What is the process of getting partial dentures? With 36 million Americans missing one or more teeth, many people want to know the answer.
The partial denture process is a relatively simple process. And getting partial dentures designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth is much faster than you think!
In this article, we take a closer look at what you can expect during the partial denture process, from start to finish. With this knowledge (and the proper guidance from your dentist), you’ll be ready to achieve optimal oral health while improving your smile aesthetically.
What Are Partial Dentures?
Did you know that by the time they turn 50, the average American will lose 12 of their permanent teeth?
That makes partial dentures, dental prosthetics used to replace one or more missing teeth, extremely common. Unlike traditional dentures, which are designed to replace an entire arch of teeth, partial dentures are custom-made to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. Partial dentures restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently!
Partial dentures don’t just help with proper oral function – they also support your remaining natural teeth. They help prevent your teeth from shifting out of place, an issue that can lead to further tooth loss or other dental problems if not addressed.
Why Do Dentists Recommend Partial Dentures?
When fitting partial dentures, patients often want to know why this option may be better than full dentures. If only a few teeth or a small area of the mouth needs to be treated, dentists might not need to fit patients for a full set of dentures. Partial dentures might also be a better option for patients who:
- Maintain good oral health habits
- Have strong and healthy natural teeth remaining
- Don’t want to have dental implant surgery
- Want an affordable way to replace their missing teeth
What Is The Process of Getting Partial Dentures?
Keep reading to better understand how to get a partial denture and what you can expect during each step of the journey.
Step 1: Consultation
When you visit your dentist to discuss getting partial dentures, they’ll look at your oral health and decide if you’re a good candidate for a partial denture procedure. If you’re not, then the dentist will recommend an alternative treatment option, like dental implants.
Step 2: Impressions
If your dentist recommends partial dentures, the next step is getting an impression of your teeth so that a custom-made partial denture can be created.
Making partial dentures requires a set of unique impressions that ensure the dentures fit your mouth perfectly. They capture every unique detail of your mouth, including the shape of your teeth and gums, the size of your jawbone, and the spacing between your teeth.
Most dentists will use a soft, putty-like material to take an imprint of your mouth. Then, they’ll send the impressions to a dental lab for manufacturing.
Step 3: Try-in
When your dentures are ready, you’ll return to the office so your dentist can check the fit of your partial denture. This appointment is called a “try-in,” and it gives you a chance to see what your dentures will look and feel like before they’re finalized.
During the try-in, your dentist will place the partial denture in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments. Fitting partial dentures correctly is essential because an ill-fitting denture can cause a number of problems, like gum irritation, mouth sores, and difficulty eating and speaking.
Step 4: Final Fitting
A few weeks after your try-in appointment, you’ll once again go back to the dentist’s office so they can recheck the fit of your partial denture before taking them home.
Patients have their own unique questions and concerns about partial dentures, and your dentist is more than ready to help put your mind at ease! The final fitting is a great time to ask any of those last-minute questions before you head out with your new head-turning smile.
How Long Does It Take To Get Partial Dentures?
The partial denture process is unique to each patient. On average, the wait time is usually around eight weeks. Customizations, fittings, and the manufacturing process can affect how long it takes to get your partial dentures.
So, how long does it take to get partial dentures? Here’s a breakdown of how long each step of a partial denture procedure will likely take:
- Impressions (initial visit)
- Jaw relation records (two weeks)
- Wax try-in (two weeks)
- Denture delivery (two weeks)
- Follow-up (two weeks/as needed)
Follow All Care Instructions After Getting Partial Dentures
The key to successful partial dentures is proper follow-up care. After your final fitting, your dentist will give you a set of care instructions. These instructions help you get the most out of your new dentures and ensure they last for many years.
A dentist will educate you on how to:
- Clean your dentures. Plaque and other debris can build up on dentures, just like on natural teeth. To clean your dentures, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. You should soak them in a denture cleanser overnight.
- Handle your dentures with care. Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. Always handle them with care and keep them in their case when you’re not wearing them.
- Correctly insert and remove your dentures. Never force dentures into your mouth. If they don’t fit easily, visit your dentist for an adjustment. To remove your dentures, gently pull on the front edge while using your tongue to help.
- Practice proper oral care. In addition to cleaning your dentures, you should brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth every day to help remove the plaque that can cause gum disease.
Learn More About the Partial Denture Process At Northside Dental Co.
Overall, the process of getting partial dentures is fairly straightforward. After an initial consultation with your dentist, you schedule a few appointments to get impressions and fittings. Once the denture is made, you have a final fitting where your dentist explains how to care for your new dentures and maintain good oral health.
Now that you know how to get a partial denture, the next step is contacting Northside Dental Co. to see if a partial denture is right for you. Our team of experienced dentists can help you identify the proper way to improve your oral health, whether that involves a partial denture procedure or another treatment type.
Contact us today to set up your first appointment and learn more about partial dentures and how they can benefit you!
