If you have suffered from extensive tooth loss, you know how difficult it can be to complete daily tasks with gaps in your smile. Fortunately, there are various tooth replacement options out there, like dentures. They are lifechanging for those who are missing most of or all of their teeth. If you are thinking about getting dentures in the future, you should know at least a little bit about how the process works. Read on to learn all of the steps.
How Long Does the Process Take?
There are a few different actors that go into the number of different appointments that are required from start to finish. The first thing to consider is whether or not you have teeth or tooth roots that need to be extracted beforehand. If you aren’t in need of any extractions, you can probably expect to see your final restoration in about three to four appointments.
What Does the Denture Process Look Like?
Here are the different steps that you can expect when you get your brand-new dentures.
Tooth Extractions
This step is not required for each patient, for many, remaining teeth need to be extracted from the mouth. After the procedure, the mouth needs several months to heal before your dentist can move forward to the next step.
Sizing
The first step of getting dentures is getting impressions of the ridges for your mouth. Measurements are also taken to ensure that the bite pattern is correct. There may also be a wax mockup of the prosthetic teeth so the dentist can ensure that the dentures fit properly.
Adjustments
When you come back to the dental office, the mockup will need to be adjusted to ensure that your dentures will match your facial features. The teeth need to be the correct length and width to give you the natural appearance that you are looking for.
Denture Placement
Once the final adjustments are complete, your dentures will be placed. You might need additional adjustments made as well for optimal comfort and functionality. Just let your dentist know how your dentures feel in your mouth so they can make corrections. Your denture shouldn’t be causing you to feel any discomfort.
Getting high-quality dentures takes some time, but you will be showing off a complete smile in just a matter of time!
About the Author
Dr. Cedric Chenet earned his dental doctorate from Howard University of Washington, DC. For two decades, he served as a dental office in the US Air Force. He has completed post-graduate training in various dental disciplines, including prosthodontics. To learn more about dentures or to schedule a consultation at his office in Melbourne, visit his website or call (321) 253-3136.