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Suction Dentures Reduce the Need for Implants

Posted February 27, 2020

Another NZ First for Duchenne Denture Specialists!

For the past year, John Batchelor and the team at Duchenne have been utilising a revolutionary innovation for lower dentures which is so good it often eliminates the need for implants. We sat down with John to find out more about the exciting new option of suction dentures.

Why are lower dentures so more problematic than upper ones?

Upper dentures sit on a more solid, stable part of your jaw structure, but your lower jaw is a more complex; horseshoe-like in shape.  Every time you swallow, the floor of the mouth rises and falls, which can dislodge your denture.  So when you consider that the average person swallows about 2,500 times per day, that’s a lot of movement!

So, what’s the solution?

A very clever clinician called Dr Jiro Abe, who is from Japan, developed a system which eliminates the problem by creating a seal around the entire border of the denture base using a suction denture mechanism.  This can eliminate movement, reducing pain and discomfort, and minimise food that can lodge under the dentures.  The system is called Suction Effective Mandibular Complete Denture – or SEMCD for short.

And what’s your involvement with the technique?

I’ve been back and forth to Japan studying under Dr Abe for the past four years. I’m now fully conversant with the technology and techniques of suction dentures, and we have been using it in our own clinics for the last year. Under Dr. Abe’s watchful eye I’m sitting my instructor’s exams in August, which will enable me to train and authorise others to use this technique.

Are there many other instructors in this part of the world?

There are five in Australia, spread throughout the major centres, but I’m the only one in New Zealand.

Who will benefit from SEMCD technology?

We can convert existing lower dentures into a SEMCD denture in almost every case, even those whose lower jaws are well resorbed.

We often find people who can’t get a stable lower denture will consider implants, but SEMCD can often reduce the need for these – saving our patients larger expenses.

John’s final comment was “Knowing for myself just how good SEMCD is, and how much it has benefited our own patients, I’m really looking forward to helping others get the benefits as well.”

If you would also like to benefit from John’s expertise, give Duchenne a call to arrange a friendly and free no-obligation consultation.

Back

"Hi I had new dentures put in about one month ago. I can not express how much it has changed my life. I haven't had a full mouth of teeth for about 4 years. It truly has made a big difference. I've had so many comments about how natural they look. I'm so over the moon. Thank you so much Sophia. You've changed my life."

Hine Te Karu

"Hello Duchenne Team โ€“ Merivale

I would like to thank the team for great service and an excellent denture. It fitted perfectly, first time with no adjustments.
Now I can eat normally at last."

Warren Pettigrew

"Earlier this year I had to have ALL of my remaining teeth removed and to be fitted with full upper and lower dentures!! Horror of Horrors - I was dreading it!! However, I was referred to Duchenne Denture Specialists in Christchurch. They were amazing - the whole Team!!! Tristan couldn't have been more skilled, friendly or professional. He took time to get to know me and found out what my hopes and wishes were for my 'new look'. I felt totally confident before the process even began. My friends and family could hardly believe that my whole 'change' had gone so smoothly. I'm super thrilled with my new dentures - they look terrific and natural and are a super fit. I highly recommend Duchenne at Springfield Rd and, in particular, Tristan. Thanks sooo much Tristan for your excellent work and friendly approach - so much appreciated!!"

Mary M.

"Thank you to Helen Fowke for her very professional services in fitting my new plate. Her attention to detail was very helpful and thorough and she made sure that my plate was fitting comfortably and that I was happy with the look and feel of it. I would highly recommend her service to others."

Diane D.

"I have been lucky to be put under the professional care of Emily at Duchenne in Christchurch to have dentures made. With the whole process including denture adjustments nothing was a problem to her with her calming and professional approach as I was tending to get a bit stressed at this new venture. So a big thanks to you and the reception staff and look forward to my next visit."

Peter, Christchurch

"After going through a dreadful experience with another denture manufacturer it wasn't easy for me to decide to go through the whole process again.
I made the decision to ring Duchenne Denture Specialists and make an appointment to see if they could help me, right from the first call to the receptionist it has been a wonderful and very easy process.
I went to the Ilam practice where I met Sophia, I found her to be very professional and so helpful and has made this experience so different from my last. She was so caring and empathetic to my anxieties and guided me through the whole process. She made sure that I was happy with each decision made and every appointment was a breeze, nothing has been a problem. I now have a beautiful, natural looking, well-fitting set of dentures that I am happy to finally smile about.
I highly recommend without question Duchenne Denture Specialists and especially Sophia.
Thank you"

Kaye

"I would like to tell you about my experience getting my new dentures. I was extremely lucky to have the lovely Sophia to make my new dentures. I found Sophia very professional and always paying attention to every little detail. I canโ€™t speak highly enough of her. I am so so happy with my new dentures and has done wonders for my
self esteem. So in my opinion,Sophia at 291 Clyde Road Christchurch needs cloning she is an asset to your company"

Christchurch

"Kia Ora Tristan. Thank you! My experience with you and the Duchenne team has been exceptional. As a first timer with full top/bottom dentures, your exceptional people skills, informative pre and post care guidance and delivery really made my experience all the more reassuring, comfortable and enjoyable. Total professionalism and brilliance of finished denture product. And my dentures? OMG! STUNNING! I've got my massive smile back again - woo hoo. Front and Back of house team - Thank you also."

Anaru

"I would like to say a very big thank you to Tristan for the truly expert job that he did by making my partial denture. He is truly a professional, has great empathy and listens to your concerns. Above all else is an artist in his work and I would recommend him 100% to any future clients."

Peter. Rolleston

"Duchenne Technicians and staff are AMAZING people!!
I had lost so much confidence because of missing teeth, I would try and hide them as much as I could, I'd talk with my hand close to my mouth, and wouldn't smile for people or even family photos. My new dentures fit perfectly and the process was fast and efficient. Thank you so much Tristan for giving me my smile back, you've been an amazing."

Mere

"I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to Tristan at Springfield Road for my teeth, they are amazing! And I have noticed all the detail put into them and I feel amazing. Thank you for giving that back to me you are an artist. ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ™"

Misty M. Christchurch

"I cannot speak highly enough of Rob and his understanding manner with listening and helping me through this process. I have wanted to do this for years and they have finally accomplished this goal is just life changing to me"

Jean S.

"John & Nic from their Invercargill Clinic are absolutely awesome !!! Left with the biggest smile Iโ€™ve had in years today. Best decision I made to get my partial with this team.
Very friendly & very informative. The process from consultation to my final appointment was a breeze !! Thank you so much John & Nic extremely grateful for you giving me my smile back again.
I definitely recommend this team from Duchenne Dentures to everyone !!!!"

Megan T. Invercargill

"John and Nicki, thank you so much for my new teeth. They are amazing. Not only is it a pleasure to visit for my dental care, I now have the confidence to smile again!"

Marie F.

"Thankyou to Robert Courtier for his outstanding work on my new teeth. He made the whole process so easy. My teeth are very natural looking and I'm very happy with the outcome. This was a nerve wracking decision to have teeth out but now I've got the new denture and they don't look false I'm thrilled."

Lynne Hartly

"Thoroughly recommend the work of John and Rob. Excellent service and teeth fit like a glove"

D.J.