Dentures in Bellevue, WA

Dentures are custom-made removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore the function and aesthetics of a person's smile. They are typically made from acrylic resin, sometimes combined with metal for added strength, and are tailored to fit the unique contours of an individual's mouth.

Dentures can be classified into two categories: complete dentures, which replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and partial dentures, which fill in gaps when some natural teeth remain. Full dentures rest on the gums, while partial dentures are anchored to existing teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments.

Besides improving appearance, dentures enhance chewing and speaking abilities, support facial muscles, and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and periodic adjustments are essential for ensuring the comfort and longevity of dentures.

Types of Dentures

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace all the teeth in one or both dental arches (upper or lower jaw) for individuals who have lost their natural teeth. They are custom-made to fit snugly over the gums, supporting the lips and cheeks to restore facial contours and improve chewing and speaking abilities.

Complete dentures can be either immediate, placed immediately after tooth extraction to aid in healing, or conventional, placed after the gums have fully healed from extractions. They are typically made from acrylic resin and sometimes include metal components for added strength. Regular adjustments and proper care are essential to ensure complete dentures' comfort, functionality, and longevity, enhancing the wearer's quality of life by restoring a natural-looking smile.

Benefits:

• Replace all teeth in one or both jaws for individuals who have lost all their natural teeth.
• Restore facial aesthetics, support the lips and cheeks, improve chewing and speech abilities, and boost self-confidence.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are recommended when some natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. They fill the gaps created by missing teeth and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting position.

Partial dentures are often made from acrylic resin, metal, or both materials. They can be held in place by clasps or precision attachments that connect them to the adjacent natural teeth. This type of denture restores chewing function and helps maintain facial structure by preventing the sagging of the cheeks and lips due to tooth loss.

Benefits:

• Prevent remaining natural teeth from shifting out of position.
• Fill gaps left by missing teeth, allowing for better chewing of food.
• Blend in seamlessly with natural teeth for a natural-looking smile.
• Offer flexibility with removable of fixed options like partial dentures secured by clasps or precision attachments and dental bridges anchored by adjacent teeth or implants

The Denture Procedure

Once the decision is made to proceed with dentures, our dentist in Bellevue, WA, takes detailed impressions and measurements of the patient's mouth. These impressions serve as a blueprint for creating custom-fitted dentures that comfortably and securely fit the contours of the gums and remaining teeth (if applicable). Advanced digital technology may also be used to create precise 3D images of the mouth for more accurate fittings.

After the impressions are taken, our dentist creates a preliminary model of the dentures from wax or plastic. This allows the patient to try on the dentures and assess their fit, appearance, and comfort. During this fitting session, our dentist makes necessary adjustments to ensure the dentures align correctly with the bite, feel comfortable against the gums, and provide a natural-looking smile.

Following the initial fitting, the denture model is sent to a dental laboratory, where the final dentures are fabricated using durable materials like acrylic resin or a combination of acrylic and metal for added strength. Once the final dentures are ready, the patient returns to the dentist to have them fitted. The dentist rechecks the fit and makes any final adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and functionality. Contact us today to learn more.

The Advantages of Dentures

Restoration of Oral Function

Dentures in Bellevue, WA, enable individuals to chew food more effectively, improving their ability to enjoy various foods. This restoration of oral function enhances nutrition and contributes to overall health and well-being.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Dentures restore the appearance of a natural smile, which can boost self-esteem and confidence. They support facial muscles, preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with tooth loss and contributing to a more youthful facial structure.

Improved Speech

Missing teeth can affect speech clarity. Dentures help articulate words more clearly by supporting the lips and tongue, facilitating better pronunciation and communication.

Customizable Options

Modern dentures are custom-made to fit comfortably and securely. They are designed to match the natural shape and color of the remaining teeth or to achieve the desired aesthetic appearance, ensuring a natural-looking smile.

Cost-Effective Solution

Dentures are generally more affordable than other tooth replacement options like dental implants. They provide a functional and aesthetic solution to tooth loss without requiring invasive surgical procedures in most cases.

Preservation of Oral Health

Dentures support oral health by preventing the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and further tooth loss. They also help maintain the jawbone's structure by providing necessary stimulation during chewing.

Dentures are a remarkable solution for restoring the function and aesthetics of a smile affected by tooth loss. Visit Bellevue Impressions Dentistry at 1811 156th Ave NE, Suite #1, Bellevue, WA 98007, or call (425) 746-8676 to discover how dentures can improve your quality of life by restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.