The Steps On The Journey To Getting Dentures
Going from having natural teeth to having a mouth full of dentures can be somewhat complicated,
and sometimes a little painful. So try to focus on the end results. Imagine living well with
dentures - eating the foods you love, speaking with confidence, smiling, and enjoying time with
family and friends again.
Some of the people we've talked to said they felt overwhelmed by the process of getting dentures. Keeping track of
what's going to be happening to you with a diary or calendar of events might be helpful to you.
Some milestones you should expect when getting dentures include:
Getting an impression of your mouth
Once your gums heal, your dentist takes key measurements that will ensure that your dentures
fit properly, and actually, it's three steps. There is a preliminary imprint of your oral tissues,
a final detailed imprint, and then a master cast model of your mouth.
Tooth extraction
Your dentist will take out the teeth that need to come out so you can be properly fitted for dentures.
Healing
Depending on how many teeth you have taken out, it can take quite a while for your gums to heal from the tooth extraction process.
Choosing your new teeth
Depending on the kind of dentures you're getting, you may be able to choose from a wide range of tooth shapes,
sizes, and colors to more accurately fit your face and mouth.
If you can, have a family member or friend you trust help you choose your new teeth. They've got a good sense
of what your teeth should look like and can be a big help in making a big decision.
Once you and your dentist are pleased with the shape, size, and color of your teeth, your final dentures can then be completed.
Initial fitting
When your dentures are ready, your dentist will schedule an initial fitting. This is when your dentures will be placed in your mouth until your next visit. Your dentist will also make any adjustments that need to be made to ensure a proper fit.
Future adjustment, rebasing, and relining
With proper care, a set of dentures can last 5 to 10 years. In that time, it's normal for the shape of your mouth to change, or you may find that the shape of your mouth changes as it heals from tooth extraction.
When your mouth changes, your dentures may need rebasing or relining to ensure a proper fit. Rebasing is the replacement of your denture base - the soft pink part of your dentures. Relining is a resurfacing of the sides of your dentures.
Remember, adjusting your dentures is more complicated than it looks. Do not try to adjust your dentures yourself - let the dentist handle all adjustments.
Regular Dental Exams
Even when you have complete dentures (both top and bottom), it's still important for you to make regular dental appointments. Visit your dentist at least once a year to ensure that your dentures will continue to fit comfortably in your mouth. Plus, even if you don't have any natural teeth remaining, your dentist will check on the overall health of your mouth. Remember, good oral health involves more than teeth, so visit your dentist regularly for oral health screenings.
When you put all of these events together, the process can take a bit of time - and that's not counting your regular dental visits. How long will it take you? Only your dentist can know for sure. But if you keep these steps in mind, and keep track of them, you'll have a better handle on where you are in your denture journey.