How Immediate Dentures Differ From Complete Dentures

Both conventional, complete dentures, and immediate dentures are custom-made for patients using a mold of their mouth. Full dentures are molded to the mouth after tooth extraction, and immediate dentures are molded before the extraction.

While this means immediate dentures may be made ready in advance, it also means the fit may be less than ideal. The gums and jaw may change shape following extraction as they heal, which may mean that the temporary dentures will require further adjustments. Immediate dentures may also be less affordable in many cases.

“Complete dentures are molded to the mouth after tooth extraction, and immediate dentures are molded before the extraction.”

When You Should Get Immediate Dentures

A patient may opt for immediate dentures when it would be inconvenient, damaging, or painful to live without teeth while waiting for permanent dentures. For example, a patient with a history of sensitive teeth may prefer to have temporary dentures following an extraction to protect the remaining teeth. The natural teeth will be subject to less pressure while eating as a result of the dentures.

However, the most common reasons for getting immediate dentures, according to the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation, are aesthetic and social. Many people prefer not to live without teeth while waiting to be ready for complete dentures or implants. Immediate dentures provide a solution to this need.

“A patient may opt for immediate dentures when it would be inconvenient, damaging, or painful to live without teeth.”

The Immediate Dentures Process

The process of getting immediate dentures is similar in many ways to getting conventional dentures. The dentist makes a mold of the oral cavity and uses the mold to create the dentures.

The immediate dentures process differs primarily due to when it happens: before the tooth extraction. According to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, it may take four to five visits to complete the fabrication process. The process involves making impressions, selecting teeth, and, in some cases, trying on the back teeth.

“The process of getting immediate dentures is similar in many ways to getting conventional dentures.”

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Benefits of Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures give patients an option to avoid going without teeth for an extended time. Bellevue Dental can help advise patients on the benefits and drawbacks of temporary dentures on a case-by-case basis. These are some of the reasons someone may choose to receive immediate dentures:

• Instant results. The most significant benefit for many patients is the lack of a wait. Most people do not want to go a noticeable amount of time without being able to smile. Immediate dentures provide a way to skip the typical several-week wait during permanent denture fabrication.
• More comfortable following extraction. Temporary dentures can provide protection for patients with sensitive teeth or gums, making the recovery period following extraction more comfortable. However, the dentures need to be regularly adjusted to maintain comfort.
• More direct duplication of natural teeth. It is easier for a dentist to more accurately duplicate the shape, color, and arrangement of natural teeth while some are still present—especially significant for complete immediate dentures. For patients who want to preserve the quality of their smiles, this can be a substantial benefit.

“Immediate dentures give patients an option for avoiding going without teeth for an extended time.”

Post-Treatment Care

Upon receiving immediate dentures, there are post-treatment practices that involve both care and maintenance to keep the dentures in place and functioning properly. Immediately after treatment, dentures should be kept in the mouth for at least 24-48 hours to allow the underlying tissues to better heal into the shape of the denture. After that, dentures should be removed to clean and when sleeping.

To keep the dentures clean and well-maintained, they should be kept in a cup or container filled with clean, cold water. They can be cleaned with salt water rinses as well. Ensure that the mouth is also clean before inserting the dentures. Finally, routine dental checkups should be adhered to in order to ensure that the dentures fit well.

“Immediately after treatment, dentures should be kept in the mouth for at least 24-48 hours to allow the underlying tissues to better heal into the shape of the denture.”

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