Temporary dentures, also known as immediate dentures, are prosthetic devices placed immediately after the removal of natural teeth. They are custom-made before the extraction procedure so they can be inserted right away, ensuring the patient never has to go without teeth. The primary purpose of these appliances is to provide immediate function and a restored appearance while the mouth begins the lengthy process of healing. Understanding the duration of this temporary phase is the most common question for new wearers, as it dictates the overall timeline for receiving a final, conventional denture.
Why Immediate Dentures Are Necessary
Immediate dentures serve several important functions. The denture acts as a protective bandage over the surgical sites, helping to control bleeding and shield the delicate tissue from irritation caused by food or the tongue. This compression aids in the initial post-operative healing phase. These temporary appliances also help maintain muscle memory for speech and chewing, making the eventual transition to a permanent denture easier. Without an immediate prosthetic, the facial muscles can begin to distort, requiring the patient to relearn how to speak and eat later.
The Critical Initial Wearing Timeline
The timeline for wearing temporary dentures begins with a specific requirement for the first 24 hours following the procedure. You must wear the immediate denture continuously during this time, including while sleeping, because it acts as a splint to protect the extraction sites and manage swelling. Removing the denture too soon can disrupt blood clots and increase post-operative bleeding. After the first day, the denture can be removed for cleaning, but the first two to four weeks require frequent professional follow-up. The most rapid changes in the mouth occur within the first three months, as the underlying jawbone and gum tissue begin to remodel and shrink. This rapid tissue change means the denture will quickly become loose, necessitating frequent adjustments or the application of a soft reline material to maintain a comfortable fit.
Moving From Temporary to Final Dentures
The temporary phase is necessary because the bone and soft tissue in the mouth will resorb, or shrink, significantly after teeth are removed. This process of remodeling takes time, with the majority of the change occurring over the first six months, which the immediate denture accommodates. The entire temporary period typically lasts between six to twelve months, depending on the individual’s healing rate and the extent of the extractions. This duration ensures the jawbone has fully stabilized before the final prosthetic is crafted. Once the tissue is mature and stable, new impressions of the healed ridges are taken to fabricate the final, conventional denture, ensuring a precise, long-lasting fit that requires fewer adjustments over its lifespan.
Managing Comfort and Adjustments
Regular adjustments are required as the mouth changes. The fit will inevitably loosen as the gums heal, which is corrected by relining, where new material is added to the denture base. Soft relines, using a pliable material, are performed frequently in the early months to cushion shrinking tissues and improve the fit. Once the major healing phase has passed, usually around the six-month mark, the temporary denture can be permanently refitted with a hard reline, or a completely new conventional denture is made. Contact your dentist immediately if you develop painful sore spots, as these indicate areas of excessive pressure; after the initial 24 hours, the dentures should also be removed nightly to give the gum tissue time to rest and prevent infection.