Dentures – Burien, WA

Effects of Missing Teeth

Gum disease, genetics, physical trauma, and past lifestyle choices can all contribute to tooth loss. Regardless of why you are missing teeth, your condition may adversely affect your life in a number of ways:

• You may feel reluctant to engage with others in social situations due to self-consciousness about the appearance of your smile.
• You might not be able to eat a balanced, nutritious, and tasty variety of foods.
• You might suffer from low self-esteem.
• You could have a tendency to isolate yourself.
• Your cheeks may have a hollow, sunken appearance.
• It might be difficult for you to speak clearly.

Fortunately, dentures can help with all such issues.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures may be ideal for you if:

• You have lost all or most of your teeth throughout a dental arch. (If you have only lost one or two teeth, a different tooth replacement solution might be better for you.)
• Your gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support dentures.
• You are looking for a cost-effective way to rebuild your smile.

If you are not a candidate for dentures right away, you might become one after some preliminary treatments, such as gum disease therapy or tooth extractions.

Alternative Tooth Replacement Options

If dentures are not quite right for you, there are a couple of other tooth replacement options that might be suitable:

• A fixed bridge is a multi-unit prosthetic that gets attached to the teeth that surround a gap in your smile. It consists of two crowns that support one or more artificial teeth between them. A fixed bridge is sturdy and has the potential to last for 10 years or longer.
• Dental implants are small titanium posts that get surgically placed into the jawbone. They act as prosthetic tooth roots and can support crowns, bridges, and dentures. They are widely regarded as the best tooth replacement due to their stability, longevity, and benefits for jawbone health.

Learn More About Dental Implants

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Factors That Affect the Cost of Clear Aligners

Dentures are made up of two different components: the base and the replacement teeth. Here is what each one consists of:

• Base: The base of the denture is the structure that supports the replacement teeth. It can be made from a variety of different materials, like acrylic, nylon, and resin. Acrylic is the most popular option because it can be easily tailored to match the natural gum tissue.
• Teeth: The replacement teeth are secured to the denture base. In most cases, they are made from either resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance. However, porcelain is more common because it looks and feels just like natural tooth enamel. It is also extremely durable. Since porcelain can be abrasive on the adjacent teeth, it is usually only recommended for full dentures.

The Denture Creation Process

1. Your dentist will begin by taking measurements of your jaw and impressions of your mouth. This will be used to create a model that is the exact size and shape of your mouth. The model is then used to ensure that your final denture fits you perfectly.
2. The model is sent to the dental laboratory where your dentures will be created. First, a wax replica of your gumline is created. Then, the replacement teeth are set into place using a mechanical device called an “articulator.” Adjustments are made by a lab technician.
3. Your wax dentures are returned to the dental office for a fitting. If everything appears as it should, they are sent back to the dental laboratory to complete the process.
4. Once returned to the dental laboratory, the lab technician will place the dentures into a flask. Plaster is poured in the maintain the shape of the dentures. Then, the entire flask is placed in hot water to melt away the wax part of the dentures. Holes are drilled into the replacement teeth and acrylic is inserted into the flask to replace the wax.
5. The plaster is carefully removed from the denture using lab tools. The dentures are then placed in an ultrasonic bath to clean off the rest of the plaster.
6. Any excess acrylic is cut away from the dentures, and they are polished to perfection.
7. Now, your dentures are complete! They are sent back to your dentist, and you can come try them on. If everything looks and feels right, you can leave the office showing off your beautiful, complete smile!

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

It isn’t uncommon for patients to experience soreness when they first get their new dentures. However, this isn’t something to stress over. Temporary discomfort is normal as your mouth adjusts to your replacement teeth. After a little bit of time, your dentures will begin to feel just like your natural teeth. Remember to stick to softer foods and exercise your facial muscles. If discomfort persists or you have any concerns about your new prostheses, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

When calculating the cost of dentures, we take many variables into account. First, the number of teeth that are being replaced plays a role in the cost: the more prosthetic teeth, the higher the price. The location or type of your missing teeth are also a determining factor when it comes to cost. If you need to undergo any preliminary procedures before getting dentures, such as tooth extractions or gum disease therapy, the overall cost will increase.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

In general, implant dentures do cost more than traditional ones. After all, you get so many more benefits with this option—replacement roots, more stability, longer-lasting results, etc. In fact, you may not need to replace your implant dentures for 30 years! When you think of the long-term investment in your dentures, you may find that attaching them to implants is well worth the extra cost upfront. You may even save some money down the road!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

At Seahurst Park Dentistry, we are proud to be in-network with most major PPO plans. Although many dental insurance plans can differ in the specific percentage or amount covered, most do include benefits for dentures. In the case of implant dentures, you should keep in mind that the denture portion may be partially covered while the implants are typically not. However, we will take a close look at your policy to make sure you’re getting the most savings possible.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Insurance can go a long way to reducing your out-of-pocket costs, but you will still be responsible for paying at least a portion of it yourself. Regardless of your insurance status, we offer assistance with applying for flexible financing. Through CareCredit, you can pay for your dentures over time in small monthly payments, rather than one-lump sum. As a result, you may find that your new teeth fit more easily into your budget, even if you’re on a fixed income!

