Your dentures may take several weeks, usually between 3 weeks and 3 months, depending on your specific situation, the type of denture you need, and whether you require tooth extraction. Getting dentures can be life-changing if you’re missing teeth, but understanding the timeline helps set proper expectations. At Radiant Smiles Dental Care, we often hear patients ask, “How long does it take to get dentures?”, so we’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- The entire process for getting dentures for the first time usually takes 3 to 12 weeks from start to finish.
- Immediate denture options can be fitted on the same day as teeth are pulled.
- Conventional dentures require a 6- to 8-week healing time after extractions.
- Most patients need 4 to 6 appointments throughout the process from start to finish.
- Dental implants with permanent denture solutions take significantly longer (3 to 12 months).
Different Types of Dentures: How do They Affect the Denture Timeline?
Complete or full dentures replace all teeth in either your upper or lower jaw and typically take 6 to 12 weeks when extractions are needed. Partial denture options replace only some missing teeth while anchoring to your remaining teeth, usually taking 4 to 8 weeks to complete. For those wondering, “How long does it take to get dentures after teeth are pulled?”, immediate dentures can be placed the same day as extractions, but serve primarily as a temporary solution during the healing process.
Dentures come in several types, and each follows a different timeline for completion. According to the World Health Organization, globally, nearly 1 in 5 people aged 60 and above have lost all of their natural teeth — a figure that is projected to grow as the world’s population continues to age. That means there is a higher need than ever for dentures to be made.
Denture Types and Timeline Comparison
| Denture Type | Description | Material Options | Average Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete or Full Denture | Replaces all teeth in upper or lower jaw | Acrylic, premium acrylic | 6 to 12 weeks after extractions |
| Partial Denture | Replaces some teeth, anchors to natural teeth | Acrylic, flexible, cobalt chrome | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Immediate Denture | Placed same day as extractions | Acrylic | Same day (temporary) |
| Implant-Retained | Secured by dental implants | Acrylic, hybrid materials | 3 to 12 months (including surgery) |
Your dental health plays a central role in determining your personal timeline. The number of teeth requiring extraction, your healing rate, and whether you need a false teeth solution quickly will all influence how long it takes to make dentures for your specific case.
How long does it Take to Make Dentures After Impressions are Done?
Once your final impressions are taken, the laboratory phase of making dentures typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete. The impression of your mouth creates a precise model upon which your custom dentures are built. Let’s have a closer look at how long it takes a lab to make dentures through this multi-step process, including creating wax models, setting artificial teeth, and processing the final denture base material.
Laboratory Fabrication Process Timeline
| Stage | Process | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Create master models from impressions | 1 to 2 days |
| Stage 2 | Fabricate wax rims for bite registration | 2 to 3 days |
| Stage 3 | Set teeth in wax for try-in | 3 to 5 days |
| Stage 4 | Process and finish the denture after approval | 3 to 5 days |
| Stage 5 | Final polishing and quality checks | 1 to 2 days |
At Radiant Smiles Dental Care, we’re excited to offer digital scanning technology for eligible patients, which can reduce the time it takes to make dentures after impressions by 3 to 5 days compared to traditional methods. This advanced approach creates more precise fits while shortening the overall timeline.
What Factors Can Affect the Timeline for Getting Dentures?
Several factors can affect how quickly you’ll receive your dentures, including your oral health, extractions needed, and healing rate. Patient-specific factors play the largest role in determining your personal denture timeline.
Key Timeline Influence Factors
- Age-related healing: Younger patients (aged 40 to 60) typically heal faster than older patients (aged 70+)
- Health conditions: Diabetes, immune disorders, and cardiovascular issues can extend healing time
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking can increase healing time by 1 to 3 weeks
- Bone structure: Patients with thin jawbones may need additional procedures
- Material selection: Premium materials may require longer fabrication time
- Technological approach: Digital workflows can reduce overall timeline by up to 30%.
At Radiant Smiles, we conduct a comprehensive assessment during your consultation to provide you with a personalised treatment plan and timeline estimate based on your specific circumstances.
How many Appointments do you Need for the Complete Denture Process?
