The good news about getting dentures is that you will have a full new smile and live more confidently, but the process of getting dentures does not happen overnight. The process isn't complicated but there are a few steps you need to go through first with your dentist before getting your dentures. Here is a list of things to expect when getting dentures for the first time. 

Denture Selection

Your dentist will do a dental examination for a proper evaluation of the condition of your teeth. Once completed, they will recommend the best type of dentures for your condition. There are four types of dentures to be aware of: 

• Full Dentures
• Implant Dentures
• Partial Dentures
• Flexible Partial Dentures

To better suit personal needs, dentures are also chosen based on the individual’s age, gums, and chewing strength. After the selection of dentures, your dentist will proceed with a fitting. Bite molds are used to confirm whether your biting action is appropriately aligned. Once that is done, the dentist proceeds to set your new teeth in wax so you can see how the final work will look and feel. Finally, the dentures are fitted into your gums.

Preparing Your Mouth

Your dentist may have to extract some teeth and give you temporary dentures. Your dentist will take you through the steps, explain what to expect, and can also offer advice for the period afterwards to keep you feeling comfortable and fully informed. Once your existing teeth are removed, your dentist will want you to heal up adequately so that they can take a mold of your gums to build your new teeth upon. Healing of your gums completely can take a while depending on how many of your remaining teeth were removed on your previous visit. The healing process may require another visit to remove stitches and check on your progress. As a way to help the healing process along, some dentists will give you temporary dentures to get you used to wearing them for extended periods. Some may suggest other methods for healing, such as chewing gum to toughen up your now exposed gums. Either way, your dentist has your best interests and oral health in mind.

Adjusting to New Dentures

Once you're healed and the technician has had time to build them, you'll come back for a fitting of your permanent teeth. During this visit, you'll try them on, and a dental technician will make some adjustments to ensure a proper fit. This technician will also instruct you in the proper care, cleaning and maintenance of your new teeth. Making the transition to dentures may take some time to adjust. For the first one or two days, dentures will feel too heavy or large in your mouth. While this is a normal feeling, shortly, your tongue, mouth, and facial muscles will get adapted to the additions. Everyday tasks such as eating and speaking, may take a little practice so take your time. 

It's not unusual for you to have additional visits to your dentist to make further adjustments as your gums settle into your new dentures. Ill fitting ones can cause permanent damage to your gums and mouth, requiring you to start most of this process all over again.

All-in-all, the benefits of getting dentures to replace failing natural teeth is a worthwhile investment. Not only will your new teeth improve your ability to properly chew and digest your food, they will give you a great smile. As added bonuses, they will make you look and feel confident. 

When making an investment in yourself, it's best to at least know what to expect going in. The process may be long, but the reward of a great smile is worth it!