Losing teeth can drastically affect your life, not only because of the pain and discomfort it can cause but also because it can affect your self-confidence and ability to speak and eat comfortably. Fortunately, our Woodland Hills dentist, Dr. John Chaves, offers a solution to this problem in the form of dentures.Â
See how the denture process works before making your decision. To speak with our Woodland Hills dentist, contact our dental office today by calling 818-491-7294.Â
At John M. Chaves, DDS we offer high-quality, yet affordable denture solutions and are in network with many leading insurance companies.
The first step to determining if complete dentures are perfect for replacing missing teeth is to schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills dental office with Dr. Chaves. They’ll evaluate your oral health and discuss your needs and expectations.Â
Based on the assessment, our dentist will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. Factors considered include:
Once the decision is made to proceed with dentures, our dentist takes impressions of your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues to create a mold of your mouth. This mold will be used to create a customized denture that fits securely and comfortably in your mouth.
Using the impressions and measurements, a dental laboratory creates a detailed model of your mouth. This model helps in crafting the dentures to accurately fit the unique shape of your mouth.
A wax model of the dentures will be created to allow you to see how the dentures will look and fit in your mouth. Any necessary adjustments can be made at this stage to ensure that the appearance of the final product meets your needs and expectations.
Once the wax model has been approved, the final denture will be created. The finished dentures will be fitted in your mouth, and any necessary adjustments will be made to confirm it fits comfortably and securely.
After receiving your new dentures, you’ll likely have a follow-up appointment with our dentist to check that they’re fitting properly and that you’re comfortable with them. Dr. Chaves may also provide instructions and tips on how to care for and maintain your dentures. Make sure to keep up with regular dental visits, keeping your new dentures in great condition as well as your oral health.
Getting teeth extracted before getting dentures is a common process for many people who require complete dentures or partial dentures. The process of extracting teeth before denture placement is important because it allows for the proper fitting and comfort of the dentures.
If it’s determined you need a tooth extraction before getting dentures, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic and then remove the necessary teeth. In some cases, your dentist may need to make incisions in the gum tissue to access the teeth.
After the teeth have been extracted, they’ll likely place sutures in the gum tissue to promote healing. Patients may be advised to eat soft foods and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for some time after the extraction to promote healing.
Once the gums have healed, our dentist will start the process of creating your dentures.
After you go through the process of getting dentures, you’ll want to make sure they last as long as possible. On average, traditional dentures last between 5 and 10 years.Â
To increase the longevity of your new dentures, keep the following in mind:
Generally, the process can take a few weeks to a few months. The timeline for receiving dentures will vary depending on several factors, including the type of dentures being made and any necessary adjustments. It involves multiple steps, including creating a preliminary model, fabricating the final dentures, and confirming they fit correctly and comfortably.
Yes, there are several types of dentures to choose from based on your specific needs. Full dentures replace all teeth in the upper and lower jaws, while partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth and are secured by clasps that attach to neighboring teeth. Additionally, implant-supported dentures use dental implants for enhanced stability and comfort.
Proper care is essential to make sure your dentures last and remain in good condition. Be sure to remove them at night to give your gums a rest. Clean your dentures daily with a soft brush and mild soap or denture cleaner, avoiding regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive. When not in use, store your dentures in a container of water or a denture solution to prevent them from drying out. It’s also important to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure the fit remains comfortable and to address any adjustments needed.
While it may take time to get used to wearing dentures, most patients report they begin to feel quite natural after a short adjustment period. New dentures might feel bulky or uncomfortable at first, but with time, your mouth will adapt. If you’re experiencing discomfort, it’s important to consult your dentist, who can make adjustments for better fit and comfort. Additionally, implant-supported dentures offer a more stable, natural-feeling solution, as they are anchored to the jawbone, much like real teeth.
The process of getting dentures can be a life-changing experience for individuals who have lost their teeth. While it may take some time to adjust to wearing and caring for your new dentures, the benefits of being able to eat, speak, and smile just like with natural teeth can be well worth it. With the help of Dr. Chaves, you can enjoy a comfortable and personalized denture fitting process, as well as ongoing support and care to maintain the longevity and effectiveness of your dentures.Â
Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills dental office today by giving our dentist a call at 818-491-7294.
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