What is the process of getting dentures?

Imagine regaining your smile and confidence with a set of dentures. The process might seem daunting, but rest assured that modern dental technology and advanced expertise have made it easier than ever. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step procedure of getting dentures and provide you with valuable insights to make your journey smoother.

The Procedure

Before diving into the details, it’s important to note that the removal of teeth is often a necessary step before getting dentures. If this applies to you, your prosthetist may recommend a consultation with a dentist to guide you through the process. Alternatively, if you opt for immediate dentures, a set of dentures can be prepared in advance to be fitted right after your teeth extraction. The entire denture process generally involves four to five visits spread over three to six weeks, tailored to accommodate your schedule.

The First Appointment – Preliminary Impressions

The initial consultation with your prosthetist is crucial and typically lasts around 30 minutes. During this visit, your prosthetist will examine your mouth and discuss your expectations regarding the appearance and comfort of your new dentures. Impressions or molds of your mouth will be taken to create a custom fitting impression tray. Expert advice will be provided on tooth and material choices, considering both your needs and budget.

Bringing along a family member or friend for support and sharing pictures of yourself with natural teeth can greatly assist your prosthetist in replicating your former self as closely as possible.

To ensure you have comprehensive information, your treatment plan will detail the process and sequencing of consultations. If you have chosen immediate dentures, arrangements for the fitting will be made during this appointment.

The Second Appointment – Secondary Impression with Special Trays and Bite Registration

The second appointment, lasting around 30 to 40 minutes, focuses on secondary impressions. Custom-made special trays will be used to capture the exact anatomy of your mouth. Additionally, a wax bite will be taken to determine the relationship between your upper and lower jaws. With this information, a trial denture made from wax will be crafted to match the final denture’s shape and positioning. During this visit, you’ll also receive guidance on selecting the color and quality of the teeth for your dentures.

Gone are the days of artificial-looking dentures. Advancements in technology have allowed false teeth to mimic natural ones through striations and edge translucence, providing a realistic 3D effect.

The Third Appointment – Try-In of Denture

Dedicated to evaluating shape, fit, color, and appearance, the “try-in” consultation typically lasts around 20 minutes. You’ll have the opportunity to try the wax-based trial dentures in your mouth before the final denture is crafted. This step is crucial as it allows any concerns or desired changes to be addressed before finalizing the denture.

The Fourth Appointment – Collecting Your New Teeth!

When you receive your new dentures, it’s normal to experience some initial discomfort as your mouth, tongue, and facial muscles adjust. Each person’s adaptation process is different, but any differences in speech or eating usually resolve within a few weeks. In some cases, minor sore spots might appear, but these can be easily addressed with adjustments to the fit.

If you have opted for immediate dentures, you will collect them before your teeth are extracted.

Subsequent Appointments

Although sore spots are not always a concern, occasional minor adjustments may be needed to ensure optimal comfort and fit. These adjustments are typically included in the original cost of the dentures. The team at Northern Rivers Denture Clinic will provide guidance on denture care and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that you maintain your best smile.

With this comprehensive guide, you can approach the process of getting dentures with confidence. The combination of an excellent experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness ensures that you receive top-notch dental care. Choose the path to regaining your smile today!