To supply and fit a new set of false teeth is an intricate process that usually requires multiple appointments, meticulous work, and personalized attention to detail. Therefore, the timeline of obtaining new dentures may vary significantly based on a variety of factors, such as the type of false teeth you need and the specific practices of the dental office or denture clinic involved. That said, there are some steps in the process that you can typically expect to follow which should give you an insight into the time that will be needed in your case. What are they? Read on to find out.

Dental Consultation

The process begins with an initial consultation. This is when your dentist will assess your overall oral health and discusses available options, such as, for example, supplying same-day dentures, usually on an emergency basis. The denture consultation will also typically involve taking an impression or mold of the patient's mouth, which serves as a model for creating the tailored set of false teeth. Suppose any teeth need to be extracted prior to fitting dentures. In that case, additional appointments are likely to be required, along with a period of healing between the extraction process and the denture fitting itself.

Laboratory Work

Following the initial consultation, the impressions taken by your dentist will be sent to a dental laboratory. It is here where the dentures will be carefully crafted to fit your mouth. This process usually takes several weeks, depending on the complexity of the false teeth and the current workload of the laboratory. Some labs offer a faster service if you are willing to pay a surcharge to prioritize your false teeth.

Fitting the False Teeth

Once the dentures are ready, a fitting appointment should be scheduled without any further delay. At this stage, your dentist will check the fit, color, and shape of the false teeth the lab has supplied. They will make any necessary last-minute adjustments for a perfect fit. Patients should also expect to have the opportunity to see how the dentures will look and feel before they are finalized.

Follow Up Appointments

Although the turnaround for new dentures is usually a matter of weeks, there may be several adjustment appointments over the course of the next few months that will also be needed. These are often beneficial if you want to ensure optimal comfort and function. During these appointments, your dentist may make minor modifications to your false teeth as needed. 

Contact your dentist for more information about dentures.