Whether you’re missing several or all of your teeth, dentures have been a time-trusted solution to filling the gaps in smiles for decades. However, the process is more high-tech and the results are much more lifelike than even a decade ago. The artistry involved in the denture-making process takes some time, but you’ll be sure to appreciate the amount of effort and attention to detail involved when you absolutely love your new smile! Read on to learn what your denture journey will look like and how long it will take.
Step 1: Consulting with Your Dentist
The first step of every denture treatment is a consultation with your dentist. This is when you’ll be able to learn more about the pros and cons of dentures, as well as your other treatment options. Your dentist will create an in-depth treatment plan that they’ll walk you through as well, allowing you to ask any lingering questions and feel completely confident before consenting to moving forward with the procedure.
Step 2: Preliminary Treatments & Impressions
Some patients may need preliminary treatments before they can be fitted for dentures. These often include tackling chronic oral health problems, like gum disease, as well as removing any severely damaged teeth. Once these preparatory procedures are complete and your gums can support your restoration, your dentist will take a digital impression of your mouth. This will be used by the dental laboratory to craft your replacement teeth to not only look natural, but also fit perfectly.
Step 3: Crafting Your Dentures
At the dental laboratory, each part of your denture in Clinton Township will be custom-crafted based on a model of your mouth. The base is typically made from gum-colored acrylic, while the replacement teeth can be created from natural-looking, durable dental materials like ceramic or porcelain. The craftsmanship that goes into this part of the process is immense, so it can take between six weeks and three months.
Step 4: Making Sure Your Dentures Are Perfect
After your denture is made, the laboratory will send it back to your dentist so you can try it on and make sure it fits and functions perfectly. It’s not unusual for adjustments to need to be made, which could tack-on a couple of extra weeks to the process. It’s crucial to make sure they’re just right, so although having to wait a little longer for a fully restored smile can be frustrating, trust that it’s well worth it!
About the Author
Over the last decade, Dr. Milad Rabban has helped hundreds of patients regain complete smiles by offering high-quality restorations like dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. She is committed to providing custom-tailored care with her patients’ best interests at heart, making her a top choice for tooth replacement in Clinton Township. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Clinton Township Family Dental’s website or call 586-416-1444.