What Can I Expect
During My Free Consultation?
During your denture consultation, Gurchetan Shergill Dip CDT RCSEd will discuss your reasons for requesting new dentures with you, as well as what you do and don’t like about your current dentures if you currently wear a set.
A brief inspection of your mouth and dentures will take place in a relaxed atmosphere to ensure Gurchetan has an accurate picture of your needs and requirements.
Samples of the materials and teeth will be available for you to inspect, and the consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask any question you may have about your dentures. Remember, there is no such thing as a ‘silly’ question!
Gurchetan will outline all you denture options including different types of materials, teeth and techniques available to you, ensuring that you are well informed before making a decision on which option to go for on your journey to a new smile.
1
Once a decision has been made about the type of denture to be constructed, Gurchetan will make an impression of both your top and bottom arch using an impression material which is specific to the type of denture being constructed.
The impressions will then be cast into plaster models in our on-site dental laboratory, where Gurchetan will lead a team of experienced dental technicians in beginning to create your custom-made denture.
2
During the initial impression taking process, stock impression trays are used to take your impression. These allow us to construct custom made impression trays which fit around the soft and hard tissues of your mouth which allows for a functional impression to be taken. This type of impression captures the natural movements of your mouth and is used to create the contours and border of your new denture.
3
At the third appointment we will be recording a bite, which is used to determine the relationship between the upper and lower jaws and will dictate where your teeth will be positioned on the denture.
There are multiple methods used to obtain the bite and Gurchetan will determine which one is appropriate. Tooth selection will also be performed based on the data received from the jaw measurements, facial landmarks and your specific preferences.
4
At this appointment, also known as the try-in, you will have the opportunity to see how your new smile will look and feel. Your teeth will be set in a wax base that will be inserted in your mouth and you will be asked to perform functional movements and a speech assessment. This appointment is your chance to decide if the colour, size and teeth arrangement meet your approval.
If there is something you would like to change, this is the perfect time to say so, as the necessary adjustments can be made in our on-site laboratory during your appointment to ensure that you are satisfied with your teeth.
Be sure all the details of your new smile have been addressed before giving the final approval, because although it may be necessary to make adjustments to the acrylic denture base at the fit appointment, once the denture has been finished we are limited on what changes can be made to tooth position.
5
Delivery and fit of your dentures. During this appointment, Gurchetan will thoroughly review the fit of your new denture and smile. In some cases, slight adjustments may be necessary, but it is important to note that with anything new, a certain period of time will be required for you to get used to your new dentures. You will also be asked to insert and remove the denture independently and will be given instructions on how to look after and clean your dentures.
A follow up appointment will also be offered upon completion of the denture to address any sore spots that may occur as the denture settles in. At this time Gurchetan will perform an oral exam and check the fit of your adjustments and make any necessary adjustments.
Getting Used to Dentures
There will be a period of time required to get used to your dentures.
The length of this time varies from patient to patient, but there are few things you can do which will make this process as smooth as possible.
Eating Tips
- Initially start by eating soft foods that are chopped up
- Avoid foods that can be sticky or hard to chew
- Take small bites, chew slowly and avoid biting with your front teeth. Keep chewing in the back of your mouth as you are adjusting
- As you adjust whilst utilising these tips, begin to move onto harder to eat items
Speech Tips
- Practice speaking aloud – this is a great way to build confidence and work through sounds that may be difficult to pronounce at first.