If you’ve lost most of your teeth or need most of your teeth extracted due to dental health issues, Dr. Matthew Bridges may recommend replacing all of your teeth with dentures. Modern dentures are comfortable, look natural, and can improve your quality of life, as well as your oral and overall health. If you’re considering transitioning to dentures, you may ask yourself, “How are dentures made?”
Each year, an estimated three million Americans choose full or partial dentures. Currently, 41 million Americans use dentures, and the numbers are rising. So rest assured, you’re not alone!
In today’s blog, you’ll learn how dentures are made step by step. We’ll dive into:
- Denture consultation and impressions
- Creating mouth models
- Creating a denture base
- Selecting and affixing replacement teeth to base
- Finalizing dentures from wax model to actual dentures
- Fit and fix your dentures
- Denture care and maintenance
Dr. Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, has studied TMD/TMJ, functional occlusion, predictable esthetics, and general and family dentistry. He served as the Speaker of the House of Delegates for the American Student Dental Association and was president of the Southwest Dental Society for four years. His peers also nominated him for fellowship in the American College of Dentists. His experience and talent for art and science have made him an excellent choice for patients interested in dentures.
Call 580-255-4880 for an appointment with Dr. Bridges today and we can answer all your questions about how dentures are made.
Denture Consultation and Impressions
To answer the question, “How are dentures made?” we must start at the beginning, a patient consultation with Dr. Bridges. At this appointment, the dentist will evaluate your oral health through a comprehensive exam and X-rays.
If you and Dr. Bridges agree that dentures are the best option to replace your missing teeth, you can look forward to eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence!
At this initial appointment, Dr. Bridges can take impressions, which will provide the dentist and lab technicians with a blueprint of your mouth. A good dental impression can ensure dentures are created to perfectly fit onto the contours of your gums, for comfort and stability.
Creating Mouth Models
The lab technician will create a plaster mold of your gums based on your dental impressions. Next, the technician will fabricate a wax replica of your gums, adding a preliminary denture base to the model. You may be asked to try on the base at this point.
Creating a Custom Denture Base
The base of a denture fits over the upper or lower arch of the mouth and is made from pink acrylic resin that mimics gum tissue. From the wax model, the lab technician will create a mold to fabricate your custom denture base. After the resin sets, the lab technician will polish and trim the denture base for the best fit and appearance.
Selecting and Affixing Replacement Teeth to Base
Dr. Bridges and the lab technician collaborate on creating artificial teeth. Together, they will design teeth of the best size, shape, and color for your smile’s optimal esthetics. Once fabricated, each tooth will be set in wax to evaluate the denture’s occlusion (how upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed).
Finalizing Dentures
After you approve the wax model, a technician will permanently affix each tooth to the acrylic base. Once they’re polished, your new dentures should look stunning! They’ll also improve your ability to eat a healthy diet and dine with confidence in front of others. Your self-esteem will get a big boost, too.
Fit and Fix Your Dentures
The final appointment involves trying on your new dentures so Dr. Bridges can adjust the fit, if necessary. Minor adjustments may be made later, once you’ve adjusted to wearing the dentures.
Denture Care and Maintenance
To keep your dentures beautiful and clean, daily maintenance is necessary. C for soaking the appliance. Also, plan to see Dr. Bridges regularly for six-month checkups and every two to four years for relining your denture. If you take good care of your dentures, they’ll look gorgeous and endure for many years.
Schedule Your Denture Consultation Today!
This blog should have answered the question, “How are dentures made?” For your in-person consultation, call our Duncan dentist’s office today at 580-255-4880. Dr. Bridges and our team look forward to helping you secure and maintain excellent oral health and a head-turning smile.
