Denture Appointment Steps

It is important to us that you understand what to expect during the denture process. Knowing what to expect at each appointment may help to eliminate any dental anxieties as well as help you understand what is required to create your new or replacement dentures.

Step 1: Wax Bite / Bite Registration

During your impression appointment, the dental assistant will take detailed records of your upper and lower arches. Depending on your treatment plan, this may be completed using digital impressions or traditional alginate impressions.

Digital impressions are taken using an intraoral scanner that captures precise 3D images of your teeth and gums. This option provides a faster, more comfortable experience—especially for patients with strong gag reflexes—and eliminates the need for impression trays and material.

However, some cases still require traditional alginate impressions to ensure the most accurate results for your denture fabrication. These impressions allow the lab to pour a physical model that replicates the anatomy of your mouth and serves as the foundation for creating your custom dentures. Because this is a crucial step in the denture process, it may require multiple attempts, and in some cases, you may be asked to return for a new impression.

If you have a sensitive gag reflex, please let your dental assistant know before the impression begins. Our team has experience helping patients manage discomfort and can guide you through calming techniques during the procedure.

For traditional impressions, remember:

  • The impression tray will only remain in your mouth for a few minutes. Focus on slow, deep breathing through your nose and remind yourself that this step is temporary.

  • If you’re congested, consider using nasal strips or a decongestant beforehand to make breathing easier.

  • Avoid swallowing while the tray is in place. It’s okay to drool—your dental assistant will use a bib or napkin to protect your clothing.

To help distract yourself, you can:

  • Make a fist with your thumb tucked inside your fingers

  • Pinch the fleshy point between your thumb and index finger (Hegu point)

  • Wiggle your toes or flex your calf muscles

  • Ask your dental assistant to talk with you or explain each step of the process

If reclining during the impression causes anxiety, let your assistant know—you may request to stay in a more upright position during the appointment.

 

Step 2: Wax Bite / Bite Registration

The second step of the denture process is the wax bite / bite registration. During this step, the denture lab technician will insert occlusal wax rims to register the relationship between the upper and lower jaw. Once this is completed, the technician will mount your models on an articulator (an appliance that helps to recreate your jaw movements) and will use the wax rims as a base to set teeth for your denture. Once the models have been articulated and the lab technician begins setting the teeth, there may be questions about the bite that was taken. If the lab technician is concerned about proceeding with your case, you may be asked to come back in to re-do this step.

If back molar teeth are still present, the lab technician may take a bite registration at the impression appointment and this step may be skipped. For bite registrations, the lab technician will use a tool to squirt an orange mousse material to register the relationship between your upper and lower teeth instead of using the wax rims.

 

Step 3: Wax Try-in

The third step of the denture process is the wax try-in. Only our complete new or replacement denture packages come with this option. This is not offered for immediate dentures because when teeth are present you are not able to try in the wax plates to assess the appearance of the denture. To prepare for this step, the lab technician will use the denture teeth he/she feels that are the best fit for your anatomy. This is based off of your bite registration, the size of your mouth, and how much or how little of the gums/teeth should show when smiling or talking. Once this is completed, the technician will insert these plates and have you evaluate to ensure you are please with the denture esthetically. We are not concerned with the fit at this appointment, just the shape, length, width, and color of the teeth chosen for your denture. If during this appointment you have any concerns with the appearance, you must make the lab technician and the assistant aware. Once the denture is processed, no changes can be made.

 

Step 4: Delivery

The final step in the denture process is the delivery. If we are delivering a new or replacement set of dentures and you are not awaiting an oral surgery appointment, then you will be required to be seated for an appointment for the lab technician to evaluate and make sure no adjustments need to be made to the denture. If you are pleased, and no adjustments are needed, you will be released to follow up as needed.

If you are having the extractions completed by an oral surgeon, you will need to pick up your dentures the day before or the morning of your oral surgery appointment. You will return to the office for a post-operative appointment either the evening after your surgery or the following business day. It is recommended that you schedule your surgery on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday so that you can be evaluated the next day by our office.

Once your post-operative evaluation is completed and it is determined that you are able to return as needed for adjustments you will be scheduled a 9 month healing check to see if you are ready to proceed with any reline or replacement dentures.