The Process of Getting Dentures

Getting dentures is a significant step in restoring your smile and oral function, but it involves several stages to ensure they fit comfortably and meet your needs. The process is designed to be thorough so that you end up with a set of dentures that look and feel natural. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the process of getting dentures, based on key steps outlined by dental professionals.

Initial Consultation and Examination

The first step in getting dentures is a consultation with your dentist or a dental technician. This appointment is crucial for assessing your oral health and discussing your goals. Your dentist will examine your gums, any remaining teeth, and your overall jaw structure to determine what type of dentures are best for you. You’ll also have the chance to share your concerns or desires regarding the look and feel of them. This initial consultation allows the dentist to evaluate whether you need full or partial dentures based on the number of teeth that need replacement​.

During this consultation, your dentist will also create a treatment plan. This plan includes the type of dentures you need, any preparatory procedures like extractions, and an estimated timeline for completing the denture process. The consultation is the best time to ask questions and get familiar with the steps involved​. It’s also a good idea to bring old photos of your natural smile, which can help the dentist craft dentures that resemble your original teeth​.

Taking Impressions and Measurements

Once the treatment plan is set, the next stage involves taking impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth. These impressions act as a blueprint for the creation of your custom dentures. The dentist uses a special material to capture the exact shape of your gums, ensuring that the they will fit snugly and comfortably. This process is essential for making sure they don’t shift or cause discomfort when you chew or speak​.

In addition to impressions, your dentist will measure your bite and jaw alignment. This is particularly important because ill-fitting dentures can cause problems with eating and speaking. The impressions and measurements help the dental lab create a set of dentures that fit your mouth’s exact dimensions, minimizing the need for future adjustments​.

Two sets of impressions are often taken. The first is a preliminary impression, which gives the dental lab an initial idea of the size and shape of your gums. Later, a more detailed final impression is taken, which is used to craft the final set of dentures​. You may also be involved in selecting the shade and style of your dentures, ensuring they match your natural teeth as closely as possible.

Wax Try-in and Adjustments

Before the final set is made, you’ll have a chance to try out a wax version of your dentures. This step is called the “wax try-in” and allows both you and your dentist to assess the fit, bite, and appearance of the dentures before they are finalized. According to Northside Dental Co., the wax try-in is a critical stage because it allows for adjustments to be made before the final product is created​.

During this appointment, the dentist will place the wax dentures in your mouth to check for comfort and functionality. You’ll also have the opportunity to make changes to the appearance of the dentures, such as the color of the teeth or the alignment. If everything feels right, the dentist will send the design back to the lab to be processed into the final material, typically acrylic​.

It’s essential to speak up during this stage if something doesn’t feel right. Any discomfort or dissatisfaction with the appearance should be addressed now, as changes are much harder to make once the dentures are finalized. This try-in phase helps ensure that you are 100% happy with the look and feel of your new dentures​.

Final Fitting and Follow-Up Appointments

Once the final set is ready, you’ll return to the dentist for the fitting. This appointment typically occurs two weeks after the wax try-in. During this fitting, the dentist will ensure that the dentures fit snugly and comfortably, and make any final adjustments if needed. You’ll also receive instructions on how to care for your new dentures, including how to clean them, when to remove them, and what foods to avoid during the adjustment period​.

Even after the dentures have been fitted, you will likely need a few follow-up appointments. These visits are essential for making sure they continue to fit well as your mouth adapts. It’s normal to experience some sore spots or discomfort during the first few weeks of wearing new dentures. Follow-up visits allow your dentist to make small adjustments to improve comfort and function​.

During these follow-ups, the dentist will check for pressure points, alignment issues, and overall fit. They may also make minor adjustments to ensure the dentures stay in place and feel natural. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for long-term success with dentures, as they help prolong the life of the dentures and prevent complications like gum irritation.

Conclusion

The process of getting dentures involves multiple stages, each designed to ensure that the final product looks natural and fits comfortably. From the initial consultation to the final fitting, each step plays a crucial role in achieving a successful outcome. While the process can take several weeks and requires multiple appointments, the result is a custom-made set of dentures that can significantly improve your quality of life.

If you’re considering getting dentures, it’s essential to be patient and attend all the necessary appointments. Each stage, from the consultation to the final fitting, helps ensure that your dentures look good, feel comfortable, and function well. By understanding the process, you can approach each step with confidence, knowing that you’re on your way to a healthier, more functional smile.

Regular follow-ups and proper denture care are key to maintaining the health of your dentures and ensuring they last as long as possible. With the right care and adjustments, dentures can offer a natural-looking, long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

Clarksville Family Dentistry is your spot for all things dental. We make sure all your dental needs are met. Schedule an appointment with us today!