Receiving Your Custom Dentures
Losing teeth can significantly impact your life, not just due to the discomfort and pain it may cause but also because it can affect your self-esteem and your ability to speak and eat with ease. Fortunately, our dentist in Holyoke, MA, Dr. Eric Chen, provides a solution through dentures.
Understand how the denture process works before making your decision. To book an appointment with our Holyoke dentist, contact our Holyoke dental office today by calling (413) 538-7400.
The Procedure for Dentures at Holyoke Mall Dental
The process of getting dentures involves several steps. Patients need to remember that the procedure may vary depending on the type of dentures they choose, such as immediate dentures, compared to the traditional denture process described below.
Initial Consultation
The first step in determining if complete dentures are the best solution for replacing missing teeth is to schedule a consultation at our Holyoke dental office with Dr. Chen. During this visit, he’ll assess your oral health and discuss your needs and expectations.
Based on this evaluation, our dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. Factors taken into account include:
- The number of missing teeth
- The condition of your oral health
- The state of your jawbone
- Any potential complications
Preliminary Impressions
After deciding to move forward with dentures, our dentist will take impressions of your gums, natural teeth, and surrounding tissues to create a mold of your mouth. This mold serves as the foundation for crafting a custom-fitted denture that sits securely and comfortably.
Using these impressions and measurements, a dental laboratory will develop a detailed model of your mouth. This model is crucial for designing dentures that perfectly fit the unique contours of your mouth.
Wax Models
A wax model of the dentures is crafted to give you a preview of how the dentures will look and fit in your mouth. This stage allows for any necessary adjustments to be made, ensuring that the final product aligns with your needs and expectations in terms of appearance and fit.
Final Denture Fitting
After the wax model receives your approval, the final dentures will be crafted. These finished dentures will be placed in your mouth, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure they fit securely and comfortably.
Follow-up Appointments
Once you receive your new dentures, you’ll likely have a follow-up visit with our dentist to confirm they’re fitting correctly and that you feel comfortable using them. Dr. Chen may also offer instructions on maintaining and caring for your dentures to prolong their lifespan. It’s important to attend regular dental check-ups to ensure your new dentures remain in excellent condition and to monitor your oral health.
Do You Need Tooth Extraction Before Getting Dentures?
To ensure a proper fit for complete or partial dentures, tooth extraction might be necessary. If extractions are required, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and remove the existing teeth. In some cases, incisions in the gum tissue may be needed.
After getting your teeth extracted, sutures may be placed to aid healing. It’s important to eat soft foods and avoid smoking or alcohol to promote recovery. Once the gums have healed, our dentist will start the process of creating your dentures.
The Lifespan of Your Dentures
Once you have completed the denture process, it’s essential to take steps to maximize your denture’s lifespan. Typically, traditional dentures can last between five and 10 years.
To help extend the life of your new dentures, consider the following tips:
- Material Quality: The durability of your new dentures greatly depends on the quality of materials used in their creation. Opting for high-quality materials typically results in longer-lasting dentures.
- Proper Care: Maintaining and cleaning your dentures properly is crucial. Ignoring oral hygiene can lead to quicker wear and tear. A healthy mouth contributes to the longevity of your dentures.
- Dental Health: Over time, the precise shape and structure of your mouth may change, which can affect how your dentures fit. Regular dental check-ups can help manage this concern.
- Denture Type: The type of dentures you have (full denture, partial denture, implant-supported denture) can impact their lifespan. Implant-supported dentures, for example, tend to be more stable and durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeline for receiving dentures typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months. This duration depends on various factors, including the type of dentures being crafted and any adjustments that may be needed. The process involves several stages, such as creating a preliminary model, fabricating the final dentures, and ensuring they fit properly and comfortably.
There are various types of dentures tailored to meet different needs.
- Full dentures are designed to replace all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.
- Partial dentures, on the other hand, are intended for replacing one or more missing teeth and are held in place by clasps that attach to the remaining natural teeth.
- Implant-supported dentures provide added stability and comfort by using dental implants.
Achieve a Complete, Healthy Smile With Dentures
Transform your life with dentures after tooth loss. Though adjusting to new dentures takes time, the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently is invaluable. Dr. Chen ensures a comfortable, personalized fitting and provides ongoing support for lasting results.
Call us at (413) 538-7400 to book your consultation. We proudly serve Holyoke, Westfield, Southampton, South Hadley, and Greater Springfield.