Having teeth extracted can be overwhelming, but immediate dentures help ease the transition and support healing. These temporary dentures are designed to give you back your smile the very same day your teeth are removed. If you’re getting dentures soon, learning more about how immediate dentures work and how long they last can be beneficial. In this guide, we’ll break it all down so you can feel more confident and prepared for your tooth replacement journey.
What are immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures are temporary tooth replacements placed in your mouth right after a tooth extraction. They’re made in advance based on impressions of your mouth taken before your teeth are removed. Also called same-day dentures, these prosthetics are designed to ensure you don’t have to go a single day without teeth while your gums and jawbone heal after an extraction. These dentures are especially beneficial for people who need multiple extractions. Instead of walking out of your dental appointment with gaps in your smile, you leave with a full set of teeth already in place. Immediate dentures offer benefits like:
- Restoring your smile instantly
- Allowing you to eat and speak more comfortably
- Protecting gum tissue during the healing phase
- Maintaining your facial structure so your cheeks and lips don’t look sunken in
How long will you wear immediate dentures?
You’ll need to wear your immediate dentures from the time your teeth are extracted to the time you receive your final tooth replacement. The exact period can vary but on average, you might wear them for 3-6 months after tooth extraction. During this period, your gums and jawbone may change as they heal. Any changes to your mouth and gums can affect the fit of your immediate dentures. They may start to feel loose or uncomfortable over time and you may need to have them relined (adjusted) once or twice to improve how they fit. These adjustments help make the dentures more comfortable and secure while you continue healing.
Do immediate dentures last long?
Immediate dentures are carefully crafted and made from quality materials, but they’re not designed to last for years. Their purpose is to help you through the healing process and restore basic function and appearance until your mouth is ready for your final restoration.
Here are a few reasons they’re temporary:
- Gum and bone changes: As your jawbone and gums change throughout the healing process, immediate dentures won’t fit properly over time without frequent adjustments.
- Wear and tear: Since they’re meant for temporary use, they may not be as strong or stain resistant as permanent dentures.
- Better fit available later: Once your mouth has healed, a new set of dentures can be custom-made to your final shape, offering a better fit and improved comfort.
With proper maintenance and care, immediate dentures can hold up well for several months.
What to know about immediate dentures
If you’ll be using immediate dentures for the first time, here are a few things to remember.
- They will require adjustments: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist to request a reline adjustment to help your immediate dentures fit better and feel more comfortable.
- There’s a learning curve: It may take time to speak and eat comfortably with immediate dentures. It’s a good idea to practice chewing slowly or speaking aloud when you’re alone so you can get used to your new teeth.
- Your diet will change: Temporary dentures may limit your diet slightly, especially when you’re first getting used to them. It’s a good idea to stick to soft foods like soft-cooked vegetables, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soups, and yogurt.
- Denture adhesive can help: Many denture wearers use denture adhesive to keep their dentures securely in place throughout the day. Your dentist can provide adhesive suggestions compatible with your dentures.
- Dentures require proper care: Gently brush your immediate dentures twice daily to prevent plaque build-up. Soak them in denture solution at night or when not in use.
While they aren’t designed to last forever, same-day dentures play a crucial role in your tooth replacement journey. When you’re getting immediate dentures in Jacksonville, FL., feel free to ask your dentist any questions about the process, including how to care for immediate dentures, how long you’ll need them, and how best to get used to them.
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