Perhaps you need your teeth removed because of advanced gum disease or you've had an injury to your face and would like a smile that's more aesthetically pleasing. There are several reasons that dentures might be right for you. While your dental professional will work hard to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, sometimes replacing them makes the most sense. But did you know that after removing your teeth, your mouth won't be ready for permanent dentures right away? That's where temporary dentures come in. Let's go over how they're fitted, made, cleaned, and their pros and cons.
Did you know that, according to the American College of Prosthodontists, 36 million Americans do not have any teeth? Of this group, 90% have dentures! That's a statistic that should put your mind at ease - toothlessness, also known as edentulism, is much more common than most people realize.
Perhaps you've committed yourself to dentures. But you've found out from your dental professional that your mouth needs an adjustment period before getting your permanent dentures. This may come as a surprise, and you may wonder, "what are temporary dentures?" Temporary dentures are also called immediate dentures. They're a set of temporary false teeth that your dental professional fits into your mouth immediately after removing your natural teeth.
Fitting a Temporary Denture
In a separate visit before your tooth extraction, your dental professional will get the necessary preparations for your temporary dentures. This includes taking a bite impression, noting your teeth shade, size, and shape, as well as taking measurements of your upper and lower jaw. Your temporary dentures will be created before your tooth extraction appointment, so they'll be ready for insertion into your mouth right after tooth extraction.
Note that because your mouth and gums have not had the chance to heal yet, this may not be a one-appointment procedure. Temporary dentures often need refitting over the following weeks and months.