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

Your dentures function as artificial teeth and return a portion of your original bite force, which allows you to enjoy a wider variety of wholesome foods to support your oral and overall health.

However, they also tend to trap little bits of food that can attract harmful bacteria, resulting in plaque buildup. This increases the likelihood of developing periodontal problems, but can thankfully be avoided by removing your teeth to rinse them under gently running water after meals. Remember to use cool or lukewarm water because hot temperatures might warp the base so it no longer fits.

Clean Your Restoration

You must also thoroughly scrub all surfaces of your dentures twice daily (morning and night) to regularly clear away harmful residue buildup and germs. To do so, take them out of your mouth and gently brush all sides with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap or special denture paste.

Be sure to rinse them off before reinserting them into your mouth for the day. If you’re heading to bed next, you can leave them in a glass of water or denture solution to soak overnight.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Dentures are durable but not invincible, and tend to become slippery during cleanings. They might chip, crack, or break if they fall to the floor, which can sometimes be prevented by placing a pillow, towel, or other soft surface beneath you when you wash them.

Also, when you’re not wearing your new teeth, you may want to store them out of the reach of small children or pets who are unlikely to handle them carefully.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

It might not be harmful if you occasionally fall asleep with your prosthetics inserted, but it’s generally not recommended for a few reasons. For instance, your restoration creates firm suction against your gums, reducing blood flow to the area. That means your body can’t deliver essential nutrients or infection-fighting cells to your connective tissues. If you wear your teeth 24/7, you could develop blisters, gum disease, or other issues.

Removing them gives your mouth a much-needed reprieve to rest and recover. You can place your dentures in a glass of water or a special cleaning solution that helps kill germs while maintaining their shape overnight. 

Notice Changes

Paying attention to your dental condition can help you notice concerning changes that might require Dr. Thomas’s attention. For example, if you see chips or cracks, please contact us for an appointment rather than try to fix them with superglue or other household supplies, which can sometimes be toxic if ingested.

Also, if your gums look swollen or darker than usual, you might be developing a periodontal problem that should be treated before it progresses. Our team can examine your condition and provide a treatment plan based on our findings.

Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

Although tooth extractions are sometimes necessary, they aren’t a requirement. After all, our top priority is to save your natural teeth whenever possible. If that’s not feasible due to extensive decay, an infection, or serious damage, then having them removed may be the best option. Of course, we’ll review all of your treatment options during your initial consultation. Once our Burien dentist has conducted an oral exam, we’ll have a better understanding of whether having all of your teeth pulled is necessary.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

You can! With that being said, patients are encouraged to take them out while they doze. There are a few reasons for this. First, removing them at night will give your gums a chance to rest and allow blood to recirculate to the area. Second, nighttime is the perfect opportunity to soak your dentures in a dentist-approved cleaner. By morning, they will be fresh, clean, and ready for all your day has in store.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Candidates for dentures are usually patients who are struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss. While partial dentures are suitable for those who still have a few of their natural teeth intact, full dentures are able to replace an entire arch of teeth. Implant dentures utilize implant posts to secure the restoration in place, stimulating and preserving your jawbone in the process. Don’t worry – we will review each of these types during your consultation to determine which one is best for your unique dental needs, smile goals, and lifestyle.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

As with anything new, you’ll have a bit of an adjustment period when you first get your dentures. Fortunately, this phase will be short-lived, especially if you dedicate some time upfront to practicing. In addition to reading out loud, count from 60-90 a few times. This sequence has quite a few “tricky” words, like “sixty,” which will help you master using your dentures quicker. It’s also a good idea to bite down and swallow before speaking to ensure your dentures are in the right place and your speech doesn’t get muddled with excess saliva. Above all, be patient! It takes time, but going slow and being kind to yourself throughout the process will be well worth it.

Why Do My Dentures Smell?

If your dentures smell bad, it could be due to improper oral hygiene. Therefore, it’s a good idea to prioritize brushing your teeth, cleaning your dentures, and rinsing your mouth regularly. As mentioned above, you should allow your dentures to soak overnight (if you aren’t already) as well. If your dentures don’t fit properly, then the smell could be the result of sores along your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. In this case, talk to your dentist about having your dentures adjusted.