A dentist who specializes in dental prosthetics, including dentures, is called a prosthodontist. You can locate a prosthodontist in your area by going to the website for the American College of Prosthodontists at https://www. gotoapro. org/why-see-a-prosthodontist/. It’s also a good idea to choose a dentist who is relatively near you, as fitting your dentures may require multiple visits.
It might be tempting to go with the cheapest option for dentures, but this can cause problems in the long run. Dentures that fit poorly or are produced cheaply can leave you with sores or even jaw problems. Talk with your insurance company beforehand about what they will and won’t cover. Make sure that the coverage percentages that they give you match what your dentist is estimating.
In many cases, a dentist will fit you with a temporary set of dentures while your final set is being created. Make sure to let your dentist know if the temporary set is uncomfortable or ill-fitting. Some dentists will create an impression of your mouth, which will then be used to mold your dentures.
A downside to a single-tooth fixed bridge is that it can wear down the supporting teeth over time. This is especially the case if you have difficulty flossing around the bridge.
While removable partial dentures are a great way to preserve your natural teeth, they can move around a bit in your mouth. This movement can make eating or talking more of a challenge.
Since the bridge is attached with metal, these attachments can sometimes be slightly visible through your natural teeth.
One of the downsides of a complete denture is that it can be uncomfortable until you learn to eat and talk with it in. Most complete dentures last between 7-15 years.
You can expect some discomfort in your first week or so wearing new dentures. But, it should never be severe enough to stop you from eating or keep you up at night.
This is in addition to any ultrasonic cleaning that you might do. Ask your dentist if there is a specific way that you should clean your particular type of dentures. Some dentures last longer with particular cleaning solutions. It’s also a good idea to remove and rinse your dentures off with water after every time you eat.
Most repairs can be made in a day or so. However, in the case of more serious damage, your dentures may need to be repaired by an off-site lab.