The complete denture process typically requires 4 to 6 appointments from start to finish. These appointments include your initial consultation, any necessary extractions, taking impressions, bite registration, try-in sessions, and final delivery of your dentures. Each appointment serves a specific purpose in creating well-fitting, functional false teeth.
For conventional dentures after extractions, your appointment schedule might follow this structure:
- Initial consultation and treatment planning
- Tooth extraction appointment
- Healing check-up (approximately 2 to 4 weeks after extractions)
- Final impressions (once healing is complete)
- Bite registration and tooth selection
- Try-in appointment
- Final delivery and adjustments
For immediate dentures or partial dentures without extractions, you may need fewer appointments. Throughout the process, our Radiant Smiles Dental Care team in Perth and Albany works to make each appointment as efficient and comfortable as possible.
What Happens During the Initial Consultation for Dentures?
The initial consultation for dentures involves a thorough examination of your mouth and a discussion of suitable denture options for your needs. Your dentist at Radiant Smiles Dental Care will assess the health of your remaining teeth, take X-rays if necessary, and create a personalised treatment plan. This important first step typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and establishes the foundation for your entire denture journey.
Patient Preparation Checklist Before Your First Appointment
- Bring your dental history records if available
- List any medications you’re currently taking
- Note any allergies, especially to dental materials or medicine
- Prepare questions about the type of dentures you’re getting
- Bring your dental insurance information if applicable
How long does the Tooth Extraction and Healing Process Take?
The tooth extraction and healing process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks before permanent dentures can be made. Extraction appointments, the beginning of how dentures are made, are relatively quick (often under an hour), but your teeth and gums need adequate time to heal and reshape before taking impressions for your new set of dentures. This healing time is crucial for ensuring your dentures fit comfortably for the long term.
Every patient heals at a different rate, with factors like age, overall health, and the number of extractions affecting the healing process. For some patients, particularly those with complex medical conditions or who smoke, healing may take longer than the standard 6 to 8 weeks.
If you’re concerned about being without teeth during this waiting period, we often recommend immediate denture health care options as a temporary solution. These can be fitted on the same day as your extractions, allowing you to maintain your appearance while your permanent denture is being prepared.
What is the Immediate Denture Option and How does it Work?
Immediate dentures are temporary teeth that can be fitted on the same day as your extractions, eliminating any period without teeth. These immediate denture solutions are prepared before your extraction appointment based on an impression of your mouth with teeth still present. After your teeth are removed, the dentures are attached, allowing you to leave our Perth or Albany clinic with a complete smile.
The process begins several weeks before your extraction appointment with preliminary impressions and measurements. If you’re a candidate for immediate dentures, we’ll explain how these prosthetics are designed to provide a transitional solution. While convenient, immediate dentures are designed to be temporary and typically require regular adjustments as your gums shrink during healing and eventual replacement with properly fitted dentures for optimal comfort.
What Is the Try-In Process, and Why Is It Important?
The try-in process involves testing wax models of your future dentures to check fit, function, and appearance before final processing. During this appointment, which typically occurs 1 to 2 weeks after impressions, your dentist at Radiant Smiles Dental Care will place the wax model in your mouth to ensure your dentures fit well and function properly. This crucial step prevents potential issues with your final set of dentures.
Your active participation during this appointment is essential — we want to know how the dentures feel to you and whether you’re happy with how they look. We can make minor adjustments to tooth position, colour, and arrangement at this stage much more easily than after the dentures are finalised.
After approving the wax model, it returns to the dental lab to start building your permanent dentures, where the wax is replaced with durable acrylic material. This attention to detail during try-in significantly increases satisfaction with your new dentures.
What Should I Expect During the Final Fitting Appointment?
During the final fitting appointment, when you’re wearing dentures, your completed dentures will be placed in your mouth and thoroughly checked for comfort, fit, and function. Your dentist will examine how the dentures sit on your gums, verify that your bite is properly aligned, and ensure you can speak clearly.
This appointment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and marks the exciting moment when you receive your new permanent smile. Then you’re at the end of your journey and will no longer wonder how long it takes to have dentures made.
