Dentures are a popular way to rebuild your grin after tooth loss because they restore so much of your ability to eat and speak more normally. It’s natural to feel excited at the prospect of once again enjoying meals and conversations with family and friends. It can take some time to be fitted for them, though, so it’s important to plan ahead. Keep reading to learn more about the process of restoring your smile with dentures so you know what to anticipate!
Step #1: Examination and Preparation
Before you can be fitted for dentures, your dentist will examine your mouth for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. These can interfere with your restoration and so will need to be cleared away before proceeding.
Then, depending on their findings, they’ll recommend either full or partial dentures. If the majority of your natural pearly whites are still in place, then a partial set may be suggested. These are used to fill in the gap left by several missing teeth in a row.
Full dentures are necessary to replace most or all your teeth. If you still have a few remaining, they may need to be extracted for your false teeth to fit. Then, your mouth will need to recover before your dentist can take impressions. It can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks for your gums to heal sufficiently.
Step #2: Taking Impressions
Once you and your dentist have decided on an appropriate treatment, they can take impressions of your teeth either manually or digitally. These images will be used to customize your dentures, so they fit like a glove. The traditional method involves biting into a gooey material and allowing it to harden over several minutes. It’s important that you be as still as possible during this step to prevent potential errors. If your dentist has more advanced technology, this step can be completed with digital cameras and programs.
They’ll also determine the bite alignment and orientation of your teeth so that your dentures can be made to suit them.
Step #3: Creating Your Dentures
At this point, the information and impressions will be sent to a lab to create your restoration. This can take one to several weeks, so you may be fitted with a temporary solution while you wait. Once they’re delivered to your dentist, you’ll be scheduled for another appointment to try them on. Your dentist will note any adjustments that need to be made and send them back to be finalized. After a few days, your beautiful new dentures will be completed, and you’ll have a final visit to receive them.
Altogether, the entire process can take anywhere from six weeks to three months from start to finish. Now that you have a better idea of what’s involved, you can plan your schedule accordingly!
About the Author
Dr. Scott Parker has years of experience providing patients of all ages with a full range of services to enhance their dental well-being. He graduated from Loma Linda University in 2008 and has continued to stay abreast of the latest developments in treatments and technology with ongoing educational opportunities. He’s happy to help restore your smile with dentures made from high-quality, customizable materials intended to last. If you’d like to begin the process, you’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or call (909) 795-6019.