There are many people out there who have dentures and its part and parcel of their everyday life. Do you have teeth that are in bad condition, damaged or discoloured? If dentures have been recommended to you by your dentists, you need to understand that you are not alone. Literally millions wear them, and benefit from them on a daily basis.
One thing that can help if you are feeling nervous about dentures is understanding what to expect from having them put in. In this post that’s exactly what we are going to discuss.
The Fitting
You can expect the following steps to be taken when you are having your dentures fitted:
- Removal of Teeth – Damaged teeth often have to be removed to allow space for the new dentures to fit in place.
- Impression – To create a denture that is tailormade for you a moulding or impression is taken of your mouth.
- Bite Moulds – The dentist will use wax blocks to make sure your bite action is comfortable. You may be given the opportunity to choose the colour and shape of your teeth at this stage in the process.
- Wax Models – To give you an idea of what your dentures will actually look like and how they will function, a copy of your new teeth is set in wax.
- Final Fit – Finally, your dentures are fitted properly into your mouth and you are then given instructions on how you should look after them properly.
It can be helpful to bring along a loved one for support during the consultation period, as is bringing old photographs to help you choose dentures that match your original teeth and help you feel like your old self again.
Adapting to Your New Dentures
It is likely to feel quite strange at first, after your dentures have been fitted. Don’t be concerned though as this is completely normal and your facial muscles, tongue and mouth will take some time to get used to them. It may take a bit of practice to even carry out the normal tasks that we all take for granted like speaking and eating, but if you take your time and progress slowly, you’ll get there eventually.
Your dentist will be able to give you advice on various products, like denture cleansers and adhesives, that will help to boost your confidence while you are getting used to wearing your new dentures.
How Long Do Dentures Take to be Fully Fitted?
It is quite possible, from the very appointment you have with your dentist to discuss dentures and to get the ball rolling, that it only takes a few months until you have those brand new and gleaming dentures in your mouth and you feel at ease with them. At the very least, it will probably take a total of three to four, or even five appointments in the course of three to six weeks, but it varies not only from individual to individual, but to the number of teeth that need to be removed, replaced etc.
It doesn’t end after your dentist has fitted your dentures. In order to ensure that they stay in great, functioning condition and that your mouth adjusts to them, you need to keep regular appointments with your dentist.
In the end, having dentures fitted into your mouth can benefit you in many different ways, and the fact is that it’s not actually that complicated a process. Once the process is complete though, you will be able to get back to enjoying your life fully.