Getting dentures is a life-changing process, especially for tooth loss patients. Whether you’re replacing one or more teeth or planning for a full set, creating dentures is both intricate and essential. You might wonder, how long does it take to make dentures after impressions are done? The answer depends on several factors, but we’ll walk you through the stages, helping you understand the timeline and what to expect.
What Are Dentures?
The Denture-Making Process: From Impressions to Final Fitting
After your initial consultation, the denture process begins with taking impressions of your mouth. This marks the first step toward creating dentures that will fit comfortably and enables you to smile confidently. Once these impressions are completed, the timeline for when your new dentures arrive depends on the type of dentures you’re getting, whether temporary or permanent and the specifics of your oral health.
Let’s break down the process:
Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning
Before anything happens, you must visit your dentist’s office for an initial consultation. During this visit, your dentist will examine your mouth, including the state of your remaining teeth and gums. If tooth extractions are necessary due to decay or damage, the tooth extraction procedure will be planned.
The timeline starts ticking once the initial consultation and treatment plan are set. Whether you’re getting any dentures or complete dentures, the next steps revolve around your unique oral cavity and denture needs.
Taking Preliminary Impressions
After tooth extractions, the next step begins—taking preliminary impressions. These impressions capture the general shape of your mouth, including your upper and lower jaw. This is done using soft wax or other moulding materials, which are then sent to a dental laboratory where the denture-making process begins.
Preliminary impressions are vital as they help the dental technician understand the exact shape of your oral cavity. These impressions guide the creation of both temporary and permanent dentures.
Final Impressions and Bite Registration
Once your gums have healed, it’s time for final impressions. These impressions are much more detailed than the preliminary ones, capturing the nuances of your gum tissue, jaw structure, and oral health. Dentists often use wax blocks during this step to register your bite and ensure your dentures fit comfortably and provide a proper bite.
The bite registration stage is crucial. Your dentist and dental technician will collaborate to ensure your new teeth fit perfectly with your remaining teeth, if any, and that you can chew and speak comfortably. This step can take a couple of visits to the dentist’s office and dental lab, ensuring everything is aligned correctly before proceeding to the final stages.
The Final Steps: Crafting and Fitting Your New Dentures
Now that your impressions have been taken and the bite registration is complete, your dentures can be crafted in the dental laboratory. Depending on the complexity of your case and the type of dentures being made, this process can take several weeks.
Crafting the Dentures in the Dental Lab
If you are getting partial dentures, the technician will craft these to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. For complete dentures, the entire process ensures a comfortable, precise fit. This part of the denture process generally takes around two to six weeks, depending on the lab’s workload and the specific requirements of your case.
The Try-In Stage: Testing for Fit and Comfort
Once your dentures are crafted, you’ll return to your dentist’s office for a try-in session. This is an essential step where you test the fit, feel, and bite of your dentures. The dentist will check to ensure your dentures fit correctly and that no sore spots or discomfort persists.
At this stage, minor adjustments can be made. It’s normal for patients to feel some initial discomfort, but this should subside as your mouth adjusts to the new artificial teeth. If needed, the dentist can make necessary adjustments to ensure the best fit and comfort.
Final Fitting and Adjustments: Getting It Just Right
After the try-in, the lab will make any final tweaks before your dentures are ready for the final fitting. This step is where everything comes together. Your dentures are now properly fitted, and you can start to enjoy your new smile with confidence.
The final fitting marks the end of the denture-making process, but it’s important to remember that some minor adjustments may still be necessary as you wear your dentures daily. Over time, your gum tissue and mouth may change, requiring small tweaks to ensure your dentures fit comfortably.
How Long Does It Take to Make Dentures After Impressions?
Once impressions of your mouth are taken, the time it takes to make dentures can vary depending on the type of denture you’re receiving, whether it’s complete dentures, partial dentures, or implant-retained overdentures. Each type follows a slightly different timeline, with factors such as healing time and the complexity of the denture-making process influencing how long it will take.
Healing Time After Tooth Extractions
For more permanent solutions such as complete dentures, partial dentures, or implant-retained overdentures, healing is necessary before finalising the dentures. This healing phase can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the individual. Your gum tissue and oral cavity need time to adjust after tooth extractions, ensuring your dentures fit well when they’re ready.
Types of Dentures and Their Timelines
The timeline for receiving dentures depends largely on the type you’re getting. Let’s take a closer look at the common types of dentures and how long each takes:
- Complete Dentures: These are designed to replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. If you’re getting complete dentures, you may need to wait for 6 to 12 weeks, allowing your gums to heal after tooth extractions. During this time, the dental laboratory will craft the dentures to fit your mouth precisely.
- Partial Dentures: These are used to replace one or more missing teeth while keeping your remaining natural teeth. The process for partial dentures generally takes about 4 to 8 weeks. This depends on how many teeth need to be replaced and whether any remaining teeth require preparation, such as reshaping.
- Implant-Retained Overdentures: This type of denture is secured by dental implants, offering more stability compared to traditional dentures. The process for implant-retained overdentures takes longer due to the need for implant placement. After tooth extractions and implant surgery, a healing period of 3 to 6 months is typically required before the overdenture can be fitted. The implants need time to fuse with the jawbone (a process called osseointegration) to ensure the overdentures fit securely and comfortably.
How Long Is the Entire Process?
From your first consultation to the final fitting of your dentures, the entire process can take several weeks to a few months. Here’s an approximate timeline based on the type of denture:
- Complete Dentures: 6 to 12 weeks, factoring in healing time and the denture-making process.
- Partial Dentures: 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the denture and number of missing teeth.
- Implant-Retained Overdentures: Several months, as it involves implant surgery followed by a healing period before the dentures are attached.
The time it takes to make your dentures may feel lengthy, but ensuring that your dentures fit comfortably and function well is worth the wait. Be sure to follow your dentist’s advice during the healing process, attend all scheduled visits, and communicate any discomfort or concerns so necessary adjustments can be made.
Proper Care and Aftercare for Your New Dentures
After you receive your dentures, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and care for your new teeth. Regular visits to the dentist for professional check-ups are essential, and you may need further adjustments if discomfort persists. Proper cleaning of your dentures is also key to maintaining oral health and ensuring that they last.
Remember that getting used to your dentures might take a little time. At first, speaking and eating may feel different, but as you adapt, you’ll regain confidence in your smile and oral function.
Conclusion: Smile Confidently with Your New Dentures
Whether you’re getting partial dentures, or complete dentures, the journey involves collaboration between you, your dentist, and the dental laboratory. With patience and proper care, your new dentures will provide a beautiful, functional smile for years to come.
If you have any concerns or questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to MyHM Dentist at (02) 9158 6379 With the right care and attention, your new smile is closer than you think!
References:
National Health Service. (n.d.). Dentures. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dentures/#:~:text=Dentures%20are%20removable%20false%20teeth,potential%20problems%20caused%20by%20gaps.
Colgate. (n.d.). Implant-supported denture. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dentures/implant-supported-denture#
Healthline. (n.d.). Tooth extraction. https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-extraction
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental impressions. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22671-dental-impressions
