The word “dentures” probably makes you feel a little uneasy. It conjures up images of your grandparent’s glass on the nightstand or those awkward commercials where people smile a little too widely. But dentures have changed. A lot. And if you’re facing the possibility of getting them, you deserve to know what the process actually looks like, not the scary version you’ve built up in your head.
At Dazzling Dentistry, we’ve helped plenty of Chicago patients get dentures. Some were nervous. Some were embarrassed. Most walked out feeling like they got their lives back.
Why Dentures?
You might need dentures for a few different reasons. Maybe you’ve got advanced gum disease that’s loosened several teeth. Maybe you’ve lost teeth over the years and don’t have enough healthy ones left for bridges or implants. Or maybe you’ve got a condition that’s affecting your teeth and it’s time to start fresh.
Whatever the reason, it’s not a failure. It’s just a solution.
The Process: Step by Step
Getting dentures isn’t a one-and-done appointment. It takes a few visits, but we walk you through every single step so there are no surprises.
- The Consultation and Impressions: Dr. Margaret examines your mouth, takes X-rays, and figures out what needs to happen. If you have teeth that need to be extracted, we’ll plan for that. Then we take impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth. This gives us a model to work from.
- The Extraction Visit (If You Need It): We remove any teeth that aren’t staying. We numb you up completely. You won’t feel a thing during the procedure. And we can often place immediate dentures right after extraction, so you don’t walk out with a gap.
- The Healing Phase: Your gums need time to heal and reshape. This takes a few months. You’ll wear temporary dentures during this time. They won’t fit perfectly forever, but they’ll get you through.
- The Final Fitting: Once your gums are fully healed, we take new impressions and create your permanent dentures. These fit snugly, look natural, and let you eat and speak normally again.
What About Partial Dentures?
Not everyone needs a full set. If you’ve got some healthy teeth left, a partial denture might be the answer. It fills in the gaps and clips onto your existing teeth. A partial denture keeps your remaining teeth from shifting into the empty spaces. That means your bite stays stable and your other teeth don’t get crowded.
What Do Dentures Feel Like?
They feel weird at first. There’s plastic in your mouth. Your tongue doesn’t quite know where to go. Eating takes a little practice. Speaking takes a little practice.
But you adjust faster than you think. Most patients tell us they forget they’re wearing them within a few weeks. And that weird feeling? It’s nothing compared to the confidence you get from having a full smile again.
Taking Care of Your Dentures
Dentures aren’t like natural teeth. They can’t just be brushed with toothpaste and called a day. You’ll need to soak them overnight, brush them with a soft brush, and make sure you clean your gums and tongue too.
And you still need to see us regularly. We check for fit issues, sore spots, and make sure your mouth stays healthy underneath.
Restore Your Smile Today
If you’ve been putting this off because you’re scared or embarrassed, we get it. But there’s no judgment here. We’ve seen it all. And we’ve helped people just like you get smiles they’re proud of again.
Been thinking about dentures but not sure where to start? Call our Chicago office at (872) 276-8546. We’ll talk through your options, answer every question, and help you figure out what’s next, no pressure, just honest care.