How are dentures made step by step?
As a result of chronic diseases, accidents, old age or insufficient oral hygiene, we may lose our natural teeth. Gaps in dentition should be filled as soon as possible. By filling them, we will be able to speak clearly and we will not experience digestive problems caused by incorrect or insufficient chewing. Replacing missing teeth will also prevent unsightly changes in the appearance of the face, e.g. sunken cheeks. We can also avoid bite defects caused by the shifting of the teeth adjacent to the gaps. One way to replace missing teeth is to use dentures. In order to have a denture made for us, we should visit a prosthodontist. From today’s blog entry we will learn what the process of making dentures looks like.
How are dentures made step by step?
A removable denture cannot be created in a short time during one visit. This is because in order to make dentures, cooperation of a dental laboratory is needed. So in order to create a comfortable, aesthetic and individually tailored denture, it is necessary to make several visits to the dentist’s office.
1. First visit to the dentist
During the first visit the dentist specialized in prosthodontics examines the condition of the patient’s existing teeth. For proper assessment, it is necessary to take a panoramic dental X-ray. If all teeth are missing taking X-ray images might not be necessary. If only a few teeth are left, then small X-ray images might suffice. The dentist proposes possible prosthodontic solutions, then estimates the cost and, together with the patient, chooses one of the solutions.
1 a. Taking a dental impression
The prosthodontist takes an impression inside the oral cavity, using a special dental impression material. On the basis of impressions, the dental laboratory will create plaster models that precisely reproduce the shape of the gums and the remaining teeth.
1 b. Selecting the appropriate color and shape of the teeth in the denture
In order for the denture to be as faithful a replica of natural teeth as possible, the dentist carefully selects the color, size and shape of the teeth.
2. The patient’s bite is recorded
During this visit, the prosthodontist determines he height of the bite, that is the position of the upper and lower jaw teeth relative to each other.
3. Positioning of the artificial teeth
The next step is the positioning of the artificial teeth in a wax model of the denture. During this visit the prosthodontist precisely arranges the teeth that will be part of the new denture.
4. Delivery of the finished denture
During this visit, the patient receives a ready-made denture from the dentist. The denture is “tailor-made” and makes a close fit to with shape of the gums. It looks aesthetically pleasing and guarantees a high comfort of use.
5. Follow-up visit
During the last visit, the dentist assesses the adaptation of the patient’s mouth to the new denture. After wearing the denture for a few days, the patient might feel a need for minor adjustments, which the dentist performs on site within minutes. As the patients adapts to the new denture, there might be a need for more than one adjustment, but sometimes there is no need for adjustments at all.
