Our Dentists

For many people, the word “dentures” conjures up an image of their grandparents’ “false teeth,” huge blocky white squares set into vividly pink plastic gums. Fortunately, the technology and techniques used to create modern dentures have advanced considerably beyond those days!

Today’s dentures appear so natural and fit so securely that most people won’t be able to tell that you’re wearing an appliance. The teeth are crafted and placed individually to allow for the variation that occurs in nature and are carefully colored to look like real teeth.

Dentures and partials are created individually every time and completely customized to fit the unique contours of your mouth. This ensures a comfortable and secure fit with little risk for slipping.

A partial denture is used when only a few teeth are missing while full dentures are used to replace a complete set of teeth. These tooth replacement options look great, are affordable, and are often covered by dental insurance (we can help you if you have any questions about your insurance coverage).

Before ordering your dentures, we’ll perform a thorough examination of your remaining teeth, your gums, and the bone beneath your gums. If you have teeth that need extraction because of extensive damage or decay, we’ll plan the procedure (Agave Dental performs both simple and surgical extractions). We’ll also discuss all your tooth replacement options so that you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you.

When you are ready to be fitted for your denture, we’ll take images and impressions of your mouth so that you can be assured of having a denture that fits comfortably and securely.

Once your denture is ready, we’ll have you place it here in the office and we’ll check that the fit is perfect before we send it home with you.

If you are concerned about the security of your dentures and would like to take extra precautions to improve the fit and prevent an embarrassing slip, we are happy to discuss implant-retained dentures and partials.

A titanium post is fixed in place in your jaw, and then fitted with an abutment that allows your denture to “snap” into place. This option combines the benefits and security of dental implants with the convenience and lower cost of dentures, which many of our patients appreciate.

Caring for your dentures properly will help them last longer, keep their shape, fit comfortably, and look more natural. Before sending you home with your denture, we’ll thoroughly review proper denture care with you, but knowing these simple steps will help:

• Only clean your dentures with cleansers and brushes specifically designed for denture use.
• When cleaning or rinsing your denture, keep the water cool to avoid warping the appliance.
• Allowing your denture to dry out could cause the shape to change, so always keep it moist when it is not in your mouth.
• Protect your denture from falls because these can crack or otherwise damage the denture. If your denture does happen to fall, bring it to us so we can check it for damage that you may not notice.
• Clean your denture regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause bad breath or even sores on your gums.

If you need a new set of dentures in Phoenix or would like to replace an aging denture, please call our Phoenix, AZ dental office today.

Creating and fitting a fixed porcelain bridge requires two or more appointments to our Phoenix dental office. The first step is to prepare your anchoring teeth for the bridge by shaping them so that the crown will fit securely. Next, we take an impression of your teeth to create a mold to send to the laboratory that will be crafting your restoration. We’ll place a temporary bridge until your permanent bridge is complete.

When you return for your second visit to our Phoenix dental office, your newly created, permanent porcelain bridge will be carefully checked, measured, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit and natural appearance. Dr. Hamann or Dr. Bentley may choose to temporarily cement the porcelain bridge to allow your teeth and tissue time to adjust to the new bridge; the porcelain bridge will be permanently cemented later.

Dr. Hamann and her staff will provide you with detailed porcelain bridge care instructions at the end of the appointment. The comfort and appearance of your bridge is extremely important to Agave Dental, so if you ever have a problem, please call our office immediately.

When you return for your second visit to our Phoenix dental office, your newly created, permanent porcelain bridge will be carefully checked, measured, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit and natural appearance. Dr. Hamann or Dr. Bentley may choose to temporarily cement the porcelain bridge to allow your teeth and tissue time to adjust to the new bridge; the porcelain bridge will be permanently cemented later.

Dr. Hamann and her staff will provide you with detailed porcelain bridge care instructions at the end of the appointment. The comfort and appearance of your bridge is extremely important to Agave Dental, so if you ever have a problem, please call our office immediately.