Now for another 6, more practical, tips on fighting the fear and anxiety of getting and wearing dentures. Let’s get to it right away. Part 1 is here, if you need to refresh your memory. 5. Get your new teeth from a professional with a track recordThe dental world is a huge supermarket with all sorts of different brands ranging in size, price and quality. Many dentists have completely opposite ideas and philosophies on the kind of treatment their patient needs. This variation also impacts dentures, so where one dentist and lab technician can do an outstanding job, another office can do an awful one. However, one common characteristic of a good denture-making dental office is customer satisfaction. This aspect can’t be faked, therefore don’t be someone’s guinea pig but rather put your trust in a dentist who has already earned it. Our Las Vegas denture clinic has done it time and time again. 6. Get 2 sets of denturesThe first set of dentures is primarily made for healing purposes, so that as your mouth goes through all the changes you have something to wear. In about 6 months, much will be different. Your bone level will recede, your gums will shrink. Your first denture won’t fit the same. Therefore, it is highly recommended to get a permanent set after the initial healing process. Additionally, you will have another chance to check the look and fit of the final denture. 7. Get relines as often as you can affordYou don’t necessarily have to get a second set of fake teeth if you like the look of your original one. However, if you just want to stick to your first one, what you will need is a reline. Reline is a procedure that fills the voids in your denture with extra acrylic and makes it tight again. Loose dentures can cause a lot of insecurities and a lack of confidence when you speak in public or try to enjoy a meal. Since your gums will never stop changing, in order to avoid the frustration of loose dentures, it is recommended you get relines annually. 8. Celebrate your milestonesRather then constantly measuring yourself against the final destination, which could be depressing, measure your progress by each individual milestone you reach. Those might include: impressions, bite-registration, wax try-in, extractions, post-op, adjustment #1, adj. #2, adj. #3…adj. #9, soft reline, re-evaluation, hard reline, etc. Celebrate every step and take the time to be proud of these small victories, which when reflected upon, will add up and provide a lot of encouragement to continue. 9. Have a support teamThis point is essential when it comes to fighting anxiety for denture patients. Your support team are the people (or a person) who know you and have been with you through your entire denture journey. They have faithfully walked beside you when you first decided to get dentures, and they are the people that will offer emotional and mental support when you are struggling. These are the people around which you are comfortable NOT wearing your dentures. I have seen the impact of a strong support system on a denture patient and can testify of the powerful effect it has against all the fears and potential anxieties. 10. Do get denturesAt the end of the day, if you have done the research, have mentally prepared yourself, and have a cheerleader or a cheer-team to support you, getting dentures will be awesome. I have seen tons of folks cry with joy when they see their new smile for the first time. I have seen even more come back and point out specific details they love about their new teeth. And I continue to see patients become 10 years younger right in front of my eyes, full of confidence and motivation to live their lives again. So, is the denture journey always filled with beautiful landmarks and majestic sights? No. But is the destination worth it in the end? Absolutely.
And as always, if you are traveling in Las Vegas, NV and need a quick denture repair, reline, or a denture replacement, give us a call! |