How the process works from start to finish

Getting false teeth starts with a visit to a dentist or prosthodontist — a dentist who specializes in dentures. At that first appointment, the dentist examines your mouth, takes X-rays, and discusses what you want the dentures to do. They will tell you whether you need a full set (all teeth) or a partial (some of your own teeth remain). From there, the dentist takes impressions — molds of your mouth — and sends them to a lab where the dentures are made. The whole process usually takes three to eight weeks, with several appointments in between for fitting and adjustments.

You will not walk out with finished dentures on your first day. Instead, you will have multiple visits where the dentist checks the fit, makes sure they sit properly, and adjusts them so they feel comfortable and look natural. Once you get your dentures home, you will need time to get used to them — eating and speaking feel different at first, and that is normal.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first step is scheduling a visit with a dentist or prosthodontist, who will examine your mouth and discuss whether you need full or partial dentures.
  • The dentist takes impressions of your mouth and sends them to a lab; the lab creates your dentures over several weeks.
  • You will have multiple fitting appointments where the dentist adjusts the dentures to fit your mouth and look natural.
  • After you receive your dentures, expect a few weeks of adjustment as you learn to eat, speak, and care for them.
  • The total cost varies widely depending on the type of dentures, your location, and whether your insurance covers part of the cost.

Finding a dentist who makes dentures

Not all dentists make dentures in their office. Some refer patients to a prosthodontist, who has extra training in denture work. You can start by calling your regular dentist and asking whether they make dentures or can refer you to someone who does. If you do not have a regular dentist, search online for "denturist" or "prosthodontist" in your area — denturists are licensed technicians who make dentures without a dental degree, and they often cost less than dentists or prosthodontists.

When you call to schedule, ask whether the dentist or denturist offers a free or low-cost consultation. Many do. At that first visit, you can ask questions about their experience, how long the process takes, and what the cost will be. This is also a good time to ask whether they work with your dental insurance, if you have it.

What happens at your first appointment

The dentist or denturist will examine your mouth and ask about your health history, any medications you take, and what you want from your dentures. They may take X-rays to see the bone structure under your gums. If you still have some of your own teeth, they will discuss whether those teeth can stay or need to be removed before dentures are made.

If teeth need to be removed, that usually happens at a separate appointment, often with an oral surgeon. You will need time to heal — usually a few weeks — before the dentist takes impressions for your dentures. This waiting period is important because your gums change shape as they heal, and the impressions need to be taken after that healing is mostly done.

The impression and lab work

Once your mouth has healed, the dentist takes impressions using a putty-like material that hardens around your teeth and gums. This mold is sent to a dental lab, where technicians build your dentures by hand. They shape the artificial teeth and gums to match your mouth and your face. This step takes the longest — usually two to four weeks — because the lab is custom-making your dentures.

During this time, you will not have dentures yet. If you need teeth right away, ask the dentist about "when ready dentures," which are made before your teeth are removed so you can wear them the same day. when ready dentures need more adjustments later because your gums change shape quickly after tooth removal, but they mean you are not without teeth while waiting for the lab work.

Fitting appointments and adjustments

When your dentures come back from the lab, you will have a fitting appointment. The dentist checks how they sit in your mouth, makes sure they do not rock or shift, and looks at how they look when you smile. They will likely make adjustments — filing down high spots, adding material where there are gaps, or reshaping the teeth slightly. You may need to come back for a second or third fitting appointment as the dentist fine-tunes the fit.

At each fitting, the dentist checks your bite — how your upper and lower dentures come together when you close your mouth. A bad bite can cause pain and make it hard to chew. The dentist also makes sure you can speak clearly and that the dentures do not cover so much of the roof of your mouth that you lose taste sensation. These adjustments take time, but they are worth it because a well-fitted denture is much more comfortable and easier to wear.

Learning to wear and care for your dentures

Your first few weeks wearing dentures will feel strange. Your mouth produces extra saliva, you may have trouble chewing hard foods, and your speech may sound different. This is temporary. Most people adjust within two to four weeks. Start with soft foods, chew slowly, and practice speaking. Dentures are not like your natural teeth — they move slightly when you chew, and that takes getting used to.

You will need to clean your dentures every day by brushing them with a soft brush and denture cleaner, and soaking them overnight in water or denture solution. Never use hot water, which can warp them. You will also need to rinse your mouth after eating and before putting your dentures back in. If your dentures break or stop fitting well, your dentist can repair or adjust them — do not try to fix them yourself.

Cost and what affects the price

The cost of dentures depends on the type (full or partial), the materials used, where you live, and whether the dentist or a denturist makes them. Denturists usually charge less than dentists. Some dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of dentures, though coverage varies widely — some plans cover 50 percent, others cover less. Medicare does not cover dentures.

Ask for a written estimate before you start the process. The estimate should include the cost of the dentures themselves, any tooth extractions, and fitting appointments. Some dentists offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full cost upfront. If cost is a barrier, look for dental schools in your area — they often make dentures at a lower cost, though the process takes longer because students do the work under supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get dentures from start to finish?

The timeline depends on whether you need teeth removed first. If your teeth are already out or do not need removal, the process usually takes four to eight weeks from your first appointment to wearing your finished dentures. If you need extractions, add two to four weeks for healing before impressions can be taken. when ready dentures, made before extraction, can be ready the same day your teeth are removed, but they need more adjustments afterward.

Will dentures feel natural right away?

No. Most people need two to four weeks to adjust to wearing dentures. Your mouth will produce extra saliva, chewing will feel different, and you may have trouble with certain foods at first. Speaking may sound odd for a few days. These sensations fade as your mouth adjusts. If problems persist after a month, tell your dentist — they may need to adjust the fit or bite.

Can I get dentures if I still have some of my own teeth?

Yes. Partial dentures replace only the teeth you are missing and attach to your remaining natural teeth. Your dentist will examine your remaining teeth and discuss whether they are strong enough to support a partial denture, or whether removing some of them first would give you a better result. This decision depends on your individual situation.

What if my dentures do not fit right after I get them home?

Call your dentist right away. Dentures often need small adjustments in the first few weeks as your mouth settles into its new shape. Your dentist can file down sore spots, add material where there are gaps, or adjust your bite. These adjustments are usually included in the cost of your dentures, so do not wait or try to fix them yourself.

Do I have to wear dentures all the time?

No. You can take dentures out whenever you want. Many people remove them at night and soak them in water or denture solution. Some people wear them only during the day. Your dentist may recommend removing them at night to give your gums a rest, but the choice is yours. Just make sure to clean them daily and store them properly.