Whether you need to replace a few missing teeth or an entire dental arch, dentures are a time-honored solution. However, they do take some time to make once you’ve decided your path. But how long does it take, exactly? If you’re considering dentures to restore your smile, continue reading. You’ll learn the timeline of the denture process so you know what to expect as you explore your options for a new smile.
Initial Consultation
Your first step is scheduling an appointment with your dentist. During this visit, you’ll receive a thorough exam, discuss your dental history, health, and goals. This is your opportunity to learn as much as you can about the process and ask any burning questions you may have. The whole visit lasts about an hour, but it’s full of information and represents the most important part of the whole process—getting started!
Preparatory Treatments and Impressions
Once the consultation is done, there’s a chance you may need additional procedures like tooth extractions, bone grafts, or gum disease treatment. Depending on what you need, the timeline can vary significantly from a couple of weeks to a few months. However, these kinds of treatments are necessary to ensure your dentures fit comfortably.
Once you’ve healed from your preparatory treatments, if any, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth. These are then sent to a trusted local dental lab where your new prosthetics are custom-fitted to exact specifications.
Fitting and Receiving
Before finalizing your dentures, you’ll have one or more sessions where you’ll get to try on your new smile! After a couple of weeks, you’ll test a wax model of your dentures to check fit and appearance. Approximately two weeks later, your finished prosthetics should be ready for delivery and a final fitting! Once all adjustments have been made and you’re happy with the results, you take your dentures home to enjoy!
In total, getting dentures can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. However, the exact timeline depends on your specific needs, healing time, and the type of dentures you choose.
While the process requires time, the result is a functional and beautiful smile you can be proud to show off wherever you go. Having patience and following your dentist’s guidance will ensure excellent results and soon enough, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of your new dentures!
About the Practice
If you’re suffering from tooth loss, Dr. Venn Peterson and Dr. Spenser Cammack are passionate dentists who enjoy helping their patients achieve beautiful smiles. Though skill, state-of-the-art technology, and quality patient care, they work together to provide quality dentures that last. Call (360) 459-4420 to schedule a denture consultation at Peterson and Cammack Family and Cosmetic Dentistry or visit our website to see a full menu of quality services we provide.