How Long Does It Take to Get a Denture Made?
From first appointment to final fit: Understanding the denture-making timeline
If you’re considering dentures, one of the most common questions is: how long does it take to get dentures made? Whether you’re replacing missing teeth for the first time or looking for a better-fitting set, the denture process involves multiple steps, each essential for achieving comfort, function, and a natural look. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full denture timeline — from initial consultation to final fit — and explain what affects how long it all takes.
Typical Denture Timeline at a Glance
| Type of Denture | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Immediate Dentures | Same-day to 1 week |
| Acrylic Full Denture | 2–6 weeks |
| Partial Denture | 2–6 weeks |
| Chrome Cobalt Denture | 4–8 weeks |
| Flexible Denture | 2–6 weeks |
| Implant-Supported Denture | 3–6 months (incl. healing time) |
Step-by-Step: How Dentures Are Made
Creating a high-quality denture isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. It requires clinical expertise, careful measurement, and laboratory craftsmanship. Below is the standard process most Clinical Dental Technicians (CDTs) or dentists follow:
Step 1: Initial Consultation (Day 1)
🗓️ Duration: 30–60 minutes
Your journey begins with a thorough examination. During this visit, your CDT or dentist will assess:
- The number and condition of remaining teeth
- Gum and bone health
- Bite and jaw alignment
- Your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle
💬 This is also when you’ll discuss your denture options — acrylic, flexible, chrome, or implant-retained — and receive a personalised treatment plan.
Step 2: Impressions (Day 1–3)
🗓️ Duration: 1–2 days after consultation
An impression (or mould) of your mouth is taken using a dental putty or scanner. This creates an accurate model of your gums, teeth, and jaw.
🔗 Denture Expert will use advanced materials and impression techniques to ensure precision from the start.
Step 3: Bite Registration (Week 1–2)
🗓️ Duration: Typically 3–5 days after impressions
Once your models are ready, a bite registration is done to record how your jaws come together. This helps ensure:
- Your new dentures won’t alter your bite
- Your face shape and vertical height remain natural
Wax blocks are used at this stage to simulate the denture’s fit and structure.
Step 4: Try-In Stage (Week 2–3)
🗓️ Duration: 1 week after bite registration
At this stage, a wax version of your denture (with teeth set in place) is made for you to try in your mouth. This allows you and your CDT to:
- Check the shape, size, and colour of the teeth
- Test your bite and comfort
- Request any aesthetic changes
🎯 Key Tip: Don’t hesitate to speak up! This is your chance to tweak the design before it becomes permanent.
Step 5: Final Fit (Week 3–5)
🗓️ Duration: 5–10 working days after try-in
Your final denture is now ready. It will be fitted, adjusted, and polished. Your CDT will check:
- Fit and suction (for full dentures)
- Retention and comfort (for partials)
- Bite accuracy
- Aesthetics and speech
You’ll also be given instructions on how to care for your dentures and when to return for reviews.
Step 6: Aftercare and Adjustments (Week 5+)
Even the best-made denture may need slight refinements after a few days or weeks of use. Follow-up appointments allow your CDT to:
- Adjust sore spots
- Improve fit
- Reline if gums have changed shape
How Long Does It Take for Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are pre-made before tooth extraction and fitted immediately after the removal of teeth. These can be:
- Full dentures (if all teeth are extracted)
- Partial dentures (for one or several missing teeth)
📆 Timeframe: Same day to 7 days (depending on lab turnaround)
However, since the shape of your gums will change during healing, immediate dentures usually need to be relined or replaced within 3–6 months.
🔗 The Denture & Implant Clinic – Surrey specialises in same-day dentures and offers digital scanning for speed and precision.
What Affects Denture Turnaround Times?
Several factors can influence how long it takes to get your dentures:
🔹 Material Type – Chrome or implant-based dentures take longer to fabricate than acrylic or flexible ones.
🔹 Tooth Extractions – If you need extractions before denture fitting, healing time is required (6–8 weeks is common).
🔹 Laboratory Speed – Some clinics have in-house labs or use express services; others depend on external providers.
🔹 Customisation Level – The more detailed and aesthetic your denture design (e.g. gum tinting, layered acrylic), the longer it may take.
🔹 Clinic Location – London clinics or high-end practices may offer faster turnaround with premium costs.
Fast-Track Denture Services (Are They Worth It?)
Some clinics offer same-day or 48-hour denture services, especially for partial dentures or emergency replacements.
Pros:
- Great for urgent cosmetic needs (e.g. public speaking, events)
- Convenient for busy schedules
Cons:
- Limited aesthetic customisation
- May require further adjustments later
If you’re in urgent need, it’s worth contacting a local CDT directly. Many offer emergency fittings or temporary solutions.
How Long Does It Take to Make Implant Dentures?
Implant-retained dentures require a much longer timeline due to surgery and healing.
⏳ Timeline:
- Consultation and scans
- Implant surgery (2–4 implants per arch)
- Healing period (osseointegration) – 3 to 6 months
- Final denture fabrication
In total, the process can take 3 to 6 months, though temporary dentures are often provided in the meantime.
🔗 The Campbell Clinic – Nottingham provides full-arch implant denture solutions.
Real-World Example
Peter, aged 63, needed a full upper denture after a series of extractions. He chose a chrome cobalt partial for the lower jaw and an acrylic full denture for the upper.
Timeline:
- Week 1: Consultation & impressions
- Week 2: Bite registration
- Week 3: Try-in appointment
- Week 5: Final fitting
- Week 6: Adjustment follow-up
Peter’s full treatment took just under 5 weeks, and he now reports significantly improved speech and chewing ability.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for the Best Results
The process of getting dentures can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on your dental condition, material choice, and provider. Rushing the process can lead to discomfort or poor aesthetics — so where possible, allow time for fittings, feedback, and adjustments.
Book a Denture Consultation Today
📍 Ready to get started?
Speak to A Denture Expert to book a consultation with an experienced Clinical Dental Technician offering custom dentures and tailored care across the UK
