We will meet with you to establish what your concerns are and what we can do to address them. It is our desire to listen to you and do our best to give you viable options based on your oral environment. We also want to be clear on what you should expect with the outcome of the treatment you choose. This appointment is to allow you to become familiar with your treatment options and with us. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment. Book your consultation today to see what we can do for you! We’re confident that you will “Find Your Smile Here!
From Initial Visit to Continuing Care
What to expect (full dentures)
- Initial Consultation
- Impressions (1&2)
- Bite Registration
- Wax Try-In
- Delivery of Dentures
- Post Insertion Check Up
- Adjustments
Preliminary Impressions
Using stock impression trays we will begin treatment by getting an imprint of your gums, with or without teeth, using dental alginate. Then, in our on-site lab we will form stone models of your mouth. These models will be used to diagnose the proposed treatment plan and to accurately generate custom-fitting impression trays to be used at the next appointment.
Custom Impressions
Using the custom impression trays generated from the models obtained at the preliminary impressions, we will continue treatment by taking another, more accurate imprint of your gums, with or without teeth. The stone models we produce using these impressions will be the foundation for the denture base we custom fabricate for you.
The bite registration appointment is to establish the correct bite position so that the dentures will function properly. In layman’s terms, we transfer your natural bite position onto the models we have from the impression appointments and use this in the lab to fabricate the denture to that position. At this appointment we will also consult and advise you on the shade, shape and size of the teeth that will be suitable considering your facial form and physiology.
All the teeth are set into wax, and you can now “try in” these wax dentures. It is the best way to preview your dentures because you get to wear them before they are set into hard acrylic. Together we will observe the overall appearance, the vertical measurement, and verify the bite of the dentures. This is a critical step that confirms that all is accurate both functionally and aesthetically. It is recommended that you bring a spouse or friend to this appointment to provide an extra opinion.
At this appointment, you receive your new, finished dentures. They will be highly polished and in some cases may have stippling to make the gums look more natural. We will check for areas of possible pressure and adjust them as needed. We will also confirm the proper occlusion (bite).
With your new dentures, you will receive instructions for proper maintenance, a denture bath, a denture brush, and a professional denture cleaner.
Patient satisfaction and acceptance is important to us. As such we have a checkup appointment scheduled to make any adjustments necessary, verifying the bite position, and checking speech.
Adjustments may be necessary because new dentures often need to settle in at first. We recommend that any adjustments needed be attended to quickly to prevent further issues – it is all part of the service!
FAQs
Can I do my own denture repairs?
Even if you are skilled at repairing cars or in the wood shop, do not attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Improperly relined dentures can cause increased pressure on the jaw resulting in rapid loss of jawbone. Do-it-yourself reliners can irritate the soft tissue of your mouth. Worst case scenario, this do-it-yourself approach may cause irreparable damage, resulting in the need for a set of new dentures. Do not attempt to fix a break with glue, many glues often contain harmful chemicals not intended human consumption. We are denture specialists. They will know the most effective and inexpensive way to repair your denture.
Do dentures need to be replaced?
Dentures will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear over a period of time and normal shrinkage of your gums and bones. Average denture replacement should occur every 5-7 years, depending on the quality of the dentures.
Should I remove my dentures at night?
We recommend removing your dentures at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. If you remove your dentures, it is important to leave them in water with our recommended cleaning solution to prevent any warping or cracking, and ensuring a cleaner denture.
I've only lost a few teeth. Is it really worth having a partial denture?
Yes! Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth on each side. A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease. Teeth that are out of position can damage tissues in the mouth. A removable partial denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile. A partial denture helps you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth. In addition, a denture may improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.
Post Care
Post Insertion Check Up
Patient satisfaction and acceptance is important to us. As such we have a checkup appointment scheduled to make any adjustments necessary, verifying the bite position, and checking speech.
Adjustments
Adjustments may be necessary because new dentures often need to settle in at first. We recommend that any adjustments needed be attended to quickly to prevent further issues – it is all part of the service!