What Happens When You Need New Dentures

by Milton Hayes

If your dentist has recommended that you get dentures, you may need to visit a denture clinic. This is a clinic that specializes in creating and readjusting or otherwise fixing dentures for dental patients. If this is your first set of dentures, you may not know what happens at such a clinic and what to expect. Note the typical process of getting new dentures at a clinic and what you can do to make it more comfortable and easier on you, and ensure the appointment goes as planned.

1. Measuring and Casting

Typically the first thing that happens at a clinic is that your mouth gets measured and initial casts are made. This is usually done with a clay-like substance that is put over your gums and fitted and formed. Many patients find that this is somewhat uncomfortable just because of the feeling of clay in their mouth, but this isn't typically a painful process. The clay is gently but firmly shaped and formed around your gum lines, and unless you have sores or other irritation in the mouth, you shouldn't be in pain during this process. 

2. Temporary Dentures

Often, patients are given temporary dentures to wear while their own dentures are being created. These may be made of a lower quality material than the real dentures and may not fit as well, since they are simply used to protect the gums and allow you to eat and talk somewhat easily while your actual dentures are being made. Don't worry if the temporary dentures seem uncomfortable or slip out of place often, as this typically won't happen as much with your real dentures; the real dentures will be more fitted to your gums and made of higher quality materials so they stay put throughout the day.

3. Real Dentures

After your real dentures are made and completed, you will come back to the clinic for a final fitting. Your dentist will want to ensure they fit around your gum line properly and will also take the time to show you how to put them on, use adhesive, remove them, clean them, and the like. During this appointment, you want to take the time to ensure you know everything there is to know about wearing and caring for your dentures on a daily basis. Don't rush through the process, but note if they feel uncomfortable, if you're having problems keeping them in place, and the like.


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