Missing teeth can impact more than your smile—it can impact your eating, speech, and even your self-esteem. If you’re thinking about dentures, understanding what to expect will help ease the process. A visit to a dentist near you will help you explore options and prepare the best treatment plan for you.
Dentures are removable fixtures that replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. They are manufactured to restore your smile, chewing ability, and sense of confidence. That said, it is important to understand the steps before getting dentures and how you may care for them after.
When You May Need Dentures
Dentures are a replacement option for people who have lost some or all teeth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues. Dentures can:
- Restore the appearance of your smile
- Improve your ability to chew and enjoy food
- Support facial muscles to reduce sagging
- Improve self-esteem and confidence
Visiting a dentist in Peterborough early on in the process will help you best understand the type of denture that will be the best fit for you.
Types of Dentures
The type of denture you are offered can be categorized in two ways:
- Complete Dentures—This would replace all teeth in either the lower or upper jaw and is ideal when none of your natural teeth remain.
- Partial Dentures—Dentures designed for patients who still have some of their natural teeth. They will be used to cover your existing teeth in order to fill in any gaps between them.
Both full and partial dentures are made in order to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth, resulting in a natural-looking smile.
Getting Ready for Your Dentures
Your mouth must be prepared before your dentures in Peterborough can be produced. What to anticipate is as follows:
- Dental Examination: Your dentist will assess your gums, jawbone, and any tooth that remains. X-rays (or impressions) may be taken to determine your oral structure.
- Tooth Extractions (if Needed): Any teeth that cannot be saved will be removed. Your gum tissue will need time to heal before any permanent denture can be fitted.
- Impressions and Measurements: Your dentist will take accurate impressions to create the dentures that fit comfortably and function properly.
- Temporary Dentures: Occasionally, dentists can provide the patient with temporary dentures while the healing process goes on. Temporary dentures can allow normal eating, talking, etc. while your gums heal and you wait for a permanent denture to be fabricated.
Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety, keeps your mind prepared, and allows you to be ready for the first appointment!
Your First Denture Fitting
When your custom dentures are complete, your dentist will schedule an appointment for you to come back in for a fit. While you will be excited about this part of the process, it may feel unusual at first.
- Getting Fit: Your dentist will look for a snug but comfortable fit. Some pressure or soreness may be felt in the first few days.
- Talking with Dentures: it can take days for you to feel comfortable speaking. You can read something out loud, say certain words, and be patient.
- Eating with Your Dentures: Start with softer foods; as you get used to the denture, you can gradually add other foods back into your diet. Chew slowly, trying to balance the chewing on both sides of your mouth.
Your dentist may schedule follow-up visits to adjust denture impingement, to offer comfort, stability, etc.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care will help dentures near you last longer and also prevent discomfort or damage.
- Remove your dentures at night to allow your gums to rest.
- Look carefully at how to clean your dentures daily. Use a soft brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Do not use hot water, as this may warp the denture.
- The denture can be kept in denture solution or water when not in use.
- Keep regular dental appointments to check the function of your dentures.
Following these steps, you should be able to maintain healthy gums and natural-looking dentures.
Take the First Step Toward a Confident Smile
Getting dentures can be a wonderful first step toward feeling more comfortable, looking great, and boosting your confidence—that’s just the beginning of what we can do for you. Understanding what to expect during the process and how to take care of your dentures will really help everything go smoothly.
At Lotus Family Dental, we provide personalized care, professional recommendations, and support with every step for you, your family, and our community. We invite you to schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a healthy smile and self-confidence!
