One popular option to replace a missing tooth, or teeth, is dentures. A common question people have about them is “how long does it take to get dentures?” We answer that question, and more, below.
Side Effects of Missing Teeth
If you have missing teeth, or a tooth, please do not take it lightly. It may seem okay to lose a tooth, but it actually has negative side effects on your health.
Without a complete set of teeth, you are unable to chew your food properly. That means that your body cannot extract all the nutrients it can get from the food you eat. It also makes your face droop, and can make you look older, too.
Dentures are a great solution, and a more affordable alternative compared to tooth implants.
How Long Does It Take To Get Dentures?
So, how long does it take to get dentures?
The timeframe differs from person to person. And your oral hygiene plays a huge factor.
But, on average, it usually takes 4-5 visits to your dentist. These take place over 3-8 weeks.
For instance, if there are teeth or root tips that need to be extracted, your dentist needs to do that first. Then you and your dentist need to let your gums heal from the extraction, too.
If there are any tooth extractions that need to be done, the process of getting dentures is longer. This means that it can take up to six months for the extraction site to heal completely. The time frame depends highly on the size of the extraction site, and your overall health.
What’s The Process Like?
The process includes making impressions of your teeth, and making measurements to get the correct “bite” pattern. Then a wax mockup will be made to make sure that the artificial teeth fit well and correctly.
Once they are perfected, then the actual dentures will be made. The visits to your dentist during this time frame will usually be focused on fitting, making adjustments to the mockup, and making sure that the final set of dentures fit correctly and perfectly.
Your dentist also needs to make sure the dentures match the features of your face. This is crucial because the wrong shape of artificial teeth can change your face’s appearance.
As a final step of the process the complete dentures are placed in the mouth. It will take a while for you to get used to the feel of them, and there may still be some adjustments depending on how they feel in your mouth.
Same Day, or Immediate, Dentures
There are also instances where patients cannot be without teeth for a long period of time. This calls for immediate (or same day) dentures. In these cases, the process is completely different. For these cases, the impressions and the denture models are created still with the natural teeth intact.
Once that’s done, the complete denture is created with artificial teeth. Then the natural teeth are extracted right before the dentures are placed in the mouth.
As you can probably tell, this process requires more special after-care. This is because removing the dentures too early can cause some problems, because the gums are still swelling.
The time frame also depends on how many teeth need to be replaced. Also on what type of dentures you need. The two different types of are partial and complete dentures.
To know which one fits you best, be sure to consult with your dentists for a check-up.