If you’re missing one or more teeth, you’re not alone; as many as 120 million people in the U.S. have the same problem. And for about 90% of these individuals, dentures have come to replace their lost teeth. Dentures, after all, are the most affordable of all tooth replacement options. And nowadays, it’s easy to purchase them online.
But while ordering dentures online is easy, it doesn’t mean the new ones you get will offer a perfect fit. Still, there are ways to ensure your dental prosthesis fits your mouth perfectly. We’ll tell you all about them below, so read on.
Use a Quality Dental Impression Kit
A dental impression is a mold or an imprint of your teeth. It’s the most crucial tool in creating a perfect denture fit. So if you plan to buy dentures online, you first need a dental impression kit. It contains all the materials necessary for making a dental impression. It includes dental putty, a soft and pliant material that you mix and place inside the included trays. You need those two to create an imprint of your teeth.
Dental putty hardens after a few minutes, so before it does, ensure you remove the trays from your mouth. Then, you must send them to the manufacturer you’re buying online dentures from. Facilities that sell custom dentures online often include impression kits in their prices. Not all, though, so check the terms and conditions before placing an order. If an impression kit isn’t included, you must buy one from a dental supply store.
Take Accurate Impressions
Since dental putty hardens after a few minutes, prepare everything before mixing it. Otherwise, you may create a poor impression, resulting in an ill-fitting prosthesis. Here are a few tips to help you take an accurate impression of your mouth.
Clean Your Teeth
Floss your teeth to remove as much plaque and debris on and between your pearly whites. Then, brush for at least two minutes. Cleaning your teeth is vital before creating an impression, as food bits can affect the molds.
For example, a piece of broccoli can make a tooth appear wider or oddly shaped. The person making your dentures won’t know that, though. As a result, your new dentures may be too loose, resulting in discomfort.
Follow the Kit’s Directions
Read the kit’s instructions, especially the part about how long it takes for the putty to harden. Most require the putty-filled tray to stay in your mouth for 3 to 4 minutes. Once you’ve cleaned your teeth, you can mix the putty and fill the tray with it. Then, insert the tray into your mouth and firmly press it upward for an upper arch mold. If you’re taking a lower arch impression, push the tray downward.
Keep the tray in your mouth for as long as directed (you can set a timer for this). Once the alarm goes off, remove the tray by gently wiggling or tapping it. You can then take a photo of the impression for reference before placing it back in the kit’s box. Seal the box and mail it to the dentures manufacturer.
Time to Order Dentures Online
Remember: Dentures can cost anywhere from $300 to $8,000. That’s reason enough to ensure that if you buy dentures online, you get a perfect-fitting pair. Otherwise, you may have to spend even more instead of being able to save.
So, long as you keep our tips in mind, you should be able to order dentures that fit your mouth to a T. However, if you’re still feeling anxious about buying dentures online, you can check out this family dentist in Ballwin instead so they can make your dentures. For more health, dental, and wellness guides like this, browse more of our blog now!
