Many people deal with the loss of several, many, or all of their teeth, and this can cause significant quality-of-life issues by making it more difficult to chew thoroughly and smile confidently. This affects both a person’s social life by making them shy about showing off a friendly grin and their overall health by limiting the variety of nutritious foods they can enjoy. Thankfully, modern dentures are a fantastically lifelike and incredibly comfortable solution to tooth loss that allows many people to enjoy having a full smile again. Here’s how long it can take to get a set of your own.
Step One: Developing a Treatment Plan
The first step to getting dentures is to have a consultation with your dentist, during which they will thoroughly examine your mouth to assess its health and particular needs. They will also take the time to ask you questions about your concerns and preferences. This will allow them to determine what kind of dentures you need, if you need any restorative work before getting them, whether you will need to have any remaining teeth extracted, and how this can all fit within your budget. Once a suitable treatment plan has been developed, they can schedule you for the necessary procedures.
Step Two: Extractions
Some patients will have to have a few or all of their remaining teeth removed to make room for their dentures. Anesthetic treatments will render the process painless, and you may receive dental sedation if you need any extra help staying comfortable in the dentist’s chair. Once the procedure is completed, you’ll need to wait six to eight weeks for your mouth to heal. After the swelling has subsided, you will go back to your dentist’s office for impressions.
Step Three: Impressions
For a technician to design your dentures, they will need detailed measurements of your gums. To provide this data, your dentist will take bite impressions of your gums by filling a tray with a semi-solid substance and having you bite into it. This will create a negative mold of your oral structures which will be sent to a lab along with any notes your dentist has. There, a skilled technician will manufacture your dentures, and these will be sent back to your dentist when they are ready for fitting.
Step Four: Fitting
Once your dentist has your new dentures at their office, you’ll come in to test them out. Your dentist will check their fit, their appearance, and how well they work and will make any necessary adjustments. They will then be sent back to the lab for final processing. When your dentist receives your finalized dentures, you will come in to try them on. Your dentist will make any final modifications, and you will be sent on your way to enjoy your new smile.
In total, getting dentures can take anywhere from six weeks to three months. While this may seem like a long time to wait, having a little patience can reward you with a beautiful new smile.
About the Practice
Family Dental Associates provides the finest oral health care available to the good people of Spring Hill, TN. Led by Drs. Emily Allen and Brandon Jewell, the staff ensures that each patient receives personalized and compassionate care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To schedule a denture consultation, contact the office online or dial (615) 302-1414.