4 Things To Expect When Getting Dentures For The First Time

Dentures can give you a new lease on life. Not only is a fully smile of pearly whites confidence boosting, it also makes it easier to talk and eat a healthy diet. If this is your first set of dentures, you may not be sure what to expect during the process. The following can help fill in these knowledge gaps.

You may need some pre-work completed.

The first task is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Depending on the state of your oral health, they may need to do a series of treatments before dentures can even be considered. This can include extracting teeth that are too far gone, treating gum disease, or repairing teeth with minor decay. Not everyone that gets dentures needs a full set, so if you still have healthy teeth don't be afraid that you will have to undergo an extraction. Your dentist may recommend partial dentures so you will have a combination of natural and synthetic teeth. But don't worry -- only you and your dentist have to know about the dentures.

Your dentist must make a series of molds.

Dentures aren't something you simply buy off the shelf. They must be specifically created to conform to your gums, remaining teeth, and bite pattern. Your dentist will take a full set of xrays of your mouth to determine the intricacies of your bite, as well as to check bone health. They will also make several impressions and molds of your gums and remaining teeth. This way the dentures can be formed so they fit well and are comfortable.

A fitting is needed for the best experience.

Even with all the preparation work, new dentures may not be ready to wear as soon as they arrive. Your dentist will have you come in for a fitting. This way they can perform minor adjustments to ensure you have the most comfortable fit. You may need to return once or twice, particularly with your first set of dentures, for minor adjustments. For example, if there is any irritation, you need to see your dentist for an adjustment before damage occurs to your gums or cheeks. Fortunately, this period of adjustment is relatively short, so soon your dentures will begin to feel a little more natural in your mouth.

For more help, contact a denture implants clinic or schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area and know that it will take time to adjust to your new teeth.