The Steps For Getting a New Set of Dentures

If you have lost one or all of your teeth, dentures are an excellent and convenient way to replace them.  While dentures have been used for hundreds of years, the technology we have today is making it possible to wear a comfortable and perfect-fitting set, making it less likely that they will slip out of place or cause any sort of discomfort.

When it is time to get dentures, you can have a set created that is a partial set for replacing a few teeth or a full set, after all of your teeth have been removed. Which one you wear is entirely up to you based on both convenience and your oral health.  Those, for example, that are constantly getting infected teeth, may want a full set of dentures, even if some of their natural teeth remain.  Additionally, some of our patients choose to wear a partial set of dentures now, knowing that they may need a full set later on or are considering a more permanent cosmetic solution in the future.

Once you are ready to have your dentures created, we will start by taking measurements of your teeth along with making an impression of your mouth.  It is critical that we get the exact measurements because this is what the dental lab will use, in combination with the impression, to create your new set of dentures to your exact specifications.  It can take several weeks for them to be created, and we will give you an exact time frame when you come into our office.  In the meantime, however, we may provide you with a temporary set that is similar to a retainer but will look fairly natural.

Another step in the process is to have a mockup of your new dentures created and by you biting into a wax base, we can tell if they are going to be the right size and shape.  If not, adjustments can be made so that the final version of your dentures will look natural and fit without problems or irritation.  This information will be sent to the lab as well, and your new, final set of dentures will be completed.

When your dentures are ready, we will have you come into our office so that we can examine your remaining teeth and gums and see how the dentures fit.  Our goal is to ensure that they fit perfectly which includes when you are biting down.  For example, if you are wearing a partial set of dentures, the new teeth need to have ridges that fit with the natural teeth when biting down.  Otherwise, the teeth will feel out of place and may even be uncomfortable, creating challenges while eating.  By examining every aspect of how your dentures look and work together, we can make any last minute adjustments.  This way when you leave with your new set, it will look and feel amazing so that you can enjoy having a full set of teeth again, even if they aren’t natural.