Dentures may be a more practical option than dental implants based on your health condition or for financial reasons. If that’s the case, it’s good to know what to expect.
Different Types
There are partials, which replace a few teeth, and complete dentures, which replace all of your teeth. When you’re replacing all of your teeth, there are also immediate dentures and conventional dentures.
After all your teeth have been removed, if you don’t want to go toothless for the eight to 12 weeks that it takes for gum tissue to heal, you can get immediate dentures. They are made before all your teeth are removed. However, as your bones and gums heal, they shrink, and for that reason, you will likely need have them adjusted. They are intended to be temporary until you can be fitted for conventional (or permanent) dentures.
Creating Models and Getting the Shape Right
WebMD explains that typically your dentist makes a number of impressions of your jaw, measures your jaw and gages the space between jaws. Your dentist creates models, wax forms or plastic patterns that fit your mouth to ensure the right fit before casting a final denture. Your dentist can help you decide on the color of the teeth used so they look natural. After the dentist has the final version, he can still make adjustments as needed.
As much as possible, dentures are made to look the way your natural teeth looked. Even so, they often improve the look of a your smile and fill out your face.
Getting Used to Your “New Teeth”
In the beginning, new dentures can feel loose or strange until your muscles in your mouth learn to adjust to them. You may experience a bit of soreness at first, but once the saliva flow increases and you get used to your them, problems usually go away.
You’ll probably have to get used to eating, and for this reason eating soft foods and cutting foods into small pieces can help. You should avoid eating sticky foods, hard foods or chewing gum.
Are You Considering Dentures?
At Hutto Hippo Family Dental, Dr. Baker is glad to discuss tooth replacement, explain options that are available and help you make the best decisions for your dental care.
Recent Comments