CUSTOM DENTURES
Missing some or all of your teeth can hinder your ability to live a normal life. It can also be embarrassing and cause a great deal of stress for patients. Dentures have a long-standing reputation for helping individuals with missing teeth regain confidence and functionality of their mouths. With several options available depending on your treatment need, dentures can help you get back the smile you’ve been waiting for.
DENTURES OVERVIEW
Dentures are a restoration option for patients looking for full or partial replacements of their teeth. Candidates for dentures are patients who have minimal natural teeth left or have had to extract all of them due to infection or decay. Dentures are not bonded to teeth but sit on the gums. If there are any teeth remaining, dentures can be created to sit around these teeth as well.
Unlike implants, dentures are not exactly replacement teeth. Dentures serve as an option for the lack of teeth and do not possess the ability to function as your natural teeth would. There are lifestyle changes that must occur if choosing dentures as a restoration option, including changing your chewing habits and your daily oral hygiene routine. Dentures also require a period of physical therapy, as does any prosthetic.
THE DENTURES PROCESS
Creating dentures that fit your mouth appropriately and comfortably can be a lengthy process, but one that is worth it in the end. Completion of your dentures will depend on the style and type of treatments you had done prior to beginning the dentures process (ex: tooth extractions). For traditional full or partial denture cases, here are the steps to be expected in getting fitted for your dentures:
- Impressions: In order to make sure your dentures fit properly, your dentist uses impressions of your gums to create your prosthetic. In cases where patients are required to extract one or multiple teeth prior to getting dentures, waiting until the gums have fully healed is essential to get a proper impression.
- Wax Rims: Your dentist will need to establish how you bite and what type of placement is needed for the teeth in your dentures. By placing wax rims on the mouth, your dentist can capture accurate measurements of how the dentures should be made for the best fit. Patients are able to participate in choosing the size, color, and shape of the teeth to ensure they are happy with the result. Once all the information has been gathered, the dental lab is responsible for creating the best-matching denture possible.
- Trial Fit: A mock-up version of your dentures will be created for your approval of the look and overall feel of the appliance. The mock-up denture contains plastic teeth, placed in wax to get the idea of how they will look in your mouth. The fit should be comfortable and feel natural. If there are any concerns with your dentures, this appointment will determine what adjustments need to be made prior to the creation of the final product. Bringing a family member or friend with you to the trial fit is highly encouraged to assist you in making this important decision.
- Final Fit: When a mock-up has been approved and the dental lab completes the final denture, your dentist will contact you to return to the office for the final fitting. The final denture will include plastic teeth securely placed into a strong acrylic base. Slight adjustments may need to take place before you leave with your dentures to ensure a proper fit.
- Check-Ups: If there are any concerns with your dentures after leaving the office, your dentist will encourage you to return for a check-up to make further adjustments necessary for comfortable daily wear. Sore spots or pain in your gums may indicate a fit issue, so do not hesitate to contact the office for a denture check-up whenever needed.
SYMPTOMS AND POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Unlike permanent tooth replacements, your dentures will not be worn 100% of the day. You should wear your dentures during the hours you are awake and store them appropriately away when you are sleeping. Dentures will feel more natural the more often you wear them. If you are finding issues in wearing them too often, you may require an adjustment by your dentist. Upper dentures tend to fit a bit tighter than lower sets, but should still be comfortable. If you are finding that either set moves too often, adhesive products are available to keep dentures in place.
Dentures can be very helpful, but not everyone gets used to them quickly. Some areas individuals may struggle with in the beginning include eating, speaking, and coping with their change in appearance. It’s important to remember that having something sitting on your gums for most of the day is not natural, so it’s ok to feel strange as it will take patience and consistency to feel comfortable with your new dental routine.
TREATMENT DENTURES
Many patients require tooth extraction prior to getting dentures for either a full or partial set. The healing process of the gums after an extraction can take weeks, prior to having to wait weeks for the dentures themselves! As an alternative to bare gums, some dentists offer immediate dentures, which serve as a form of practice prior to your permanent appliances. An impression will be taken prior to the extraction of your teeth for an estimated fit of the practice denture. This denture will be available for you to wear directly after your extraction, with some adjustments needed if the shape of your gums has changed.
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Everyone was very friendly and courteous from the receptionist, Sara and Dr Young
I have been seeing Dr. Leal since I was a child and have never had a negative experience here. Ki ...
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