Dentures are a fantastic way for many people to enjoy a complete smile once again after severe tooth loss. Each set is made from high-quality materials and customized to fit the patient’s mouth, making them incredibly comfortable to wear and lifelike enough to go completely unnoticed by the casual observer. However, the amount of time it takes to get a set of dentures can vary depending on your needs. Here’s a brief overview of the steps required to get dentures and how long the process can take.
How Does One Get Dentures?
The process of getting dentures requires five basic steps. These are:
Creating a treatment plan
Before you can get dentures, your dentist will have to give your mouth a thorough exam to determine the state of your oral health and the best way to address your tooth loss. Once your dentist has the data they need, they can develop a treatment plan based on your needs, preferences, and budget. Your consultation is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process.
Extractions if necessary
Some patients may need to have a few teeth removed to make room for their dentures. If this is the case for you, your dentist will determine the best order in which to remove them and how many procedures this will take. Your mouth will have to heal before the process can progress afterwards so that any swelling can subside before impressions can be made. Recovery may take several weeks.
Taking impressions
Your dentist will need a model of your teeth to determine the dimensions of your dentures. They may do this by having you bite into trays full of a moldable liquid, or they may use a device to create a digital map of your mouth.
Crafting your dentures
These bite impressions and any further instructions your dentist has will be sent to a lab where a specialist will skillfully construct your dentures. Once they have a working set for you to try on, the dentures will be sent back to the office so you can test them out and request any adjustments. The dentures will then be sent back to the lab, where they will be finalized before being sent back to the dentist.
Delivering dentures
When your dentist receives your final set of dentures, you will come in to try them on. Your dentist will make any last-minute adjustments and send you on your way to enjoy your beautiful new smile.
How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?
Overall, the whole process may take several months at most. Once your dentist has sent your bite impressions to the lab, it will take several weeks before you finally walk out of the office door with them. This allows the denture specialist to create a high-quality and incredibly comfortable dental appliance that can last for up to ten years with excellent care.
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and he continues to take advanced education courses to stay on top of new developments in his field. He is proud to be a member of the Minnesota Dental Association and the American Dental Association. His office in Rochester, MN offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture services. If you have any more questions about the process of getting dentures, contact the office online or dial (507) 288-1066.
