The wax try-in appointment is a significant step in creating a custom denture. During this session, the dental professional and the patient confirm the fit, aesthetics, and the relationship between the upper and lower arches before the prosthetic is permanently fabricated. The wax replica allows for easy modifications to the shade, size, and position of the artificial teeth. Once approved, the case transitions to the final phase of laboratory fabrication.
The Final Lab Processing Phase
Following patient approval, the dental laboratory begins turning the approved wax model into a hard acrylic prosthetic. This transformation starts with flasking, where the wax trial denture and its underlying cast are encased within a metal container using dental stone or plaster. This encasement protects the precise tooth arrangement while creating a stable mold for the final denture base.
Next, the flask is heated, usually submerged in boiling water, to melt and eliminate the wax, a process called dewaxing or wax elimination. The teeth remain embedded in the plaster mold, and the space previously occupied by the wax is now an empty mold cavity. This cavity is then packed with a specialized heat-cured acrylic resin, which is a mixture of polymer and monomer. The flask is placed under pressure to ensure the resin fills all areas of the mold accurately.
The resin then undergoes a curing cycle, which is a controlled heating process that causes the acrylic to polymerize, or harden, into a stable, durable base. This curing can take several hours, often under controlled temperature conditions, to minimize internal stresses and dimensional changes in the final material. After curing, the denture is removed from the flask, a process called deflasking, and then trimmed and polished to a smooth, comfortable finish.
Standard Timeline for Denture Completion
For most conventional denture cases approved without adjustments, the standard laboratory turnaround time is typically between seven and fourteen calendar days. This period accounts for the sequential steps of flasking, dewaxing, packing, curing, deflasking, and the final finishing and polishing work. The timeline also incorporates shipping time required to transport the approved wax setup to the lab and the finished prosthetic back again.
If the dental office uses an in-house laboratory, the completion time might fall on the shorter end of this range, potentially closer to five to ten business days. This timeframe allows the laboratory adequate time to execute the technical steps without rushing the curing cycle, which could compromise the strength and fit of the final acrylic. Adherence to this standard schedule ensures the denture base is optimized for long-term function.
Variables That Can Extend the Wait
The standard timeline assumes the patient requires no changes at the wax try-in appointment. If the patient or clinician identifies issues with the tooth arrangement, bite alignment, or aesthetic appearance, the case must be returned to the laboratory for a re-setup in wax. This necessity for a re-try-in immediately adds several days to a week to the waiting period before final processing can begin.
Several factors can extend the wait time. The volume of work currently being processed by the dental laboratory, such as seasonal peaks or backlogs, may delay the start of fabrication. The geographic location of the dental office relative to the specialized laboratory can also introduce delays, as transit time for shipping materials often requires two to three days in each direction. Finally, cases involving more complex requirements, such as specialized materials or attachments, may require a longer processing window.
What Happens at the Denture Delivery Appointment
The denture delivery appointment is the final stage where the patient receives the completed prosthetic. The dental professional begins by carefully inspecting the tissue-bearing surface of the denture for any irregularities and then seats it in the patient’s mouth. They utilize a pressure-indicating paste to identify any areas where the hard acrylic base is pressing too firmly against the underlying soft tissues.
These identified pressure spots are then relieved and smoothed using a specialized bur, ensuring a more comfortable and stable fit. The clinician also checks the occlusion, or how the teeth meet, using articulating paper to pinpoint any premature contacts that could destabilize the denture during chewing. Minor adjustments are made to achieve a balanced bite before the patient leaves.
The patient receives detailed instructions on how to wear and care for the new denture, including proper cleaning techniques and expectations regarding initial wear and soreness. A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled within 24 to 72 hours of delivery to address any sore spots that develop after the first day of continuous use. This check-up ensures a smooth transition to wearing the prosthetic.