The Denture Process Explained: From Impressions to Final Fit
If you're considering getting dentures, understanding the process can make the journey smoother and less intimidating. From the initial consultation to the moment you walk out with a confident smile, the denture process is carefully designed to ensure comfort, function, and a natural look. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect.
- Initial Consultation and Examination Your journey begins with a comprehensive dental exam. The dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your medical history, and determine the best type of dentures for your needs—whether full, partial, or implant-supported. If any teeth need to be extracted or existing dental issues addressed, those steps will be planned first.
- Taking Impressions of Your Mouth Once your mouth is ready, the dentist will take detailed impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth. These molds are crucial for creating dentures that fit comfortably and securely. They capture the unique contours of your mouth to ensure the final product feels as natural as possible.
- Creating a Wax Model
Next, a wax try-in model is made. This is a mock-up of your future dentures, crafted using your impressions. During a fitting appointment, you’ll try on this model to check the shape, bite, and appearance. You’ll also choose the shade of the teeth to ensure they match your preferences and look natural.
This stage is your chance to provide feedback—if the fit feels off or the appearance isn’t quite right, adjustments can be made before the final dentures are created.
- Fabricating the Final Dentures Once you and your dentist are happy with the wax model, your final dentures are crafted using durable, natural-looking materials. These are custom-made in a dental lab to ensure a precise fit based on all the measurements and adjustments gathered earlier.
- Final Fitting Appointment When your final dentures are ready, you’ll return for your fitting appointment. The dentist will ensure the dentures fit comfortably and make any necessary adjustments. They’ll check your bite, speech, and comfort level and provide instructions on how to wear, clean, and store your new smile.
- Follow-Up Visits for Adjustments It’s normal to experience minor discomfort or need small tweaks after wearing your dentures for a few days. Most dentists schedule a follow-up visit to check in and make further adjustments if needed.