dentures like Bugs Bunny- help!

furrydaffodil

Hello there, I hope someone can give me advice about my new upper partial denture of 4 teeth. The fit and colour are wonderful, but the teeth are far too long- way too long, very rabbity looking and they also dip down on one side! It's bloody awful because they look like cheap party shop falsies. Does anyone know if they be shortened by the dentist or technician, or if they say no, could I shorten them myself with sanding paper or something? Googling the question has not brought me any answers. I'm seeing my dentist on Wednesday and I'd like to be armed with some knowledge to plead my case before I go, if you see what I mean. When I phoned the dentist about it, no one was able to say if the teeth could be shortened or not, which was strange. It's weird, but I'm starting to lose sleep and get rather upset about it. If they can do nothing for me I suppose I'll have to pay for another set. Thanks very much.

Toothsmith

They can usually be adjusted OK.

Don't panic.

Was there not a try in stage before the finish stage so that you could see what they would look like? Or were the dentures made to replace teeth that were extracted at the time the denture was fitted (An immediate denture)

If it was an immediate, it might just be that the teeth haven't settled into their proper place yet, and as the gum heals they will settle down a bit. If that is the case, it's probably best to wait a bit before getting them adjusted, as when they do settle down, they will then look too short.

Go for your review appointment on Wednesday and be guided by the dentist although it's perfectly OK for you to let him know how you feel about them at the moment.

furrydaffodil

Thank you Toothsmith, you're correct that there was no try out stage because they were 'immediate dentures' However, there is a definite wonkiness and a dip down on the left and I do feel quite panicked. They really do look dreadful!
However, I'll certainly let the dentist know and see what can be done. Just a few millimetres makes all the difference between Bugs Bunny and Jessica Rabbit!
Do you know if it actually is possible to have dentures shortened with that little drill thing?

Toothsmith

Yes - quite easily if it's appropriate.

furrydaffodil

That has eased my mind, Toothsmith, to think the dentist may well see what I see and could make some adjustments. Even if he advised me to wait a little, if I knew something could be done say in a month, I could look forward to that!
I had no idea that getting a partial denture could be such an emotional thing!
Thank you for your answers. It's really helped.