There will come a time where a person’s teeth will fall off. The thought of it can be daunting since it can cause a drop in confidence and functionality. Luckily, there’s a way to remedy this problem, and that is to get dentures.
The best thing about getting dentures is that you’ll finally be able to smile again. It is very much like seeing a new version of yourself. However, you should know that the process of getting dentures isn't as simple as going to the store and picking what you want.
To know more about the process of getting dentures, read on.
Dental Examination
Before you can get your dentures, your dentist will have to conduct a dental examination. They will evaluate the condition of your jaw and neighboring teeth to determine the best dentures for you to use. Once the examination is done, your dentist will give you four options to choose from, which are:
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
- Implant dentures
- Flexible partial dentures
To better suit the patient’s needs, other factors are also taken into account by dentists. These include the patient’s age, the condition of their gums, and their chewing strength.
Once the dental test is out of the way, denture fitting begins. To do this, dentists use bite molds to confirm whether your biting action is appropriately aligned or not. Once this is done, the dentist proceeds to set your new teeth in wax. By doing so, you get to see how the final product will look and feel. And finally, the dentures are fitted into your gums.
Mouth Preparation
Once the first step is done, your dentist may have to extract some of your teeth to give you temporary dentures. Your dentist will walk you through the steps and offer advice on staying comfortable moving forward. When your natural teeth are removed, your dentist will want you to heal up so that they can take a mold of your gums. This will be the foundation on which your new teeth will be built.
The healing of the gums could take some time, and dentists may recommend a few tips for you to heal up faster. The temporary dentures should be worn for you to get used to the feeling of wearing dentures. You can also chew gum to toughen up your now-exposed gums.
Adjusting To Your New Dentures
Once your mouth has healed, and the dental technician has built your dentures, you are prompted to come to the dentist once again. The reason is that you’re going for another fitting, but this time, it’s for your permanent dentures. The technician will also make adjustments to make sure that your dentures are a perfect fit.
For the first few days after getting them, your dentures might feel heavy or oversized in your mouth. Don’t worry because it’s a common feeling among first-time denture-wearers. Over time, your tongue, mouth, and your facial muscles will adjust to support your dentures.
If, in the future, you feel that your dentures aren’t doing their work, don’t worry. It's not uncommon for people to need additional visits to their dentists to make further adjustments. It’s best to do so because ill-fitting dentures can cause long-term damage to your gums and mouth. If it happens, you’re required to start most of the process all over again.
Conclusion
Getting dentures is an excellent investment. Not only does it boost your confidence, but it also helps in your oral health. Your new teeth will allow you to improve your facial muscles and your ability to chew. The process may be long, but getting a new smile is always worth it!
Dentures give newfound hope to people who have lost their teeth. If you’re planning to get dentures in Waterford, Dental House MI is the right dental clinic for you. We offer affordable options with dental insurance. Contact us for a consultation today!