Complete dentures replace all missing teeth and usually take 6 to 12 weeks from start to finish. The exact time depends on whether teeth need to be removed, how long your gums take to heal, and how quickly the dental lab makes your dentures.
In this blog, we will briefly explain the step-by-step procedure of getting complete dentures so you know what to expect from the treatment.
What Are Complete Dentures?
People may lose all their teeth due to various reasons, such as extractions, advanced gum disease, or severe tooth damage. Your dentist can recommend complete dentures to replace all missing teeth.
Complete dentures are full sets of artificial teeth – both upper and lower arches. They sit on top of the gums and are held in place by suction or denture adhesive. Dentures help you chew, speak clearly, and smile with confidence.
Types of Complete Dentures and Timelines
The type of dentures affects how long the procedure takes:
- Immediate dentures, as the name suggests, are placed right after a tooth extraction. So, you can get those in a single visit. However, adjustments may be necessary.
- Conventional dentures are made after your gums have healed. This takes 6 to 8 weeks after extraction. These are relatively more accurate and secure.
- Implant-supported dentures are placed after implants. These are the most stable options but may take the longest to complete. 3 to 6 months is ideal, depending on how quickly you heal.
Step-by-Step Denture Timeline
Initial Consultation (Week 1)
During this time, your dentist will speak to you about the treatment plan in detail. Cost will be discussed. The dentist will visually examine and take X-rays to plan the treatment better. Any medical history or allergies will be noted to prioritize comfort.
Tooth Extractions and Healing
If denture placement requires prior extractions, your dentist will call you for that. Healing from an extraction can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how many teeth are being extracted, age, and case severity.
Denture Creation in the Lab
Once you have healed after the extraction, your dentist will take dental impressions and send them to the lab. The lab will create your dentures over 2 to 3 weeks. Delivery time can vary based on current orders. When your dentures are ready, you will be called for a fitting.
Final Fitting and Adjustments
Once the denture is ready, your dentist will place it and make adjustments for comfort and bite. Then, they will adjust the bite until you feel comfortable and satisfied. Sometimes, issues with adjustments may not occur immediately; hence, they will ask you to confirm if the fit works within a few weeks.
It’s normal to need a few follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit as your mouth adjusts.
What Can Affect the Denture Timeline?
Several factors can change how long the process takes:
- Overall health and healing speed
- Whether teeth are removed
- Dental lab turnaround time
- Clinic appointment availability
- Bite or jaw alignment issues
Final Thoughts
Getting complete dentures can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. The process includes consultation, extraction, denture creation, and fitting. Each of the steps may take several weeks to complete. While you can get immediate dentures in a single visit, conventional and implant-supported dentures can take weeks or up to months, respectively.
Consult experts at Smile 360 Family Dentistry of Rancho Cucamonga for a personalized timeline of getting complete dentures. Call us at (909) 980-4878 to book your appointment.