Alright, curious about what folks here did when they needed full dentures. Did you get immediate ones right after extractions, or did you wait for your gums to heal before getting fitted? I went with immediate dentures because honestly, the idea of walking around toothless for months made me feel a bit panicky. But man, those first few weeks were rough—lots of sore spots and I felt like I was chewing with a mouthful of plastic.
If you waited, was it worth it for the better fit later on? Or did anyone else just want to get it over with, even if it meant some discomfort? Cast your vote and maybe share a story if you want—did you regret your choice, or would you do it again?
I totally get where you’re coming from—immediate dentures can be a real lifesaver for self-confidence, but they’re definitely not a walk in the park at first. I went the immediate route too, mostly because I just couldn’t imagine facing work and social stuff without teeth. The first month was rough, especially with all the adjustments and sore spots, but after a few relines things settled down.
I have a friend who waited for her gums to heal before getting fitted. She swears by that choice—her final fit was way better than mine at first, and she didn’t need as many adjustments. But she also had to deal with the whole “no teeth” thing for a while, which she found pretty isolating.
Honestly, I don’t regret going for immediates. The transition was tough, but it felt less overwhelming than waiting months. If I had to do it again, I’d probably make the same call...but maybe I’d prepare myself better for those early weeks. It really comes down to what you can handle—emotionally and physically.
That’s super helpful to hear, thanks for sharing all that detail. I’ve been reading up on both options and honestly, the idea of going without teeth for weeks freaks me out, but the adjustment period with immediates sounds pretty rough too. Did you find eating was the hardest part in those first few weeks, or was it more about the soreness? I’m kind of dreading the relines, but it’s reassuring to know things settle down eventually. Your point about emotional vs. physical challenges really hits home... I guess there’s no perfect route, just what works best for you.
Honestly, I was in the same boat—going toothless sounded like a nightmare, but immediates seemed like a pain (literally). I ended up waiting it out and, weirdly enough, it wasn’t as bad as I’d built up in my head. The whole “no teeth” thing was awkward at first (soup became my best friend), but at least I wasn’t dealing with the constant sore spots and weird fit that my buddy had with his immediates. He was always fiddling with them or complaining about relines.
For me, the emotional part wasn’t as rough as I expected. I just avoided selfies and Zoom for a bit. Physically, it was more annoying than painful. Eating soft stuff gets old fast, but at least you don’t have to worry about biting your cheek with new dentures… yet. Not saying one way is better, but waiting wasn’t the horror show I imagined. Sometimes the anticipation is worse than the reality, you know?
Honestly, I was in the same boat—going toothless sounded like a nightmare, but immediates seemed like a pain (literally). I ended up waiting it out and, weirdly enough, it wasn’t as bad as I’...
I totally get where you’re coming from about the idea of being toothless making you panic—I had the same reaction at first. But honestly, the cost was a huge factor for me with immediates. My dentist quoted me for the whole process (immediates, then permanent dentures, plus all the relines in between), and it added up fast. I ended up doing a ton of research and, after seeing how many people needed multiple adjustments and new liners, I started to wonder if I was just paying extra for a few months of not looking “toothless.”
I ended up waiting it out, partly because my insurance covered more if I did it that way, and partly because I wanted the best fit possible. Those first weeks were awkward, no doubt. I felt super self-conscious, especially at work, but honestly, most people didn’t even notice. I got pretty creative with smoothies and mashed potatoes, and yeah, I was sick of soft food by the end. But when I finally got fitted, I barely needed any adjustments, and the fit was way better than what my cousin went through with immediates—she was constantly at the dentist for sore spots and extra costs.
Emotionally, it was a rollercoaster. There were days I regretted not just getting it over with, especially when I had to skip eating out or dodge group photos. But looking back, the money saved and the comfort of my final dentures made it worth it for me. I guess it comes down to what you can handle—short-term discomfort or long-term hassle (and expense). If budget is tight, waiting might make more sense, even if it’s not the most glamorous option.
Funny thing is, I was convinced I’d feel like a hermit for months, but life just kept going. Now that it’s all done, I’m glad I stuck it out, even if it wasn’t the “easy” route.