Getting Dentures Soon? Here’s What to Expect

Dentures are one of the most comprehensive and versatile offerings of restorative dentistry. They are the go-to solution for people who are missing multiple teeth, including those who've lost all of their teeth. 

If dentures are in the near future, you’re probably wondering what to expect from the process. 

Board-certified dentist Hiral Patel, DDS of SolidSMILES in Lewisville, Texas, is an expert in restoring oral function and appearance with dentures.

Here, he breaks down three different types of dentures and the process they entail.

Dentures replace multiple missing teeth

Dentures are removable oral appliances designed to replace multiple missing teeth at once. They’re the go-to solution for restoring a full arch of missing teeth, but dentures can also fill the gaps left by a few missing teeth.  

There are three types of removable dentures:

Complete dentures 

Complete dentures replace a full arch of teeth — top, bottom, or both. This non-fixed dental prosthetic consists of an acrylic gum-colored base fitted with artificial porcelain teeth; a top set of full dentures also features an acrylic plate that fits against the roof of your mouth.

Conventional full dentures are custom-made to match the size and contour of your jaw and rest snugly against your gums. Suction holds them firmly in place, and dental adhesives can help ensure a secure, comfortable fit.  

Partial dentures 

If you’re missing multiple teeth across your upper or lower arch, partial dentures can restore oral function and appearance. 

This removable prosthetic consists of an acrylic gum-colored base fitted with just the teeth you need to replace, whether it’s a few consecutive teeth or a scattering of teeth across the arch.  

Implant-supported dentures 

These dentures use 4-6 dental implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. The custom overdenture prosthetic has special attachments that snap into place over the implants for a secure fit. 

Without an acrylic roof plate, implant-supported dentures also provide a more streamlined fit than conventional dentures. 

What to expect when getting dentures 

Getting dentures starts with an initial consultation to evaluate your oral health, assess your restoration needs, and create a plan for your dentures — including which type of dentures is best for you. The rest of the process unfolds in the following steps:

1. Basic preparation

The first step in getting dentures often involves resolving existing dental concerns—usually deeply decayed teeth. In most cases, improving oral health before dentures means having one or more tooth extractions. Following any extractions, you wear immediate, temporary dentures until your mouth heals.

If you’re getting implant-supported dentures, the next step following extractions and healing (or the first step if you don’t require extractions) is to have the implant rods surgically inserted into your jaw. 

Following implant surgery, you wear temporary dentures for several months as your oral tissues heal and the titanium post bonds with your jawbone.  

2. Jaw impressions

Next, our team takes an impression of your upper and lower jaws to create an exacting mold of your mouth. This model provides a precise representation of your jaws and existing teeth.    

3. Bite registration 

Next, we conduct a bite registration to ensure your new teeth are placed correctly in the denture. During this step, you bite into wax blocks, and our team measures and records the positioning of your upper and lower jaws in relation to each other.  

Bite registration ensures your jaw continues functioning as it always has with your new teeth. During this step, we also finalize the shape, size, and color of your denture teeth.

4. Wax trial dentures 

Next, we create an exacting “preview” of your new dentures made from wax. Known as wax trial dentures, this step allows you to check proper denture function, fit, and position and see what they look like in your mouth.   

Previewing your new teeth before the final processing of your dentures gives you a chance to ensure your prosthetic fits perfectly and looks natural. During this step, we can make alterations to your dentures as needed. 

5. Final denture fitting

The final and often quickest step in getting dentures is having your finished prosthetic fitted to your mouth. During this appointment, we also go over basic denture care and when you should schedule your first denture aftercare visit with our team.  

Ready to restore your smile with dentures?

Are you ready to get dentures? 

here to guide you through the process. To learn more, call the office  at (469) 993-0633 or request an appointment online today.