What to Expect During the Denture Process in Alexandria, VA

What to Expect During Your Denture Appointment

Losing teeth can feel overwhelming—but getting dentures doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re missing several teeth or an entire arch, the denture process at Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Alexandria, VA, is designed to be supportive, precise, and personal from start to finish.

Led by Dr. Janice Isabella E. Dionisio, our dental team in Alexandria walks patients through every stage of care with comfort, clarity, and long-term oral health in mind. From your first consultation to your final fitting, we make sure your dentures—including full, partial, or immediate—are built to fit, function, and last. We proudly serve patients throughout Alexandria, Del Ray, Arlington, and nearby areas with a denture experience that feels less like a procedure and more like a transformation.

Schedule your first denture consultation in Alexandria by calling (703) 672-0664 today.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation

Your denture process begins with a consultation at our Alexandria dentist’s office. This appointment allows the dental team to assess your oral health, discuss your concerns, and determine the best type of denture for your needs.

During this visit, Dr. Dionisio will:

Examine your teeth, gums, and jaw structure
Review your health history, including past dental treatments
Evaluate how many natural teeth are remaining
Take X-rays to assess upper and lower jawbone levels

If you’re still deciding between partial, complete, or immediate dentures, this is the perfect time to ask questions. Together, we’ll plan a personalized path forward to replace your missing teeth and restore full function.

Step 2: Impressions and Measurements

Once a denture treatment plan is in place, the next step is to take accurate impressions of your mouth. These impressions are used to create a custom mold that reflects the unique contours of your gums, jaw, and remaining teeth (if applicable).

At this stage, we may also:

Take bite registrations to determine how your jaws align
Choose shade and shape options for artificial teeth
Discuss materials for your denture base and structure

The goal is to ensure your new dentures look natural and feel secure—whether you need a full upper denture, a partial for the lower jaw, or a removable set for both. The impressions and bite records are then sent to a dental lab, where a wax try-in is created to begin shaping the final denture.

Step 3: Wax Try-In and Fitting

The wax try-in stage is one of the most important parts of the denture process. This model denture—created from your impressions—is used to test fit, function, and appearance before your final set is made.

During your fitting:

You’ll try the wax denture in your mouth to check for comfort
The team will examine how it interacts with your bite and jaw movement
Adjustments are made to ensure the best fit and most natural look

It may take one or two appointments to perfect the try-in. This stage allows patients to give feedback, request tweaks, or ask for modifications to how the dentures look and feel. This step is also ideal for evaluating how complete dentures affect facial support and lip fullness—especially for those replacing an entire arch.

To start your denture journey in Alexandria, call Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at (703) 672-0664 and book your next appointment.

Step 4: Extractions (If Needed) and Immediate Dentures

If you still have natural teeth that need to be removed, they’ll be extracted in preparation for your final dentures. In some cases, immediate dentures may be placed the same day as your extractions.

Immediate dentures offer many benefits:

You leave the office with teeth—no gap time
They help protect the gums during healing
You can begin adapting to the fit and function right away

Because the gums and bone will shift during the healing period, immediate dentures may require relines or adjustments over time. A final denture is usually placed a few months later for long-term stability and optimal fit.

Step 5: Final Denture Placement

Once healing is complete and all adjustments from the try-in stage are finalized, your new dentures are ready to be placed. This is an exciting appointment—your smile is being restored!

During this visit, we will:

Insert the final denture and confirm comfort, bite, and alignment
Teach you how to insert and remove your removable dentures
Go over basic denture care and cleaning instructions
Answer any remaining questions about daily function

Getting dentures that look and feel natural is a process—but one worth taking time for. Your new smile should give you confidence, restore your ability to chew and speak, and support long-term oral health.

Step 6: Follow-Up Visits and Adjustments

Even perfectly crafted dentures may take some time to get used to. In the weeks following your final placement, you may experience mild discomfort, gum tenderness, or the need for small adjustments.

Follow-up visits help:

Re-line areas that feel loose or uncomfortable
Adjust the bite and alignment for better function
Address any irritation caused by friction or pressure

Some patients also choose to explore implant-supported dentures down the line for added stability. This option may be especially helpful for the lower jaw, where traditional dentures sometimes shift.

Need an adjustment or routine cleaning? Call (703) 672-0664 to schedule a follow-up visit.

How Long the Denture Process Take

The timeline for getting dentures varies based on the complexity of your case. In general, you can expect:

One to two weeks for initial evaluation and impressions
Two to four weeks for lab processing and try-ins
Healing period of six to 12 weeks after extractions (if applicable)
Total denture process length: four to 12 weeks

Some treatments—such as immediate dentures or implant-supported dentures—involve different timeframes depending on healing and integration. Your dentist will outline what to expect at each phase.

Denture Care and Maintenance

Once your new dentures are in place, daily maintenance is key to preserving their look and function. While dentures don’t decay like natural teeth, they still collect food particles, bacteria, and stains.

To maintain your dentures:

Rinse after meals to remove debris
Gently brush daily with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner
Soak them overnight to prevent drying and cracking
Clean your gums, tongue, and palate to support overall oral health

Regular checkups at our Alexandria dentist’s office help ensure your dentures continue to fit well and support healthy gums and bone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients need four to six appointments to complete the denture process. This includes the consultation, impressions, try-ins, fittings, and follow-ups. Your timeline may vary depending on whether extractions or implants are involved.

Yes, most patients need a few weeks to adjust. During this time, your gums, jaw, and muscles adapt to the new appliance. Minor discomfort is common but can be managed with follow-up care and adjustments.

Dentures may require periodic relining or modification. Loose dentures can affect speech, chewing, and cause irritation. Contact our Alexandria office for a quick adjustment to restore comfort and stability.

Yes, for patients seeking a more permanent solution, implant-supported dentures can be planned alongside or after traditional treatment. These offer improved stability and long-term bone preservation.

Begin the Denture Process With Confidence in Alexandria, VA

At Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, getting dentures is more than a procedure—it’s a personalized, step-by-step experience designed to help you feel comfortable every step of the way. From early impressions to final placement, our dental team ensures every phase is clear, comfortable, and customized.

Serving Alexandria, Arlington, Del Ray, and nearby towns, Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is here to restore your smile, oral function, and peace of mind. Whether you’re considering partial, full, or implant-supported dentures, we’re ready to help you plan your next chapter with care and clarity.

Call (703) 672-0664 today to schedule your denture consultation and begin your journey to a complete, confident smile.