Dentures: before and after
Real patient stories and what you can expect before and after getting custom dentures at Aspen Dental.
If you’re considering dentures, you may have questions about the process and how it will transform your smile. What can you expect before and after getting dentures? What will it feel and look like, and importantly, how will dentures help improve your life? This guide will cover the key steps in denture treatment and share real-life experiences from patients who've regained confidence in their smiles.
Deciding what to do before and after denture treatment
Choosing dentures is a significant step, and preparation is key to ensuring the best results. At Aspen Dental, the denture process is designed to keep you informed, comfortable and confident every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know about the process and what happens before and after treatment.
Before treatment: preparing for dentures
Before you receive your dentures, your dentist will guide you through these simple but essential steps:
Dental consultation: Your clinician at Aspen Dental will assess the health of your teeth and gums to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dentures. If you have damaged teeth or signs of gum disease, those will need to be addressed first. Discuss your goals with your clinician to help determine the type of denture that best meets your needs—full, partial or implant-supported dentures are available at Aspen Dental.
Tooth extraction: If your remaining natural teeth are causing pain or infection, they may need to be extracted. Your dentist will guide you through this process and ensure that you’re ready for the switch to dentures.
Allow healing time: After extractions, healing time is crucial before dentures can be finalized to give a custom-fit. This waiting period ensures the gums heal and adjust to their new form, allowing your dentures to fit comfortably and naturally.
Impressions: Using scanning technology, high quality impression materials or your existing dentures for custom fittings, your dentist creates a model of your mouth. This ensures a perfect fit for your new smile.
Bite registration: You may be required to have an additional step where you'll bite into custom fabricated and fitted wax devices to provide precise measurements to our onsite lab technicians. This is critical to ensuring your dentures align perfectly with your jaw for proper functioning.
Wax try-in: Depending on the type of denture solution you are being treated with, you may get a try-in. Think of this as a “sneak peek” of your new smile. Your Aspen Dental clinician and onsite lab technician will create a customized representation of your new dentures with your denture teeth perfectly arranged in wax. This will allow you to review the shape, size and overall look before finalizing your new smile.
After treatment: caring for your new smile
After the final step, you'll leave with your custom-fit dentures, but the process doesn’t stop there. It's normal to experience an adjustment period. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth transition:
Practice eating and speaking: Start with soft foods and chewing on both sides of your mouth. Practice speaking to get used to the feel of dentures. Over time, you'll find it easier to manage everyday activities.
Regular cleaning: Keeping your dentures spotless is essential for oral health. Use a denture cleaner and soft brush to remove food debris and plaque.
Follow-up appointments: Scheduling check-ups will address any fit or comfort concerns. Your Aspen Dental clinician can make adjustments as needed.
Want to see more for yourself?
Check out our video patient testimonials, where real patients share their real stories:
Garry’s story:
“Aspen Dental not only gave me my smile back, I feel like they truly gave me my life back.”
Martice’s story:
“It changed me in a way that I didn’t even know I needed to be changed”.
Take the first step toward a transformed smile
Dentures are more than just a functional solution—they can transform your overall quality of life. With Aspen Dental’s detailed process, patient-first approach and onsite labs, you’re never alone on this journey. From initial impressions to ongoing care, everything is designed with your comfort and peace in mind.
Why wait? Connect with one of our experts and take the first step toward a smile you’ll love. Schedule your appointment or walk in today.