We’ll provide detailed instructions on caring for your dentures, including cleaning techniques and when to remove them. Your dentist will also explain what to expect during the adjustment period as you get used to wearing and speaking with dentures.
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled within the first few weeks after receiving your dentures to address any sore spots or fit issues that develop as you begin using them regularly.
How long does It Take to Adjust to New Dentures?
Adjusting to new dentures typically takes 2 to 4 weeks as your mouth adapts to the feel and function of the prosthetic. Initially, you may experience increased saliva, mild soreness, and difficulty speaking or eating. These temporary challenges improve daily as your muscles adapt to the new oral environment, and you develop muscle memory for speaking and chewing.
Adjustment Timeline Milestones
| Timeframe | Adjustment Progress |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Initial adaptation, possible mild discomfort |
| Days 4 to 7 | Speaking becomes increasingly comfortable |
| Days 7 to 14 | Eating soft foods becomes easier |
| Days 14 to 28 | Gradually introducing more food textures |
| After 30 days | Most patients are fully adjusted to dentures |
What Advancements are Improving the Denture Creation Timeline?
Modern technology is transforming the denture-making process, with several innovations reducing production time. Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems, now available at Radiant Smiles, can significantly shorten the fabrication timeline by 25 to 40% compared to traditional methods. These digital systems create more precise fits while eliminating several time-consuming manual steps.
How Digital Technology Improves the Denture Process
- Digital scanning: Replaces messy impression materials with precise 3D mouth scans
- Computer modelling: Creates exact digital denture designs with fewer errors
- Automated fabrication: Reduces handcrafting time with machine precision
- Fewer adjustments: Digital precision often means fewer fit corrections needed
- Digital record storage: Makes future replacements faster and more accurate
While traditional methods still produce excellent results, these digital options provide Radiant Smiles patients with additional choices that can expedite the denture process while maintaining exceptional quality.
Radiant Smiles Dental Care: Affordable Dentures for Perfect Smiles
Understanding the denture timeline helps you set realistic expectations for your treatment journey. From initial consultation to final fitting, the process typically takes 3 to 12 weeks, depending on your specific needs, with healing periods accounting for most of the waiting time. At Radiant Smiles Dental Care, we offer both traditional and advanced digital options to optimise your denture timeline.
Our experienced team in Perth and Albany guides you through each step, ensuring your denture experience is comfortable and efficient. Whether you need immediate dentures for same-day teeth or conventional dentures for the best long-term fit, we work with you to find the solution that fits your lifestyle and timeline requirements. Get in touch to have all your denture needs taken care of!
FAQs on How long does it Take to Make Dentures?
Can I get teeth in a single day?
Yes, immediate dentures can be placed the same day as extractions. We prepare these temporary dentures before your extraction appointment, allowing you to leave our clinic with teeth. While immediate dentures provide an aesthetic solution, they’ll need adjustments and eventual replacement as your gums heal and reshape.
How can I speed up the denture process?
Choose immediate dentures for same-day teeth, follow all post-extraction care instructions to optimise healing, keep all scheduled appointments, and consider digital scanning options when available. Being proactive about your oral health before starting the process can also prevent delays.
Are premium dentures worth the longer fabrication time?
Premium dentures with advanced materials and customisation features typically take 1 to 2 weeks longer to fabricate but provide better aesthetics, comfort, and durability. For most patients, this additional waiting time results in significantly improved long-term satisfaction.
Can existing dentures be modified instead of making new ones?
Yes, existing dentures can often be relined or rebased to improve fit, potentially saving 2 to 3 weeks compared to creating new dentures. However, this option is only suitable for dentures in good structural condition that need minor adjustments.
What temporary options exist during the denture waiting period?
Besides immediate dentures, we offer temporary flipper partials for patients missing only a few teeth. These simple appliances can be fabricated quickly (often within 48 hours) to provide an aesthetic solution during healing.
At Radiant Smiles Dental Care in Perth and Albany, we’re committed to providing you with comfortable, natural-looking dentures in a timeline that works for your needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey to a confident, radiant smile.
Back To Top: How long does it Take to Make Dentures
