Once you get your dentures, you’ll be able to do all kinds of things that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Your diet will expand, you’ll be able to speak more fluently, and you’ll get incredible confidence that wouldn’t otherwise be possible for you.
If you’re missing teeth, it’s natural to be excited about the prospect of getting your new prosthetic. You might wonder how long it’ll be before you can enjoy your new smile. Here’s a breakdown of the process of getting dentures to help you learn more about how long it will take.
Step 1: Exam and Consultation
Of course, the first step in the process of getting dentures will be a consultation with your dentist. They’ll talk to you about what you’re looking for from your prosthetic, and will thoroughly examine you to determine what kinds of preliminary treatments are going to be necessary (tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, etc.)
Step 2: Preparation & Treatment
Most patients getting dentures will need tooth extractions, removing any seriously problematic teeth. Some patients may also need gum disease therapy or even a bone graft.
These procedures will be done before getting your dentures, and in many cases, patients will need to heal prior to receiving them.
This is not always true—some patients receive immediate dentures, in which case the design process actually comes before extractions. This means that the fit of your prosthetic will be worse at first and that you’re likely to need more relines, but you’ll be able to get them much faster after surgery.
Step 3: Impressions
Once your gums have healed, the process of getting dentures will begin in earnest. The first step will be to have an impression taken of the gums, which will be done with either a traditional putty mold or digital imaging technology. This will allow them to ensure that your dentures will fit your gums well.
Your dentist will also use wax blocks to gauge your natural bite, and will talk to you about the desired color and shape of your false teeth.
Step 4: Lab Work
The dentist’s designs will be sent to a lab, where they’ll be turned into a set of functional dentures. You may be called in to try on a prototype during this process, at which point you’ll be able to make minor adjustments and send them back to the lab.
The entire milling process will take anywhere from six weeks to three months, after which you’ll be able to get the smile of your dreams!
About Our Practice
At Southlake Family Dentistry, we guarantee that the care that you receive from us will be perfectly tailored to your unique needs. This is of course the case for prosthetics that we make for you, but it’s also true for simple checkups, minor restorative care, and even complicated treatment. No matter what brings you to our office, you can expect oral healthcare at the absolute highest level.
If you have any questions about dentures, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (803) 548-3342.