Dentures

Dentures replace natural teeth that you have lost to dental disease or facial trauma. You need full dentures if you no longer have any natural teeth or partial dentures to replace one or more missing teeth. The missing teeth need not be consecutive. However, you would wear a retainer on either your top or bottom jaw with replacement teeth that line up to where your natural teeth used to be. Dentures can be removable or permanently affixed in your mouth with dental implants.

The Process of Receiving Dentures

Getting dentures requires some patience as you need to attend several appointments throughout the process. During the first session, our dentist takes measurements and several X-rays. You will also have a dental mold created of your jaws and any remaining teeth you have. Our laboratory technicians use the mold, measurements, and X-rays to create customized temporary dentures for you.

While you wear the temporary dentures, our dentist will test the shape, color, and fit several times before requesting that our laboratory technicians create your final mold. When your permanent dentures are ready, a member of our staff will reach out to you to come in for a final fitting. Our dentist will make any necessary adjustments at that time.

Getting Used to Wearing Dentures

You should expect it to take at least a couple of weeks to feel comfortable wearing your new dentures. Keep in mind that the muscles in your tongue and cheeks need time to grow strong enough to support the new appliance. You may also feel unsure of removing and inserting your dentures yourself for a little while.

Minor irritations, such as increased saliva production or mouth sores, are normal during the adjustment period to dentures. While you may feel slightly uncomfortable, it is important to wear removable dentures for as many waking hours as possible. These issues should be resolved on their own, but feel free to contact your dentist if you are still struggling after two weeks.

Schedule a Consultation with Oneonta Dental Center

Dentures in Oneonta, AL are just one of several options you have for replacing missing teeth. We invite you to learn more about dentures and whether they are right for you during a personal consultation with our dentist.