What is the first stage in the denture-making process?

The first stage in the denture-making process is the primary impression. This step is crucial as it involves creating an initial mold of the patient's dental arch, which captures the shape and contours of the gums and surrounding tissues. The primary impression is taken using a material that can easily capture fine details, typically using alginate or similar dental impression materials.

This impression is vital as it forms the basis for further stages in denture fabrication. It helps the dental technician understand the anatomy of the patient’s mouth and is used to create a custom impression tray for the secondary impression, which will provide more detail and accuracy.

By starting with the primary impression, the denture-making process ensures that subsequent steps, like fit adjustments and bite registration, are based on an accurate representation of the patient's oral anatomy. This foundational step is essential for the successful creation of dentures that fit well and function properly.