The Basic Steps to Get Dentures
Getting dentures starts with a visit to a dentist or prosthodontist — a dentist who specializes in replacing missing teeth. During your first appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss what you want your dentures to do. They will explain the cost, which varies widely depending on whether you need full or partial dentures and the materials used.
Once you decide to move forward, the dentist takes impressions and measurements of your mouth over several appointments. These molds are sent to a dental laboratory where technicians build your dentures to fit your mouth and match your natural tooth color and shape. The whole process typically takes three to eight weeks, with multiple visits to adjust the fit and bite.
Your dentist will schedule a final fitting appointment where you see the finished dentures in your mouth for the first time. They will make adjustments so the dentures sit comfortably and your bite feels even. You will also learn how to insert, remove, and care for them before you leave with your new dentures.
Key Takeaways
- You need to see a dentist or prosthodontist who will examine your mouth, take impressions, and send those molds to a laboratory to have dentures made.
- The process takes three to eight weeks from your first appointment to the day you receive your finished dentures.
- Cost depends on whether you need full dentures (all teeth) or partial dentures (some teeth), and ranges based on material quality and your location.
- After you receive your dentures, you will have follow-up appointments to adjust the fit and bite until they feel comfortable.
- Medicare does not cover dentures, but some Medicaid programs do, and some dental discount plans offer reduced rates.
Finding a Dentist Who Makes Dentures
Not every dentist makes dentures in their office. Some refer patients to a prosthodontist instead. You can start by calling your current dentist and asking whether they make dentures or can recommend someone who does. If you do not have a dentist, ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or call your local dental school — many offer denture services at lower cost because students do the work under supervision.
If you have dental insurance, check your plan's website or call the customer service number on your card to find dentists in your network who offer denture services. If you do not have insurance, ask the dentist's office about their cash prices upfront. Many offices offer payment plans so you do not have to pay the full amount at once.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
At your first visit, the dentist will ask about your medical history, any medications you take, and whether you have had dentures before. They will examine your mouth, gums, and remaining teeth (if any) and take X-rays. They will also ask what you want from your dentures — whether you want them to look like your natural teeth, whether you need them to stay very find, and what matters most to you in daily life.
The dentist will explain the types of dentures available: full dentures (if you have no teeth left), partial dentures (if you have some teeth remaining), and implant-supported dentures (which attach to dental implants in your jaw). They will discuss the cost of each option and how long the process takes. This is the time to ask questions about care, eating, speaking, and how long dentures typically last.
The Impression and Fitting Process
Once you decide to proceed, the dentist schedules appointments to take impressions of your mouth. During the first impression visit, the dentist uses a soft material that hardens to capture the shape of your gums and jaw. This mold is sent to a dental laboratory. A few weeks later, you return for a second appointment where the dentist checks how the denture base (the pink part that sits on your gums) fits in your mouth and makes sure your bite is correct.
At this "try-in" appointment, you see a preview of your dentures with the teeth in place. The dentist may ask you to bite down, smile, and speak so they can check that the teeth look natural and the dentures feel stable. They will mark any areas that feel loose or uncomfortable and send the dentures back to the lab for final adjustments.
Receiving and Adjusting Your Dentures
When your dentures are ready, you return for your delivery appointment. The dentist will place them in your mouth, check the fit, and make sure your bite feels even on both sides. They will show you how to insert and remove your dentures and teach you how to clean them. Many people need time to get used to dentures — your mouth may feel sore in spots, or you may have trouble speaking or eating at first.
Plan to return for follow-up appointments within the first week and again at two weeks. During these visits, the dentist will look for sore spots, adjust the fit, and answer questions about care. Some soreness and adjustment is normal. If you have pain that does not go away after an adjustment, or if your dentures feel loose or unstable, tell your dentist right away — these problems can usually be fixed.
Cost and Payment Options
The cost of dentures varies based on the type, materials, and where you live. Full dentures typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per arch (upper or lower), though some high-end options cost more. Partial dentures usually cost less than full dentures. Implant-supported dentures cost significantly more because they require dental implants to be placed in your jaw first.
Medicare does not cover dentures because it considers them a dental service. Some state Medicaid programs do cover dentures, but coverage and amounts vary by state — contact your state Medicaid office to learn what is covered where you live. Dental discount plans (membership programs that are not insurance) often offer 10 to 60 percent discounts on denture services at participating dentists. Ask your dentist whether they accept any discount plans.
Many dental offices offer payment plans that let you pay in installments over several months with no interest, or they may accept credit cards. Ask about these options at your first appointment so you can plan your budget.
What to Expect After You Get Your Dentures
Your mouth will need time to adjust to dentures. For the first few weeks, you may experience mild soreness, especially where the dentures rest on your gums. Your speech may sound different, and eating may feel awkward at first. These changes are temporary — most people adjust within two to four weeks with regular use.
Your gums will continue to change shape over time, especially in the first year after you lose your teeth. This means your dentures may become loose as your gums shrink. Your dentist can reline your dentures — a process where the fit is adjusted — to keep them snug. Many people need a reline every one to two years.
Dentures typically last five to seven years before they need to be replaced. Over time, the material wears down, the teeth may become stained or chipped, and the fit changes as your jaw continues to change shape. Your dentist can repair minor damage, but major wear usually means new dentures are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get dentures from start to finish?
The process usually takes three to eight weeks from your first appointment to the day you receive your finished dentures. This includes time for impressions, the laboratory to build your dentures, and appointments to check the fit and make adjustments. Some dentists can complete the process faster if they have an in-office laboratory.
Will dentures feel natural in my mouth?
Dentures feel different from natural teeth at first, but most people adjust within a few weeks. Your mouth will feel fuller, and you may notice the denture base on your palate or gums. Speech and eating take practice. Over time, dentures become more comfortable as your mouth adjusts and you learn how to wear them.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, but you will need to relearn how to chew. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, then gradually add harder foods as you gain confidence. Avoid very sticky foods, hard candy, and foods that require tearing with your front teeth. Many people find they can eat most foods they enjoyed before, though chewing may take longer.
What if I cannot afford dentures right now?
Ask your dentist about payment plans or dental discount plans that reduce the cost. Some dental schools offer denture services at lower rates. If you receive Medicaid, check whether your state covers dentures. You can also ask your dentist whether they have any upcoming promotions or whether they can work with you on timing to spread the cost.
Do I need to see a prosthodontist or can a regular dentist make my dentures?
Both can make dentures. A prosthodontist has extra training in replacing missing teeth and may have more experience with complex cases. A general dentist can make dentures for most people. Ask your dentist about their experience and whether they think a prosthodontist would be a better fit for your situation.