Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue.
Here’s an overview of the denture treatment process:
Initial Consultation: The process typically begins with a consultation with a dentist or prosthodontist (a dentist specializing in prosthetic dentistry). During this appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss your treatment options for replacing missing teeth.
Treatment Planning: If dentures are deemed suitable for you, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of your gums and jawbone, and your overall oral health. This may involve taking impressions or molds of your mouth to create a custom-fit denture.
Denture Fabrication: Based on the treatment plan, a dental laboratory will fabricate your dentures. This process may take several weeks as the dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth precisely and provide optimal comfort and functionality.
Fitting Appointment: Once your dentures are ready, you’ll return to your dentist for a fitting appointment. During this appointment, your dentist will place the dentures in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit and comfortable bite. It’s common for adjustments to be made over time as you become accustomed to wearing the dentures.
Learning to Wear and Care for Dentures: Your dentist will provide instructions on how to insert and remove your dentures properly, as well as how to care for them to maintain good oral hygiene. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to prevent complications such as gum irritation, oral infections, and damage to the dentures.
Adjustment Period: It may take some time to adjust to wearing dentures, especially if you’re new to wearing them. During the adjustment period, you may experience some discomfort, difficulty speaking or eating, or increased saliva flow. These issues usually improve with time as you become more accustomed to wearing the dentures.
Follow-Up Appointments: After receiving your dentures, you’ll have follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal fit and function. Your dentist will also check the health of your gums and oral tissues to ensure that they’re adapting well to the dentures.
Dentures offer a convenient and affordable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function and aesthetics. With proper care and maintenance, dentures can provide patients with a confident smile and improved quality of life. It’s important to attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the continued health and functionality of your dentures and oral tissues.
