Modern dentures look almost exactly like real teeth and can be so comfortable that you’ll forget that they are there. They can restore much of a patient’s ability to chew while giving them the confidence that comes with a complete smile. If you live with extensive tooth loss, you might wonder how long it takes to have a pair of dentures made and fitted to your mouth. While the general timeframe is between six weeks to three months, various factors can make the process take more or less time. Here’s a brief guide to how long it will take to get dentures.
How Does the Denture-Making Process Begin?
The process of getting dentures begins with an examination. Your dentist will inspect your teeth to determine how healthy they are and advise you on the best plan of action. If you have healthy teeth remaining, your dentures can sometimes be designed to fit in the space between them. In other cases, your remaining teeth may have to be extracted to make room for a full denture. If you need any extractions, your dentist will explain the process beforehand so you can be informed and prepared for the procedure.
What Happens If I Need Extractions?
If you need extractions, your gums will need time to heal before your dentures can be manufactured because if the swelling in the gums has yet to subside, your dentures cannot be properly fitted. While healing times vary from person to person, it will take about six to eight weeks for your gums to be healed sufficiently. You may have regular appointments with your dentist during this time to ensure that your gums are healing properly.
How Are Dentures Manufactured?
When your gums are sufficiently healed, your dentist will take a bite impression to provide the measurements needed to make your dentures. About an hour later, they will use wax blocks to design a proper bite and alignment for your new teeth. You may be asked to choose their size, shape, and color.
Afterward, the impressions and wax blocks will be sent to a lab where a skilled technician will manufacture your dentures. Within a day or two, your permanent teeth will be positioned in your dentures according to the data provided by the bite impressions and the wax blocks. This set of dentures will be sent back to your dentist, and you will return to the office to try them on. Then, you will get to see what your new teeth will look like and request any changes before they go through the final process. Your dentist will also make necessary adjustments, and the dentures will be sent back to the lab.
Over the next two or three days, your dentures will be cleaned and polished before they are returned to your dentist’s office for a final fitting and any needed last-minute adjustments. With the initial exam, any extractions, and the process of making and shipping your dentures, the process will probably take between six weeks to three months.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen earned his dental degree from the University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine before completing a General Practice Residency at University Hospital in Syracuse, NY. He proudly serves as a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in St. Johns, FL offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture services. For more information about the process of getting dentures, contact his office online or dial (904) 230-2961.