How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures After Wax Try-In?

Getting dentures is a big step, and let’s be honest, it’s not exactly like picking up a new pair of sneakers. It’s a process, and one that involves more than a few appointments, impressions, and yes, that strange but important wax try-in. So if you're wondering how long does it take to get dentures after wax try-in, you're definitely not alone.

Let’s break down what really happens after that wax stage, what to expect with timing, and how to make the ride smoother (and hopefully less frustrating) while waiting for your new smile.

Getting Dentures Means More Than Just Replacing Teeth

If you're considering dentures, you're not just filling in missing teeth, you’re rebuilding confidence, eating comfort foods again, and smiling without thinking twice. But here’s the deal: the denture process isn’t instant. It's a custom journey that’s different for everyone, depending on your dental needs, the type of dentures you’re getting, and how your mouth responds along the way.

Why Your First Appointment Starts Here

The first real step in your denture journey usually involves taking a preliminary impression of your mouth. This helps your dentist get a general idea of your upper or lower jaw shape, tooth alignment (if you still have some remaining teeth), and how your bite works.

These impressions are then sent to a dental lab, where technicians use them to begin crafting your temporary or trial denture. After that, more precise impressions, called final impressions, will be taken to capture every detail of your gums, ridge, and any natural teeth still in place.

The dentist and dental technician will collaborate closely to ensure your dentures look natural and feel as close to your own teeth as possible.

The Role of the Wax Try-In

The wax try-in is a game-changer. This is when your dentist places a soft wax mock-up of your future denture into your mouth, complete with the denture teeth arranged exactly where they’ll go in the final version. It’s your chance to see how your new smile will look and feel.

This step helps your dentist make any necessary adjustments before the final denture is created. The wax try-in ensures your dentures fit well, your bite is correct, and your teeth look natural, not too long, too short, or like they belong in a costume shop.

If changes are needed (and often, they are), your dentist will make them and have another wax try-in done. It may take a little time, but it’s worth it to avoid issues later.

How Long Does It Take After the Wax Try-In?

How long does it take to get dentures after wax try-in? The answer varies, but for most people, it typically takes around 1 to 3 weeks after the final wax try-in to receive your dentures.

Why the range? Well, it depends on:

• How many changes need to be made

• How busy the dental lab is

• What type of dentures you’re getting

If everything is approved at your wax try-in with no major tweaks, the lab can get started on the final denture right away. But if you request adjustments (maybe the teeth feel too big, or the color seems off), those changes can add days, or even a week or two, to the timeline.

What Happens After the Dentist Approves the Wax Try-In?

Once the dentist approves the wax try-in, the final step is sending it to the lab to create custom dentures. The dental technician will use your approved wax version as a blueprint. They replace the soft wax with a durable acrylic base, set the teeth permanently, and polish everything to perfection.

It may sound like a quick switch, but the process usually takes about 5 to 10 business days at the lab. If you're getting immediate dentures (designed to go in right after your natural teeth are extracted), the timing can be slightly different since they’re made based on your initial impressions and may need more adjusting later.

What Can Slow Things Down?

If your impressions are complete and the wax try-in looks great, you're almost there, but not quite. Sometimes the process can take longer due to:

• Dental lab delays: If the lab is backed up, it can take a few extra days (or even a week) for your final dentures to arrive.

• Additional try-ins: Some patients need more than one wax try-in to get everything just right.

• Healing process: If you've recently had extractions, your gums need time to heal before wearing dentures comfortably. In that case, you may be fitted with temporary or immediate dentures until you’re ready for your permanent dentures.

• Adjustment appointments: Sometimes additional denture adjustments are needed before you can move forward.

What You Can Do While You Wait

While you're counting down the days, here are some ways to make the wait a little easier:

• Communicate clearly: If something feels off during your wax try-in, speak up. It’s better to fix it now than redo the whole thing later.

• Stay in touch: Check in with your dentist’s office if you haven’t heard back. Sometimes, the lab finishes early.

• Prep your mouth: Keep your gums and any natural teeth clean. If your dentist gave you exercises to strengthen your mouth or jaw, now’s the time to do them.

• Stock up: Grab denture supplies like cleanser, adhesive (just in case), and a storage case so you're ready when your dentures arrive.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures Takes Time

Once your dentures are made and fitted, it’s not quite happily ever after, yet. Wearing dentures for the first time takes some getting used to. Your mouth will need time to adjust, especially if you've been without teeth for a while.

The first few days may feel odd. You might speak with a lisp or have trouble chewing. That’s totally normal. Most people adjust within a few weeks, though some may take longer. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your dentures fit comfortably and stay secure.

Remember: the goal isn’t just to have dentures, it’s to ensure your new dentures feel like they belong in your mouth. And that takes collaboration, patience, and a little back-and-forth.

Why Patience Pays Off

It might be tempting to rush the process, especially if you're tired of missing teeth or uncomfortable temporary dentures. But the time it takes to make dentures properly, from impressions to wax try-in to final fitting, is what makes the difference between an okay set of dentures and a fantastic one.

Each phase has a purpose: capturing your bite, ensuring the dentures fit well, and adjusting the aesthetics so they look and feel just right. Skipping steps or cutting corners usually leads to more problems (and more appointments) later.

Turning the Denture Process Into a Positive Experience

So, how long it takes to get dentures after wax try-in? If all goes smoothly, plan for about 1 to 3 weeks. The entire process, from your first dental impressions to slipping in your final denture, can take anywhere from several weeks to a couple of months, depending on your case.

That might sound like a lot, but when you consider everything that goes into creating a new set of dentures that look good, feel good, and help you live better, it’s time well spent.

If you're still wondering about the timing or what type of dentures might be right for you, reach out to your dentist. They’ll guide you through the process, answer your questions, and make your denture journey feel less like a chore, and more like the exciting new chapter it really is.