Dentures are a great solution for people who've lost some or many of their natural teeth. They can restore structure within the face and help to improve diet by allowing the person to eat a broad range of foods. When they are made and fitted correctly, they should feel as close to normal teeth as possible. To ensure your new dentures are the perfect fit, here are 9 critical questions you should ask your dentist when getting them made.
ONE. Do you specialize in dentures?
Some clinics will offer denture services, and others don't. For the best result, we suggest sourcing out a clinic that specifically specializes in indentures. They are more likely to have in-depth knowledge and up-to-date training on dentures. As they are handling many, sometimes complex cases every day, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are going to be getting the most natural-looking and comfortable fit.TWO. Do you have a laboratory onsite?
This may seem like a trivial thing to ask, but if they have an onsite laboratory, this is highly advantageous to you. This allows your dentures to be made much faster, and if they happen to break down the track and you need a repair quickly, clinics that have a laboratory can fix your dentures in as little as a few hours. Other clinics will need to send your dentures away, and this can take time. No one wants to be without their teeth for longer than they have to.THREE. Can you assure me that my dentures won't look fake?
Your new dentures must be functional and comfortable, and just as importantly, they look as natural as possible. The last thing you want is to have large, clunky, and plastic-looking teeth! A good dentist will work with you until you are entirely satisfied with the result. This may require taking a couple of wax try-ins to perfect it.FOUR. Can you make adjustments after the dentures are made?
Your dentures must be comfortable otherwise you're not going to want to wear them. The dentist you choose for your dentures should be able to make adjustments as often as you need to relieve discomfort and to accommodate mouth changes over time. This will ensure you always have a well-fitting set of teeth allowing you to enjoy them to their full potential.FIVE. How long can I expect my dentures to last for?
It's a good idea to discuss the lifespan of your dentures and what options are available to you when initially starting the process. You may find that a partial denture or implant-supported partial denture is a better solution than full dentures. Ask your dentist what they offer in terms of ongoing care after your dentures have been fitted.SIX. What is the cost of my dentures?
The price of dentures can vary significantly so, instead of assuming that your dentures will cost around the same as your friends, it's always best to ask for a personalised quote. To ensure there are no hidden surprises down the track, ask what the costs are regarding repairs, adjustments, replacements, and remoulding's if any. This way you can factor in additional expenses that may come up later.SEVEN. What are the chances of my impressions distorting?
When impressions have to be sent off to a laboratory, they can distort as they are sitting around for longer than if the dentist has an onsite laboratory. Ask your dentist if they border the impression to keep it in its original state and how long it will take them to get it to the laboratory.EIGHT. How long will it take to make my dentures?
The sooner you can get your new teeth, the better. Your dentist will explain the timeframes involved with getting dentures, but in case they don't, you should ask how long it will take from your initial meeting to the final fitting. In most instances, there will be a few steps involved in the process, and how long it takes can vary depending on the dentist's availability and the extent of the work needed.NINE. Will they feel strange? If yes, for how long?
How well people adapt to new dentures differs from person to person. Your dentist can explain what to expect and can share some ideas on how to help you adjust. Feeling some slight discomfort or soreness is very common when your dentures are new. Once your mouth has had a chance to get used to them, these symptoms tend to subside.Getting dentures is an exciting occasion, especially if you've gone without teeth for some time. Asking plenty of questions is key to ensuring you get the best looking and most functional fit for your mouth. We've only mentioned 9 questions to ask your dentist, but if there's more you can think of, be sure to add them to your list. A good dentist should be able to answer these and many more. Getting dentures is a big step, and you want to be confident in the dentist you are choosing to go through. Don't be afraid to research and look around for the best in the business. Speaking of best in the business, our team here at Denture Care Professionals Australia, offers a wide scope of denture services and would love to help you restore your smile. Contact us today for more information.Reviewed by