Frequently Asked Questions

A Denturist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in the making, fitting, repairing and adjusting of removal dental appliances like dentures, partials, flippers and implant retained/supported dentures. While most dentists take an impression and then send the work to a dental lab to make the denture, the denturist at 1st Class Dentures is involved every step of the process from taking the impression to setting the teeth ensuring proper fit and reducing miscommunication of patient expectations.

At 1st Class Dentures our goal during the first visit is to listen to and discuss your concerns, needs and expectations. The Denturist will perform an examination of your mouth as well as a general health assessment. We will take intraoral pictures, but we do not take x-rays. We work closely with your existing dental provider to address any possible teeth extractions or restorations. If you do not have an established dentist we can refer you to one of the many dentists we work with. We will ask if you're under a Physician's care or if you have any health conditions or allergies that may affect the denture process. Your information will not be shared with anyone and is taken in the strictest confidence. After the examination, we will always give you a detailed overview of the results you can expect regarding the function, appearance and cost of dentures.

The length of time it takes to receive a completed set of dentures depends on your individual condition, but will typically be between 2-4 weeks. The Denturist will give you an estimate based on your individual situation. The Denturist needs time to ensure the new set is properly crafted and fitted, but they also understand your desire to have them fast, and they will do their best to balance these two factors.

Well maintained, properly cared for dentures can last between 5 and 20 years depending on tooth and material quality. Although they will need to be readjusted or rebased periodically. Visit your Denturist at least once a year to ensure the longevity and proper fit of your existing dentures. After 5 to 10 years, however, the tissues in your mouth may have changed, requiring a new set of dentures altogether.

When you first leave the Denturist's office, you will need to learn to chew again with the dentures in your mouth. Your Denturist will recommend suitable foods for the first few days after receiving your dentures to help with the process. But once you've gotten used to the new dentures, you should be able to enjoy most foods again.

Every patient is different, and your Denturist will recommend when to take out dentures if it's appropriate to your situation. Your Denturist will also explain any precautions to take when removing dentures, and they will explain proper care and cleaning procedures.

After receiving your dentures you will have a 1 week check up to address any needed adjustments to your denture. You should then have a check-up with your Denturist once a year for optimal performance of your dentures. During this annual visit, the Denturist can spot any issues or abnormalities that need to be taken care of, and they can recommend you to a specialist should you require further medical attention. You should always see your Denturist if you have a sore spot that lasts more than 3 days.

A properly fitting denture should require little to no denture adhesive. The longer you wear your denture the tissue of your mouth may change causing your denture to become loose. If your denture is loose to the point that you are using more than a dime's worth of adhesive you may need to have your denture relined to assure proper fit and function. The American Dental Association recommends that you have your denture relined every 2 years.