Oral Health and Genetic Risk Factors

Are Same Day Dentures Right for You?

Also known as immediate dentures, same-day dentures are dentures that are ready to use on the same day that your natural teeth are removed. They can be complete or partial dentures. They are a great option for people who do not want to spend a period of time living with missing teeth, but they are not always a perfect, permanent solution. Here are some facts about same-day dentures to help you decide if they are right for you.

How Are Same-Day Dentures Different from Traditional Dentures?

The traditional process for fitting dentures involves a long period of waiting. After the removal of your natural teeth, you must wait until the gums heal before the dentist can take a mould of them to use to create your new dentures.

For same-day dentures, the dentist creates the dentures in advance. As a result, you can start using them as soon as your natural teeth have been removed.

What Are the Advantages of Same-Day Dentures?

Many people are uncomfortable at the idea of appearing in public with some or all of their teeth missing. Same-day dentures negate this concern.

Another advantage is that dentists can use the colour, positioning and shape of your natural teeth while they are still in your mouth as a guide to help them create the new dentures. As a result, the new dentures can look very like your old teeth, which means that no one is likely to notice that you have had them removed.

What Are the Disadvantages of Same-Day Dentures?

The main disadvantage of same-day dentures is that they sometimes do not fit as well as dentures that are created once your gums have healed. You can improve the fit of same-day dentures by asking your dentist to reline them after your gums have healed, but this additional procedure presents an extra cost.

Another problem is that getting used to same-day dentures can be difficult while your mouth is still healing from the tooth extraction. You will need to stick to soft foods for a few days and chew slowly to avoid irritating any sore spots on your gums. On the other hand, same-day dentures mean that it is possible to tackle foods that require chewing, whereas waiting for traditional dentures can mean that you have to stick to a liquid-only diet until they are ready.

Which Dentures Are Right For You?

If you are not sure whether same-day dentures are the right option for you, ask your dentist for advice.

To learn more about dentures, contact a dentist.


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