What is involved in having dentures made? Initially, first then second impressions are taken which are used to make the denture. It may be necessary to record your bite before the try-in stage, at which point the artificial teeth are temporarily set in wax. You will be asked if you are satisfied with the appearance and will need to express any concerns. Alterations can be accommodated relatively easily at this stage. Once set in the plastic denture, change is both difficult and expensive. How many appointments will I need? Normally from four to six depending on the individual case. What is the life expectancy of the different types of denture? Life expectancy is very variable depending on the amount of wear and tear they are subjected to. Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to inspect for signs of undue wear. With full dentures it is also important to have the soft tissues in the mouth examined yearly to check for denture wear and any change in the underlying soft tissues. How should I take care of my denture? Dentures require a certain amount of care to keep them looking at their best, as will any remaining natural teeth to minimise the chance of damage from contact with the denture. Dentures should not be worn during the night when you are asleep as this prolongs the time during which the delicate tissues in the mouth remain covered with the denture and can lead to chronic soreness. Although inconvenient at times, it is recommended that dentures are removed and kept in water overnight. As well as recommending that you brush your natural teeth before going to bed, your denture should be brushed daily with normal toothpaste to ensure the removal of all deposits. This can be helped by using a small ultrasonic cleaner. Following these guidelines will greatly help to keep dentures looking their best. Immersion of dentures in proprietary cleaners is not recommended as these can cause permanent staining or bleaching of the teeth and plastic. Getting accustomed to new dentures will take 10 days to a fortnight to become fully accustomed to your new denture and to feel it belongs to you. This is natural as your mouth needs time to adjust from feeling things as they were before. It also takes a little time to build up a new mental image of how it should feel and look. Like any significant change in your appearance (for example, after changing hairstyle) it will take a few days of looking at yourself in a mirror to become fully accustomed to the new appearance. Occasionally, areas of the denture may rub or feel uncomfortable. Please contact us to arrange for the problem to be put right. Before coming for your appointment, please ensure that you wear your denture for a full 24 hours so that the area of soreness can be easily seen. |