Best Dentures

An individual’s smile is a critical aspect to both their health and their confidence. When someone suffers from tooth loss, it can have a serious negative impact on their mental and physical health. At Washington State Prosthodontics, we offer custom and personalized denture services that help our patients prevent health issues and give them their confidence back. We know all of our patients are unique individuals, and that’s why we create one-of-a-kind dentures that look and feel good.

What Are Dentures?

According to the American Dental Association, more than 36 million Americans are edentulous, meaning they do not have any teeth, 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth, and around 90% of edentulous persons have dentures. Dentures are a replacement option for missing teeth and the surrounding tissues that look similar to your natural smile, the base of the dentures are usually a combination of plastic and metal that rests on the soft tissues in the mouth. Dentures are removable and there are two options; full dentures and partial dentures.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are what we give to our patients when they no longer have any of their natural teeth whether they have fallen our or have all been removed. Conventional full dentures are only placed once a patient’s gum tissue has healed from their teeth being removed, which can take anywhere from six weeks to several months. There is an option for immediate full dentures which are no surprise, placed immediately after the teeth have been removed. With this option, it is more likely that the dentures will require frequent adjustments in the first few months after they have been placed.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures differ from full dentures in that they are used when patient’s still have some of their natural teeth. A metal frame is connected to the remaining natural teeth and fills in where permanent teeth are missing. Partial dentures are considered to be a great removable option to bridges which are another solution for missing teeth.

Are Dentures Right for Me?

Now you know what dentures are, but if you’re looking for solutions for your missing teeth, you may be wondering if they’re the right solution for you. We offer a multitude of solutions to replace your missing teeth at Washington State Prosthodontics and Dental Implant Center, but the only true way to find out if dentures are right for you is to speak with a professional. Scheduling a consultation with one of our prosthodontists, Dr. Russell Johnson or Dr. Michael Johnson, is the best way to determine if dentures are the right course of action to treat you. Our team is dedicated to answering any questions you may have and helping clarify the differences between solutions for missing teeth such as dental implants, dental bridges, or crowns. We know, having to make an appointment wasn’t the answer you were looking for, so to give you a little bit more of an idea of whether or not dentures are right for you, let’s cover some of the pros and cons.

The Pros and Cons of Dentures

Pros:

  • You’re able to replace full rows of teeth
  • Function and look very similar to natural teeth
  • One of the most affordable options
  • They are a solution that works for a wide range of patients

Cons:

  • Does not solve the issue of jaw deterioration
  • You may need frequent replacements when dentures wear down or the shape of your mouth changes
  • They may slip and need to be repositioned
  • Aren’t a permanent solution for everyone
  • They require frequent cleaning and care

Denture Care and Maintenance

Just as it is critical to care for your natural teeth on a daily basis, it’s just as important to care for your dentures to prevent bacteria for growing inside your mouth and keeping your smile healthy. Below are some tips to ensure you are caring for your dentures properly:

  • Be sure to clean your dentures over a towel, soft surface, or sink full of water. This way if you drop your dentures while cleaning them, they will be less likely to break. 
  • Dentures are similar to natural teeth in the sense that they can accumulate a build up of tartar and plaque, so you must brush them every day. We suggest using a soft bristled toothbrush to gently brush the surface of your dentures.
  • In between brushings you should rinse your dentures every time after you eat.
  • When cleaning your dentures, you should avoid most toothpastes and household cleaners as they are often too harsh for your dentures. We suggest using a mild soap to clean your dentures or verify a product you select has the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval on it.

The American Dental Association also outlines a few key points for caring for your dentures, some of which include:

  • Placing your dentures in either water or a denture cleansing solution when they are not being worn. This helps the denture to keep its shape, prevent them from drying out, and remain pliable and flexible.
  • You should never place your dentures in boiling water or even hot water as it could warp them and alter their shape, potentially causing them to no longer fit.
  • If your dentures are not fitting properly, denture adhesives are not the solution. They should be relined or even replaced, otherwise they may cause painful oral sores to develop.

Dentures at Your Bellevue Prosthodontist

At Washington State Prosthodontics and Dental Implant Center, we are the only board-certified prosthodontists in Bellevue and one of only a handful in the entire state of Washington. Our doctors are specialists with over 30 years of combined experience and advanced training. We take pride in the services we offer our patients and value compassion and rapport. You don’t have to take our word for it, you can see what our patients are saying, or take a look at our dentures smile gallery to see for yourself. Give us a call or schedule a consultation today to take the next step towards getting the smile and confidence you deserve.