Every person’s mouth is unique, meaning the process of making dentures for everyone will be different and last for varying lengths of time. These custom prosthetics suit the person needing the appliance, disallowing a dental professional from providing an exact timeframe for developing it.
One factor contributing to a longer duration is if you have teeth that need extracting, which will involve healing, and if there is a need for a partial or full set. Of course, before a definitive commitment, you will consult with a trusted, qualified dental provider, like Nuvia Smiles. They will do a thorough examination to make these determinations and establish a care plan.
It is not an easy decision to go to a prosthetic from your natural teeth, especially if none of yours are salvageable. The decision will take time and forethought to consider not only dentures but the other prosthetic choices available on the market. Let us look over the process of creating dentures a bit more in-depth.
How Long Is the Process for Making Dentures from Wax to Finish
Deciding to have your teeth extracted and replaced with a prosthetic is a notable change that takes people a bit of an adjustment period before they can make the ultimate decision. While dentures are not the only appliance available for tooth replacement, they are among the favored options.
It is merely a matter of having the unhealthy teeth extracted, allowing for the healing to occur, and then preparing for the custom appliance. How long the process will take depends on many variables from person to person, including the length of time for your healing from the extractions and if you need a partial or full prosthetic. Find out how dentures are made at https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/discover-dentistry/0/steps/7200/ and also check a summary of the steps used when creating the custom pieces here.
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Extracting natural teeth and healing
It is only normal to inquire how soon the dentures will be ready following tooth extraction. It is difficult for many people to understand that the gums healing process will take time before the dental professional can begin.
The provider cannot start when there are still bulging, swollen gums or the dentures will not fit properly. Improperly fitted dentures create discomfort. While everyone heals in their own time, the suggestion is that it can take as long as roughly eight weeks for optimum healing to make good impressions.
Still, there will be routine appointments during these weeks to check the gums; perhaps they will heal sooner, or maybe they could take longer. Sometimes “immediate” dentures are a solution some providers will prescribe in the interim as a temporary solution.
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Impressions will be made
Once the gums are sufficiently healed, impressions of your mouth will be made, so a custom appliance that will be suited to you specifically is possible. The description suggested for an impression is “a negative mold of the mouth from which a reproduction (or positive cast) of the mouth can be created.”
The provider will use either liquid or semi-solid material to place over the dental arches in your mouth, where it will become solid after merely a few minutes to set with a resultant impression of the oral cavity and teeth. Click here for details on the denture process.
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The denture
Once the impression has time to set, wax blocks will be incorporated to develop adequate teeth orientation and a proper bite. In most cases, the provider will have you select the teeth for your denture, which will involve the color choice, size, and shape of the teeth.
Patients are encouraged to bring close friends who can offer guidance on selections, plus the professional will advise based on the mouth’s “structure and shape.”
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Are we there yet
The next question is how long the lab will take to process the dentures. The lab will receive the wax blocks with the impressions so the tech can create the appliance.
The indication is it can take roughly two days to have the permanent teeth placed into wax following the provider’s instructions. Once the professional receives this “model” back, you will have an appointment for a “try-in.” It will be your first look at the teeth before they are completed.
The dentist will assess for functionality, proper fit, and appearance. It’s not too late to make minor alterations since the prosthetics at this stage consist of a soft wax material, but they will comprise a much more durable material with the final processing.
Once they get approval, the lab receives them for changes and the final processing. The teeth go through cleaning and polishing after roughly three days before the final fitting, possible adjustments, and head home.
Final Thought
In the beginning, it will take some time to get used to a foreign appliance being in your mouth. You might experience some discomfort, but this should dissipate relatively quickly. If you endure significant discomfort for an extended period, you should reach out to your dental provider for a check.
You will likely find challenges with eating and speaking and might find some concern with smiling. It is all part of the adjustment period and is natural for everyone. The more time passes, the less you will focus on them, and the easier things will become.
It is good to take things a step at a time. Suppose you feel uncomfortable speaking in front of others in the beginning; in that case, practice when you are alone until you get a better handle on it. With eating, it is wise to start with softer foods and graduate to your favorite options. Some items, especially hard, crunchy, or tough foods, might remain problematic.
If you worry about them shifting or moving when you smile or laugh, use various adhesives to keep them in place.
It is tough having to replace your teeth with a prosthetic. Again, dentures are merely one option on the market. There are others, including dental implants. Taking your time and considering your options before making a final commitment is essential. The best one will be the one that brings back your smile.
