So you’ve ‘just about’ decided to go the denture route. That’s ok. Most people wouldn’t want all their teeth extracted for a million dollars. It’s probably a toss-up between having fingernails pulled out or teeth. But, let’s not go there quite yet.
Just for snickers, there are a lot of famous people who wear or have worn dentures, according to Orawave LLC. They include: Clark Gable (he was a hunk!) James Dean; and today, Bijou Phillips and Lemmy of Motorhead. Needless to say there was George Washington, and no, his teeth were not wooden, according to Dr. Charles Arias, Some Interesting Facts. Winston Churchill made earth-shaking decisions while wearing dentures. Didn’t mind a bit.
So, that leaves you.
First step, get your teeth checked to determine what teeth, if any, can be saved, say The Denturist Association of British Columbia. It will make a lot of difference in the function of your new teeth if
the appliance can be hooked to existing teeth.
When that is determined, the purchase of a denture, and, to some extent the fit and cosmetic appearance will hinge on what you can pay. For example, the Consumer Guide to Dentistry says that highly cross-linked polymer denture teeth are more esthetic and do not wear as much as conventional plastic dentures. Of course, they cost more. But, warranties on this type of denture may extend to ten years. Denture costs can range from $300 dollars to $8000.
What’s the difference? A lot, if you can afford it. Many general dentists fit dentures. But a prosthodontist receives three more years of advanced training in restorative dentistry. One of these dentists may take up to 15 hours and 5 to 6 appointments to make and fit your denture.
They are skilled in determining the contour of bony ridges,and how a denture can fit your particular needs. These dentures can be created with teeth very much like the ones you had, if you liked their appearance. They can give a gap in the front teeth, gold crowns, etc, for the complete appearance of natural teeth. And, get this!
‘Placement of denture teeth in ideal locations can leave lips full and sexy,
decrease wrinkles, improve speech and give a proper drape to a person’s lips and surrounding skin.’ This according to the Denture Dentist’s Directory. Wow!
Makes you want to go for it today, huh? Well, let’s not throw caution to the winds, here. A tidbit from Some Interesting Facts by Dr. Charles Arias: In Vermont it is illegal for a woman to get dentures without her husband’s written permission.
Ok. So you have the written permission.
First step: Impressions are taken. A sticky glob of gagging stuff like silly putty is placed in your mouth and you must bite down, to create a a mold of your gums and oral cavity. The interior shape of your denture will follow this model. However, here we are faced with another decision, as the shape of your mouth will change a great deal in the months following your extractions. Are you willing to go toothless until your gums heal and shrink no more? If so, the denture can probably be fitted with one or two visits, reports Dental Analyzer. If, however, you possess the vanities of most of us, the answer is no. Double-no-dose if you are a woman.
So then, your denture will be created and waiting to be placed after the extractions.
Extractions. Well, yes. You need to get rid of those old teeth to wear these new ones. Thought you knew that! Ok. Take a deep breath and find yourself in the dentist’s chair ready to have your extractions. Be relieved to know that most extractions are pretty simple, and most complications, such as broken teeth, simply cost a little more to take out. 1-800-Dentists says it’s pretty routine. If things were going to get rough, x-rays would have indicated that and you’d be lying down under anesthesia. So, buck up!It will be over soon and most people consider the novocaine the biggest discomfort of the deal. I know. Doctors and dentists always call Pain ‘discomfort’. Anyway, once the teeth are gone, the denture is placed in your mouth, and held tightly there to staunch bleeding, says Dental Analyzer. You will go home with your new denture in place, some pain meds, and instructions to leave the denture in and return tomorrow.
At this point you will have embarked on a journey. You will be moving towards the goal of wearing your denture and forgetting it’s there. Dentures are not like real teeth. They feel different and always will. But, with proper attention, relines if necessary to fit, cleaning and resting your mouth from the denture, you will eventually achieve this goal, and be able to eat just about anything with your denture in place. Originals by Weber tells us that, once-upon-a-time, dentures were just for show, and people took them out to eat.br>You’ve come a long way, baby! So, when your friend flashes a mouthful of veneered pearly whites, feel free to grin, too. In fact, your smile will not look much different than his!
