We all know what to expect when we go to the dentist. A friendly smile; you sit in the chair, the dentist starts chatting whilst they have your fingers in your mouth, expecting an answer.
It’s routine, familiar and something the majority of people do routinely.
But what happens when not all is well with your oral health?
Accidents happen and there may come a time, either through complications such as gum disease or harsh facial impact that may result in needing to reconstruct a broken smile.
Denture clinics are very similar to a dentist. Given that denturists and oral technicians work together for the benefit of their patients, it is to be expected that they use similar tools and set-ups.
If you find yourself referred to a denture clinic, however, do not be concerned.
Denturists undergo several years of study and on the job training prior to becoming private practitioners, so your smile is in the best of hands.
When you first arrive, after the usual health forms and check-in, you will be conveyed to the dentist chair.
Here your denturist will assess the situation of your mouth, your oral health, and overall health whilst consulting your file.
Then they will check the gap that needs filling or the row of teeth to be replaced.
Depending on how many teeth you have missing will very much depend on what type of denture you need.
Denture clinics offer a variety of prosthetics to cater to all requirements.
Full dentures are the most well known, consisting of an entire row of teeth embedded into an acrylic base that can be easily placed into the mouth and removed for cleaning.
These affix to the roof of the mouth or around the tongue with an adhesive and are the best option if you have suffered server tooth lose.
Partial dentures are similar to their full counterpart, save that they, are as the name suggests, only partial.
These usually have a wire frame which allows them to sit in place and can be fitted around other remaining teeth.
Along with this, there are also implants for single or smaller gaps, and veneers to cover single, broken or incomplete teeth.
Regardless of what type of prosthetic you will need, the denturist will follow the same basic steps in the beginning.
Having decerned the overall state of your teeth, they will also check the health of your jaw bone, as teeth are necessary for keeping this healthy.
If required, procedures can take place for a bone graft, or metal implant to help strengthen the jaw but this would be discussed in further detail prior to any procedure taking place.
Next, the denturist will take several molds and measurements of your mouth so that they can ensure your new teeth fit perfectly.
Once made, the denturist will install them and show you how to look after your new teeth.
A hygienist will show you how to clean them, and you will be invited back for regular checkups.
