When it comes to correcting a compromised smile, dentures are a viable and effective solution; not only do they restore the gaps left by missing teeth, but they also fill out your face and allow you to speak, bite, and chew more effectively! You might be interested in getting dentures but aren’t sure about the timeline of the overall process—here’s what you can expect, broken down into four notable steps.
Step #1: The Initial Measurements
There’s a bit of prep work needed before you can receive your dentures. Your dentist must first determine if there are any teeth or root tips that need extraction; sometimes these extraction sites can take several months to heal. If you don’t need any teeth removed prior, your dentist can start the process more quickly by taking impressions of the ridges in your mouth and measuring your bite. These measurements are important; they’re what determine that your custom-made dentures fit your mouth correctly.
Step #2: The Adjustment Process
After your dentist has taken measurements and impressions, you’ll be given temporary dentures to wear while your permanent ones are prepared. These temporary mockups are adjusted over the course of a few visits; it might take many small modifications to figure out exactly how your dentures need to fit inside of your mouth. This sometimes-tedious step of the process is crucial, and the dentures cannot be placed until these adjustments have been finalized—expect to wait at least a few appointments.
Step #3: Placing the Dentures
Sometimes the adjustment process takes a bit longer than expected, and certain patients are given immediate dentures, so they aren’t without teeth for an extended period. These prosthetic dentures are different than the temporary mockup ones used during the adjustment process. Once your permanent dentures are ready and precisely adjusted, your dentist will fit them into your mouth and ensure they’re good to go.
Step #4: The Aftercare
After you’ve received your dentures, the process isn’t necessarily over; there are often additional adjustments that need to be made. Sometimes your mouth becomes sore due to ill-fitting dentures, so alterations can relieve the pain and discomfort you’re experiencing. Your dentist will also offer you advice on how to preserve and take care of your dentures so that they last for as long as they’re supposed to.
Getting dentures can sometimes be a lengthy process, depending on your individual needs. But the amount of care and preparation that goes into the process is part of the reason why dentures can provide such beautiful and impressive results—patience pays off!
About the Practice
Windermere Dentistry serves patients and families in the Windermere community under the leadership of Dr. Matthew McKissock and Dr. Rupal Thakkar, who both have several years of experience and expertise in a wide variety of fields. Their practice is proud to offer many services including restorative treatment options like dentures! If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule an appointment to receive dentures, you can contact the practice through their website or by phone: (407) 909-1099.
