How Does Getting Dentures Work?
The first dentures in history were made of wood. Today we have porcelain and resin dentures that last longer and can be easily cleaned. Dentures may be the answer for you when you are having trouble eating or speaking because of missing or eroded teeth. Here is some information for those of you who are looking into getting dentures.
- Check with your dental insurance provider. It may be considered cosmetic unless your dentist can help you to prove that you need dentures in order to eat or speak properly. Most often you will only have to pay part of the cost, but it is best to make sure you can afford the payment before you begin the process.
- See your regular dentist and ask them if it is in your best interest to get dentures. Some other alternatives may be more practical or affordable. Your dentist can tell you if you would benefit from getting partial dentures, bridges, or implants instead of full dentures.
- Visit a prosthodontist. Your dentist will probably be able to refer you to one that is in your area. When you see the prosthodontist you will probably need to visit several times in order to complete the process. The first visit is usually just an initial examination.
- Make a mold of your mouth. This is the first part of the actual process, preparing to make the actual resin and porcelain dentures. The initial mold will help the dental laboratory to make a negative wax mold that can be tweaked to the perfect fit.
- Choose a shade that looks natural. Your prosthodontist will want to make the dentures look natural so you should consult with them about your preferences and habits.
- Return to the prosthodontist’s office to have a final fitting. You can talk to your doctor about how the fit is and if you need anything done to make the dentures more comfortable.
- Pick up your dentures. You should wear them daily to get your mouth used to them and keep the fit snug and comfortable. If you fail to wear the dentures for an extended period they may not fit well anymore.