Today’s dentures are incredibly lifelike so that other people won’t notice them and so fantastically comfortable that the wearer may forget that they’re wearing them at all. This makes them an attractive way for many people to enjoy having a complete smile after tooth loss. Since each set of dentures is customized to fit the mouth of each patient, it can take some time to manufacture them to ensure the best possible fit. Here’s a brief overview of how long it can take to get dentures.
Step One: The Consultation
Before your dentures can be made, you’ll have to have a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your chosen dental health professional will thoroughly examine your mouth to assess its health and ask you about your particular needs and goals for the treatment. Some patients may be best suited by a partial denture that works in conjunction with their remaining natural teeth while others may have to have some teeth extracted to make room for full dentures.
Step Two: Extractions
If you need to have any teeth extracted to make room for your dentures, you’ll also need enough time to heal afterward before the fitting process can begin. Tooth extractions are rendered completely painless by anesthetic treatments and dental sedation, and it will take about six to eight weeks for your gums to heal enough to be ready for bite impressions.
Step Three: Impressions
Once your gums are sufficiently healed, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth by having you bite into dental trays filled with a semi-liquid substance. This will create a negative mold of your mouth that will provide the data necessary to create a custom-fitted set of dentures. During this appointment, your dentist will use wax blocks to model your new teeth according to your preferences. The impressions and any notes from your dentist will be sent to a lab where a skilled technician will manufacture your dentures.
Step Four: Fitting the Dentures
It will take a few days for the technician to make your dentures. Once this step is completed, the appliance will be sent back to your dentist so you can have a “try-in.” During this appointment, you will try your new teeth on and your dentist will check and adjust them to make sure they look, work, and fit properly. Your dentures will then be sent back to the lab for final processing.
About two or three days later, your dentures will be cleaned, polished, and returned to your dentist for a final fitting. Then, you will try them on, your dentist will make any final adjustments, and you will be sent on your way to enjoy your new smile. The whole process of getting dentures can take anywhere from six weeks to three months.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Garza earned his dental degree at the University of Texas at Houston and has taken extensive postgraduate coursework in the fields of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His offices in Sinton and Mathis, TX offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture services. To schedule a consultation for dentures, contact him online.