I got in trouble/banned (was too specific on an answer), but I will be good :angel: , because I really missed you's!

The wedding was beautiful, I SMILED :D ALL over the place.

I've talked often about the problems with fit. Well, the 1st pair was not perfect, but I told them enough was enough. I settled with 90% OK. My THIRD immediate denture will be ready tomorrow. (The second one I never used - it was hideous). The head dentist wants to start talking permanent. YEEKS! I am SO paranoid I can't breathe. They had me walking around for three weeks like Mr. Ed. Well, I now have the head dentist - and I think I like him, but it's going to take me awhile before I can be sure. I am very analytical, and so far I’ve had enough go wrong that right now, I just want to sit down for a few seconds, take a couple of deep breaths, and not make any decisions for a week. If the third immediate I get works okay, it’s only been two months (March 30) since extractions, and I don’t think I should be in a rush if they fit okay. That is one thing that I find mighty interesting on this board. Each dentist has their own opinion, and they range so radically amongst each other. I read others’ posts, and it’s as if there is no “general rule of thumb” for so many issues.

I told my dentist -- I thought it would be six months to a year before we talk permanent. He said we can always reline them...................... but, if my immediates are working (hopefully), why the rush? I'm not complaining other than the fact the teeth weren't aligned, and my jaw was all crooked from the bad fit. If they fix that, I'll be okay.

Can anyone tell me what is so much different between immediates and permanants? Its sort of frightening. I feel they just want to sell me a denture. (Back to the paranoid part again.) Anyway, glad to be back, take care!

Debbi

Hi Debbie, glad the wedding went well.

The main difference between perms and immediates are the steps typically undertaken to insure a good fit. With immediates I do not have to remind you that they are pure guesswork on the part of the dentist. With the perms- they usually wait until the majority of shrinkage and bone filling in has happened before attempting to fit new dentures. There are also many more stages to fit perms. In most cases, impressions are taken the first set is often used to fabricate a better fitting impression tray or custom tray- then a second set of impressions are taken and they make the "bite blocks" to try in and on them they do all the adjustments to make sure the height of the teeth is correct and the bite will line up. When that is complete they make the wax try in denture- this will have the teeth they intend to use on your new dentures- it is set in wax so they can manipulate it to achieve a better bite or alter the appearanc of the teeth as far as placement goes, they can even change the teeth at this stage. It is very important to take your husband or some other closely trusted objective person with you to help make decisions. At this stage they will ask you to "sign off" on the appearance of the dentures and then they send them to the lab to be finished and hopefully what they get back and put in your mouth will resemble what you approved. Some dentists will let you wander around with the try ins in your mouth for a day or so to get the feel for them and check the look. You won't be able to chew or anything with them but it can be a valuable step.
Typically the bases of the dentures are much thinner than the immediates and this is important so be sure to ask for an outline of the steps they will take to fit you.

Thank you Sandybeech - I'm printing out your reply, to make sure we follow the right step!!

Take Care,
Debbi