Getting Dentures? How Long Before You Flash Your New Smile?

According to the US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in five American seniors has lost all of their teeth. For those who are a part of this statistic, dentures offer a great solution. These prosthetics will allow them to lead a much better quality of life. However, the hardest part of getting dentures is waiting for them to arrive!

So how long does it take? Continue reading to learn about the denture process and how long it normally takes from start to finish.

How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?

While times vary wildly from case to case, most people can expect a total timeline of 3 to 6 weeks. There are several steps that need to happen in sequence for the treatment to be successful.

Step 1: Treatment Plan

The first step is to visit your dentist for a dental exam and create a plan based on the results. Depending on the specifics of your plan and the preparations that will need to go into it, your treatment time can vary. Once you complete this step, you should have a much better understanding of the time it will take for your specific case.

Step 2: Preparation

This step could simply be impressions or may include other procedures like extractions. If you need to have teeth extracted before your denture treatment proceeds, this is the stage for it.

Extractions can take a few weeks to heal, so this could create a delay of a few weeks or a couple of months depending on how quickly you recover. In some cases, you may be given temporary dentures to use while your gums heal.

Once everything is settled, your dentist will take impressions of your gums to send to a dental laboratory.

Step 3: Fabrication

Once your impressions arrive at the dental lab, skilled technicians get to work making your new prosthetic. They use the impression as a guide to craft the teeth and acrylic to exact specifications. This part of the process generally takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Step 4: Fitting and Adjustments

Once your dentures arrive at your dentist’s office, you’ll have a fitting appointment. This is the first time you’ll be able to see your new smile and feel them out.

If there are any adjustments that need to be made, your dentist will send them back to the lab. The adjustment period could be another week or two depending on their complexity. If no adjustments need to be made, then you’ll go home with your new grin after the fitting!

If you’re considering dentures, don’t wait. The sooner you go to your dentist for your consultation, the faster you’ll get your new prosthetic. It may be hard to wait, but rest assured that the results will be worth it.

About the Practice

Dr. Sarah Pitarra and Dr. Amy Vela are your passionate and professional dental team at Sarah Pitarra, DDS. Their commitment to quality is evident in their adoption of the latest dental technology and techniques to better serve their patients. They offer customized treatment plans to get you out of pain and into the best smile you’ve ever had. To schedule a denture consultation, call (361) 855-7171 or visit the website to delve into other services they provide.