For many people, the idea of visiting a denture clinic in Canberra for the first time can bring mixed emotions. Whether you’re considering full dentures for the first time or need a replacement for an existing set, understanding the process can help you feel more prepared. A professional denture clinic focuses on assessing your needs and guiding you through each stage with care. This blog will walk you through what happens during your first appointment so you know what to expect.
Initial Consultation & Assessment
Your first visit to a denture clinic usually starts with an in-depth consultation. The dental prosthetists will assess your oral health, discuss your dental history, and understand your concerns. This step helps you determine the most suitable denture solution.
During this assessment, you may experience:
- Medical & dental history review – Past dental treatments, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors that may impact your dentures will be discussed.
- Oral examination – The denturist will check the condition of your gums, jawbone structure, and any remaining teeth.
- Digital scans or X-rays (if necessary) – These imaging tools can help assess the oral structures more precisely.
Discussing Your Denture Options
If full dentures are recommended, the dental prosthetists will explain the types available. Since each patient’s needs are unique, understanding these options helps make an informed decision.
Common types of full dentures include:
- Conventional full dentures – These are made after tooth extractions and placed once the gums have fully healed.
- Immediate full dentures – These are placed immediately after extractions so that you are not without teeth during the healing process.
- Implant-supported dentures – These are designed to attach to dental implants for additional stability.
Taking Impressions & Measurements
Once you have decided on the type of dentures that best suit your needs, the denturist will take detailed measurements of your mouth. This step helps achieve a comfortable and functional fit for the final dentures.
What to expect during this step:
- Impressions of your gums & jaw – A soft material is used to create a mould of your mouth.
- Bite registration – This can help your dentures align correctly with your jaw movements.
- Tooth shade selection – The dental prosthetist can help you choose a natural-looking colour for your dentures.
Trial Fitting & Adjustments
Before the final dentures are made, a trial set is created using wax or another temporary material. This trial set allows you and the denturist to assess the fit, comfort, and overall appearance before finalising the dentures.
At this stage:
- The denturist will check for proper alignment and bite balance.
- You can preview the look and feel of your new dentures.
- Adjustments can be made to improve comfort and fit before the final set is produced.
Final Denture Placement & Aftercare Guidance
Once your final full dentures are ready, you will return to the clinic for the placement and final fitting. The dental prosthetist will make any necessary last-minute adjustments to improve comfort and stability.
You will also receive guidance on how to care for your new dentures, including:
- Wearing schedule – It may take time to adjust to wearing new dentures, and the clinic will provide advice on how to ease into them.
- Cleaning routine – Proper denture hygiene helps maintain their appearance and functionality.
- Follow-up appointments – Regular visits to the clinic can help monitor your adjustment and make any further refinements.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you are considering full dentures, visiting a denture clinic in Canberra is the first step toward understanding your options. A professional consultation can help determine what works best for your needs. If you have concerns about comfort, fit, or maintenance, it’s always best to seek guidance from an experienced dental prosthetist. Learn more about full dentures and book your appointment at The Denture Clinic today.
