How Long Does it Take to Get Dentures Made?
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X-Rays, Interviews and Impressions
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It takes about a month to make dentures for the average patient. The dentist begins by taking x-rays of the jawbone, and interviewing the patient to get him comfortable with the procedures. The first temporary impressions of the gums are taken during the first visit. Visits takes place about a week apart so that the dentist has time to complete each step. The next appointment takes care of the master impressions, which are the finished dentures without the teeth. They are fitted to the patient, and adjusted for comfort and alignment.
Plate Adjustments and Teeth Selection
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On the third visit the plate is adjusted again and slight corrections are made in size and shape. Now the teeth are selected, chosen according to size, shape and color to look as natural as possible. This appointment can require as little as 15 minutes if everything goes well during the fitting or manufacturing processes. If more adjustments are needed it is not uncommon for the visit to require as much as an hour. Once the teeth are chosen, the denture plate is taken back to the lab and the teeth are installed into the plate.
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Final Adjustments and Last Minute Changes
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The fourth visit is the dress rehearsal for the denture wearer. Final adjustments are made, and tooth alignment is double checked. The patient is questioned as to comfort and fit, and spends some time in front of a mirror evaluating how the dentures make her look. Last-minute changes are made during this visit. Then the dentures are returned to the lab for any remaining adjustments. On the fifth visit the patient receives the new dentures, but not until the plate is thoroughly evaluated yet again and readjusted for fit if necessary.
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