Complete Denture Procedure Steps

There are many steps and appointments required to complete the full denture procedure. The exact length of time can vary depending on many factors including how many teeth are being replaced, the condition of the gums and jawbone, and the complexity of the treatment plan. A typical procedure would follow these steps:
 
–       Removal of Existing Teeth: Full dentures may require existing teeth to be removed. The patient’s gums must also heal before the first denture fitting consultation can take place. This tooth removal and the healing process can take 8-12 weeks or more.
–       Initial Consultation/Examination: This first appointment will be up to an hour long and covers the introductory phase of the denture procedure.
–       Impressions/Measurements: During this appointment, your teeth, gums, and jawbone are measured and impressions are taken. Expect this appointment to take about an hour.
–       Trial Denture Fitting: A temporary denture is placed in your mouth and adjustments are made to correct the fit and bite. This appointment is about an hour long.
–       Final Denture Fitting: This hour-long appointment involves the fitting of the final denture. Adjustments are made where required, and you are provided with instructions on how to care for and use the dentures.
 
The full denture procedure can take from several weeks to several months to complete.

The time required to get used to wearing dentures varies from person to person. Some adapt quickly, while others require a little more time to get used to eating, speaking, and wearing false teeth. In general terms, it can take between a few weeks to many months to get used to dentures. However, there are a few things you can do to help make the adjustment easier. They include:
 
–       Wear the dentures exactly as you have been instructed to by your dental professional
–       When eating, begin with soft foods and slowly introduce more challenging foods as you become more comfortable eating with dentures.
–       Speak and read aloud to practice speaking with dentures.
–       Follow your dentist’s recommendation for denture adhesive to hold your false teeth securely.
–       Follow good oral hygiene practices by brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth twice daily.
–       Have your dentures examined and adjusted (if required) at least once per year.
 
Remember, you must be patient during the adjustment period to experience success. For further advice, consult with your dental professional.

This depends on the type of dentures you are receiving. Sometimes, you will be provided with a temporary denture or an “immediate denture” as your final denture is being created. An immediate denture is made before all of your natural teeth have been removed so that they can be inserted as soon as your last tooth is extracted. This provides you with teeth while your gums heal, and your final denture is being made. An immediate denture is a temporary solution that can be worn for a few months to let gums heal properly and to allow time for the final denture to be created.

The fit and bite of dentures help to determine how well they will function and how comfortable they will be. As dentures are being made, the fit and bite are checked and adjusted often to ensure the best outcome. Here are a few ways these factors are monitored:
 
–       Impressions/Measurements: Before the dentures are manufactured, your dental professional will take impressions and measurements of your gums and jaws.
–       Trail Denture Fitting: A temporary denture is made and you are allowed to try it on. The idea here is that the bite and fit are tested and adjustments are determined at that time.
–       Bite Registration: A bite registration is taken. This helps to align the dentures properly so that the bite is functional and comfortable.
–       Wax Try-In: A wax copy of the final denture is made, and you get to wear it as a test to see how the fit and bite are with this version of the denture. Final adjustments are made at this point.
–       Final Denture Fitting: The final denture is placed into your mouth and if the fit and bite require adjustment, this is when they are made. After the final fit and bite adjustments have been completed, you are free to take the new dentures with you.

Full dentures are typically adjusted several times during the manufacturing process and can be adjusted once they are complete. If you feel any discomfort from wearing new dentures, there is an adjustment period where your mouth and gums will be uncomfortable as you get used to wearing the appliance. However, if you still experience pain after you have become accustomed to the dentures, you can visit your dental professional for further adjustments to the dentures.

Follow-up appointments are a normal way of life once you receive dentures. As you get used to wearing them the first few weeks and months, you must monitor how they fit and function during that time. Any issues should be shared with your dental professional so that they can be addressed at a follow-up appointment.

To ensure that your dentures last a long time and function properly, there are a few care tips you should follow. They include:
 
–       Clean Them Daily: Just like your natural teeth, dentures need to be cleaned daily to keep them from building up plaque and bacteria. The best way to do this is by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. An ultrasonic denture cleaner can help if used once per week.
–       Soak Your Dentures: Another way to help keep your dentures clean and fresh is to soak them overnight in water or a denture-cleaning solution. Not only will this assist in cleaning, but the soaking will keep your dentures moist. If they dry out, you risk cracks, breaks, and other damage occurring.
–       Rinse After Eating: Following each meal, remove your dentures and rinse them with warm (not hot) water to remove any food particles or debris.
–       Handle With Care: Dentures are fragile and can break or crack if dropped. When cleaning them, do so over a sink filled with water or a folded towel to cushion them should they slip out of your hands.
–       Visit Your Dentist Regularly: To ensure that your dentures continue to fit and function properly, it is important to see your dental professional for regular checkups. These appointments will also help your dentist monitor your mouth, gums, and remaining teeth for good oral health. Should sometime be identified, it can be addressed quickly.
–       Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: The surface of your dentures can be damaged if you use regular toothpaste or a regular toothbrush as both can be abrasive. A soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste specially formulated for denture cleaning are best as they will not wear down the denture surfaces.
–       Do Not Use Hot Water: Soaking or cleaning your dentures with hot water can cause them to warp and lose their shape. Warm water is fine.
–       Store Properly: When not in use, it is important to store your dentures properly. A clean container that has been made for dentures is recommended. Soaking them overnight keeps dentures from drying out which can damage them.
 
If you take care of your false teeth, you will have many years of use from them.

The adjustment period for getting used to dentures is not the same for each person. However, it normally takes between a few weeks and a few months. During this time, you may experience some discomfort, issues with speaking and eating, and other factors that relate to the fit and function of your dentures. Here is a list of some of the more common issues you may encounter as you adjust to your dentures:
 
–       Sore Spots: The rubbing of dentures on your gums can result in sore spots. An adjustment to the dentures may relieve this.
–       Speaking Difficulties: You may discover that some words and sounds will take additional effort when you start wearing dentures. One way to help get through this phase is to practice speaking slowly and clearly so that your tongue and mouth muscles get used to having to adapt to your dentures.
–       Eating Difficulties: Chewing with dentures may take some time to get used to. To help with this, start with soft foods and gradually increase the amount of harder and more complex foods you consume.
–       Saliva Production Changes: Not all new denture wearers experience this, but some do notice an increase in saliva production when they start wearing dentures. This usually reverts to normal once your mouth adjusts to the appliance.
–       Changes In Taste: You may notice a change in your sense of taste when you start wearing dentures. This normally goes away with time.

To make the adjustment period as easy as possible, it is important to follow the instructions of your dental professional. Follow-up appointments are to allow you to bring up any issues that may have developed after the adjustment period so that they can be addressed quickly. Otherwise, you should have few problems with your dentures after you get used to them.