What Is the Expected Timeline for Receiving Dentures?

One of the biggest problems associated with missing teeth is that more often than not, it leads to additional lost teeth! That said, there are several available restoration solutions such as dentures that can fix the gaps left in your smile by missing teeth and also reestablish your ability to speak, bite, and chew effectively. However, they don’t provide an immediate solution; it’s often a gradual process that requires some time and preparation. Keep reading to learn more about the process and timeline for getting dentures in Raleigh, broken down into four primary steps.

Step #1. The Initial Measurements

There’s a bit of preparation that goes into receiving high-quality dentures. Your dentist must first determine if there is any preparatory work that needs to be completed first, such as tooth extraction. If this is the case, these extraction sites can take several months to fully heal. But if you don’t need any teeth removed and your mouth is in a relatively healthy state, your dentist can move more quickly and begin the process by taking impressions of the ridges of your mouth and measuring your bite. They’ll then send this information to the lab where your dentures are to be manufactured—this part of the process can take some time (usually 3 or 4 total visits), but there’s plenty for your dentist to do in the meantime to prepare you for dentures.

Step #2. The Adjustment Period

Your dentist will provide you with temporary dentures while your permanent ones are being fabricated. These mockups serve a very important purpose—your dentist will regularly adjust them to determine how they fit best, and these measurements are applied to your future dentures. Sometimes this process takes some time, and your temporary dentures need to be adjusted often, but this is necessary and instrumental in the success of dentures. Once your permanent dentures have been crafted, your dentist will know exactly how they need to be placed thanks to these mockups!

Step #3. Placing the Dentures

Sometimes this adjustment period is time-consuming, and a patient needs “immediate dentures” so that they aren’t without teeth for a while. These prosthetics are slightly different than the temporary mockups that are used in the adjustment phase, and they actually provide you with functional interim teeth. However, when your permanent dentures arrive and the final measurements have been made, placing them is a simple process thanks to all of the efforts made by your dentist. You might have to have them readjusted regularly, though—ill-fitting dentures can be quite uncomfortable and problematic!

Step #4. Aftercare

Once your dentures have been fitted, it’s up to you to ensure that they remain functional and uncompromised. While visiting your dentist regularly for adjustments to your dentures is crucial, so is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Your dentist will provide you with instructions and recommendations for keeping your dentures clean, functional, and well-fitting.

The amount of time and level of care that goes into receiving dentures only ensures their future success. That said, if you’re curious about receiving dentures, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist to get an idea about the possible expected timeline.

About the Author

Dr. Philip A. Lisk received his dental doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill and has proudly served patients and families in the North Raleigh area for over 20 years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including tooth restoration solutions like dentures. If you have any questions about dentures or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Lisk through his practice’s website or over the phone for assistance: (919) 870-6892.