, a 3D CT scan of the bone and digital intra-oral scans of the remaining teeth and gums. Ali was then able to discuss the case easily with the patient using visual aids, helping the patient understand what treatment was needed and why. A diagnosis and personalised treatment plan was then developed for Tracey.

For this specific case we extracted the teeth, immediately fitted healing dentures then proceeded with two implants in the lower jaw. The teeth were then restored with bespoke 3D dentures.

The treatment began with our lab making immediate 3D healing dentures. These were made from the initial assessment intra-oral digital scans. This enabled us to go straight into treatment at the second visit where we extracted all of the remaining teeth and transitioned Tracey into immediate healing dentures.

Following a short period of healing, two dental implants were placed in the lower jaw. The healing dentures were relined to improve comfort and fit whilst the mouth healed and the tissues settled.

After a further 12 weeks and the integration of the two dental implants, the implants were solid and ready to be used to support the lower denture.

Ali spent four visits recording all of the necessary information for Tracey’s new teeth. The stages involved were: primary impressions, secondary impressions and recording of the bite, try-in to check the bite and appearance of the teeth, and finally the fit. The treatment from start to finish took around six months.

Tracey’s Thoughts

Patient Review