Dentures have empowered millions of people to enjoy complete smiles after tooth loss, giving them the confidence they need to smile proudly while restoring much of their lost chewing power. Each set is customized to address its patient’s needs by matching the shape of their mouth and aligning each artificial tooth to occupy a vacant spot in their smile. Since making a pair of dentures usually takes between six weeks and three months, here’s a breakdown of the steps in this process and how long they can take.
Preliminary Treatments
Many patients will need preliminary treatments such as gum disease therapy, bone grafts, or tooth extractions before they can receive dentures. Since these procedures can cause significant swelling in the gum tissue, it is necessary to wait until this inflammation goes down so accurate measurements of the oral cavity can be taken. It usually takes about two to three weeks to recover after gum disease therapy, and healing after extractions or bone grafts can take six to eight weeks.
Impressions and Bite Check
Once your mouth is ready, your dentist will have you bite into a tray loaded with a semi-liquid or semi-solid material to create a negative mold of your gums and remaining teeth. These impressions carry the information necessary to craft your new dentures, and they will be sent to a reputable dental lab so a skilled technician can begin the process.
During this appointment, your dentist will also use wax blocks to create a mockup of what your new smile will look like. They will be oriented to simulate your new teeth, and you will be asked about your preferences for their size, shape, and color. Once a suitable arrangement has been determined, these wax blocks will be sent to the lab with the impressions.
Manufacturing Dentures
Crafting a new set of dentures is a rather intricate process. Once the dental technician has crafted a wax model of your appliance over the next few weeks, it will be sent back to your dentist’s office so you can check it for fit, function, and appearance. After any necessary modifications, the model will be sent back to the lab so your final appliance can be manufactured. After two or three days, your new teeth will be cast, cleaned, polished, and returned to your dentist’s office. You’ll then come in to try your dentures on and have any final adjustments made.
Six weeks to three months is not that long to wait for a new and beautiful smile. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss any preliminary treatments you need before receiving dentures as well as how long it will take to manufacture them.
About the Author
Dr. Raj Vekariya completed his dental doctorate at the New York University College of Dentistry in 2005 before earning his certificate in Esthetic and Comprehensive Dentistry. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. His office in Canonsburg offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture treatments. To schedule your denture consultation, contact his office online or dial (724) 300-3700.