Being able to enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling again is one of the major benefits of replacing missing teeth with dentures. If you’re planning to commit to this treatment, you’re probably wondering how soon you’ll be able to wear the final product. The procedure, however, might take a little more time than you expect. Read on to learn what you can expect with the dentures process.
The First Steps
Your dentist will usually start by making impressions of the ridges of your mouth. They’ll also take measurements to ensure the bite pattern matches yours accurately. This may involve creating a wax replica of properly fitting dentures, which they’ll then send to a lab for fabrication.
While these steps might be completed in a single visit, it could take longer to complete if a patient first needs to have teeth extracted. If so, the extraction sites would require several months to heal before beginning the initial impressions.
Your Adjustment Appointments
Each visit after the first will focus on adjusting the wax mockup, ensuring the complete dentures fit correctly. In order to avoid drastically changing a person’s facial features, the dentures must have the right length and width when fitted on your ridges.
Placing the Final Dentures
Once the complete dentures receive the final adjustments, your dentist will be able to place them in your mouth. Your dental team will give you advice on the best practices for maintaining them, preserving your oral health, and prolonging their lifetime. You’ll be able to walk out of the clinic with the restored smile you’ve been waiting for!
The After-Care Process
Sometimes, however, a few more adjustments may still be needed. If you begin developing sores on the gum line, it could be a sign of ill-fitting dentures. For this reason, you’ll still have regular dental checkups so your dentist can monitor them and make any necessary changes. In addition, they’ll examine the rest of your mouth and address any other emerging issues you could be facing. Doing so will help keep your dentures and oral health in tip-top shape!
The entire process may take some time, but the end results are truly worthwhile. With your new dentures, you can enjoy your restored bite and smile for years to come!
About the Practice
At Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry, we provide high-quality and comprehensive dental care for all patients in Altavista, VA and the surrounding neighborhoods. Our three dentists—Dr. Miller, Dr. Wolf, and Dr. Hooks—are passionate to help you maintain, create, or restore the smile you deserve. We offer multiple dental treatments, including dentures for replacing missing teeth. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your new pearly whites, visit our website or call (434) 324-8241.