Getting your first set of dentures can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what the process entails or how long it will take. If you’re exploring dentures in Taylorsville, understanding each step can help alleviate your concerns and prepare you for what’s ahead. At Horizon Dental, Dr. Joshua Frandsen and his team guide patients through the entire journey with straightforward explanations and personalized care that makes the experience feel less clinical and more like working with a neighbor who genuinely wants to help.
Understanding Why Dentures Might Be Right for You
Many people reach a point where missing or damaged teeth start affecting daily life in ways they didn’t expect. Chewing becomes difficult, certain foods get crossed off the menu, and smiling in photos feels uncomfortable. Dentures offer a practical solution that goes beyond aesthetics—they restore function, support facial structure, and bring back the confidence that comes with a complete smile.
Dr. Frandsen takes time during consultations to discuss what’s driving your interest in dentures. Whether you’re dealing with extensive tooth loss, preparing for extractions, or simply tired of struggling with failing teeth, knowing your specific situation helps determine the best approach. Some patients need a full set to replace all upper or lower teeth, while others benefit from partial dentures that fill gaps while preserving healthy teeth. Implant-supported options offer enhanced stability for individuals seeking a more secure fit for their dentures, particularly during eating and speaking.
Your Initial Consultation: Setting the Foundation
Walking into your first appointment at Horizon Dental means stepping into a space where your questions are welcomed and your concerns are genuinely valued. Dr. Frandsen starts with a conversation about your goals—what you’re hoping to achieve, what worries you have, and what your daily life looks like. This isn’t about rushing through a checklist; it’s about understanding you as a person, not just a set of teeth.
The examination that follows is thorough but gentle. Dr. Frandsen evaluates your oral health, checking gum tissue, bone structure, and any remaining teeth. Digital impressions replace those uncomfortable goopy trays, making the process cleaner and more precise. You’ll discuss options together, review a realistic timeline, and talk openly about costs. For patients without insurance, Horizon Dental offers a membership plan that keeps routine care affordable while you’re adjusting to your new dentures.
The Creation Process: From Impressions to Final Fit
Once you decide to move forward, the creation process begins. Your impressions are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians craft dentures customized to your mouth’s unique shape. This typically takes several weeks, during which temporary dentures might be provided if you need immediate tooth replacement.
What happens during this phase:
- Multiple fittings ensure proper alignment and comfort
- Adjustments are made to bite, fit, and appearance
- Dr. Frandsen checks that your dentures look natural and feel secure
- You’ll have opportunities to provide feedback and request changes
Each fitting appointment brings you closer to dentures that feel like they belong in your mouth. Dr. Frandsen pays attention to details that other practices might overlook—how your dentures sit when you smile, whether they shift when you talk, and if the color matches your natural appearance. This careful approach means fewer adjustments down the road and a better overall experience.
Adjusting to Life with New Dentures
The first few weeks with dentures come with a learning curve that catches many people off guard. Your mouth needs time to adapt, and speaking or eating might feel strange at first. Saliva production often increases temporarily, and minor soreness in your gums is normal as tissues adjust to pressure. Dr. Frandsen prepares patients for these realities while reassuring them that adjustment periods are temporary.
Practice makes a real difference during this transition. Reading aloud helps you get used to speaking with dentures, while starting with softer foods gives your mouth time to build confidence with chewing. Most patients find that within a few weeks, their dentures start feeling like a natural part of their mouth rather than a foreign object. The team at Horizon Dental encourages you to come in for adjustments whenever something doesn’t feel right—minor tweaks often solve discomfort quickly.
Daily Care That Protects Your Investment
Proper maintenance keeps dentures looking good and functioning well for years. Each night, remove your dentures and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive cleaner to remove food particles and prevent staining. Soaking them overnight in a denture solution helps eliminate bacteria and keeps the material from drying out.
Handle dentures carefully over a folded towel or sink filled with water—they can break if dropped on hard surfaces. Regular dental visits at the Taylorsville office allow Dr. Frandsen to check your gum health and make professional adjustments as your mouth changes over time. Even with dentures, maintaining good oral hygiene matters for your overall health.
The Support System That Makes the Difference
What sets the experience apart at Horizon Dental isn’t just the quality of the dentures themselves—it’s the ongoing support that comes with them. Patients appreciate knowing they can call with questions, stop by for quick adjustments, or schedule appointments when concerns arise. Dr. Frandsen’s team understands that getting dentures isn’t a one-time event but rather the beginning of a relationship built on trust and accessible care.
The connection to restorative dentistry services means comprehensive options if your needs change. Some patients eventually transition to implant-supported dentures for added stability, while others simply need periodic relines as their jaw shape shifts naturally over time.
Need Dentures in Taylorsville?
Getting dentures doesn’t have to feel like navigating unfamiliar territory alone. With clear communication, personalized attention, and a team that treats you like family, the process becomes manageable and even empowering.
If you’re ready to explore what dentures in Taylorsville could do for your quality of life, reach out to learn more about Dr. Frandsen and discover how Horizon Dental approaches denture care differently. Your smile deserves a fresh start, and that journey begins with a simple conversation—contact us today to schedule your consultation and see what’s possible.
