Dentures are a practical way to replace an entire arch of teeth at once. Although the process of receiving dentures may seem lengthy, it is more efficient than you realize. For most patients, completing the denture process takes about four to five weeks
Getting Dentures: Step By Step
Step 1: Consultation
You will meet your dentist and discuss your needs and expectations. The dentist will evaluate your oral health and help you decide which denture type best fits you.
Step 2: Preparation
Your dentist may extend this step depending on how much preparation you need to receive the prosthetics. You may need extractions, in which case the gums take about a month to heal before obtaining dentures.
If you choose implant-supported dentures, you must undergo oral surgery at this stage. For full-arch dentures, patients typically only need four to six implant anchors.
Step 3: Impressions
After any extractions and implants have healed, which could take four to eight weeks, your dentist will take a comprehensive set of impressions. They will measure every part of your mouth to ensure the best-fitting dentures.
Step 4: Fitting and Adjustments
Many denture installations require a wax set before the final prosthesis. The wax dentures allow your dentist to fine-tune the fit. You will have another fitting when the final dentures return from the lab.
Your dentist will return the wax models and fitting information to the lab for fabrication.
Step 5: Completed Dentures
Finally, you will receive your permanent dentures. You may need a few more adjustments before you’re ready to wear them every day.
Advantages of Dentures
- Create a healthy-looking smile
- Restore chewing and speaking function
- Less expensive than single-tooth implants
Good Candidates for Dentures
Patients who are good denture candidates share the following qualities:
- Missing most or all of their teeth
- Healthy gum tissue
- Healthy jawbone
- Patients with excellent oral hygiene who can adequately maintain their prosthetics
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
Can you sleep in dentures?
Removable dentures must come out while you sleep. To keep them moist overnight, soak them in water or a cleansing denture soak.
Are there any foods I can’t eat with dentures?
With removable dentures, you should avoid chewy, sticky, hard, or spicy foods. Chewy foods may be uncomfortable to eat. Sticky foods could become caught in your dentures and cause damage. Hard foods can chip or crack your dentures. Spicy foods may irritate your gum tissue under the dentures.
With implant-supported dentures, you have many more food options. Avoiding hard and sticky foods is ideal.
Call Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry
Dentures can improve your chewing and speaking abilities, boost self-confidence, and protect oral health. If you want to learn more about how dentures can help you smile again, please call Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry at 813-634-1932 to schedule a consultation.