Dentures are the tried-and-true way to replace missing teeth because they simultaneously restore your grin’s appearance and functionality. With them in place, you can more easily enjoy meals, conversations, and smiling genuinely with family and friends.
However, many patients are surprised to learn that it can take several weeks to be fitted with these artificial teeth from start to finish. Understanding more about why can help you appreciate your prosthetics that much more when they arrive. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from the process of getting dentures!
How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?
The exact amount of time you spend waiting for your restoration depends on your unique circumstances, such as whether you’re getting a full or partial set. Below is a more detailed outline of the various steps involved in their creation and how long each typically takes:
Consultation
Before beginning, you must schedule a consultation with your dentist to examine your current dental condition to ensure no preexisting issues will interfere with the results. For example, if they spot signs of gum disease, those must be treated first. Then, they’ll verify whether you have sufficient jawbone density to support these artificial teeth. If you’re a viable candidate, they’ll work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Extractions
It might come as a shock to hear that you need to have healthy teeth extracted to make space for your restoration, but it’s not as uncommon as you may think. Your dentist might need to remove any pearly whites that have cavities, are damaged, or are simply in the way. Then, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months for you to heal enough to continue.
Impressions & Fittings
Once your gums have mended, your provider can take images and X-rays and make impressions of your mouth. These will be sent to a dental laboratory, which uses them to create dentures that fit your mouth like a glove. Then, it can take one or several weeks for your prosthetics to be made because each stage requires meticulous attention to detail.
First, a wax version of your restoration will be built and sent back to your dentist for a fitting. They’ll work with you to make any necessary adjustments, then send your artificial teeth back to the lab to be finalized.
Delivery
The lab can take a few weeks to finish your dentures because the technicians take the time to carve the artificial teeth and gums to resemble your natural ones as closely as possible. Once they’ve built the finished product, trimmed away any excess material, and polished it to a shine, they’ll return it to your dentist. They’ll call you back for one last appointment to ensure it all fits as intended, then send you on your way with your newly restored smile!
If you’re feeling impatient, it might help to remember that a top-quality prosthetic is worth the wait!
About the Practice
At Zahner Dental, patients benefit from a familial team of dentists who work together to offer a full array of services at one convenient location. Drs. Warren, Shawn, and Jonathan Zahner share 40+ years of experience treating people of all ages, so you and your whole family receive the same gold-star treatment. They put patient comfort first and provide various amenities and forms of sedation to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. If you need help replacing your missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (860) 870-9031.