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More than 40 million Americans use dentures to replace knocked-out and/or extracted permanent teeth. Dentures restore your biting and chewing abilities and reduce your risk of oral health problems like gum recession and bone loss. At Smile By the Station Dentistry in Seattle, Washington, cosmetic and family dentist Ok Kyu Lee, DDS, and the team partner with local denture labs to design and manufacture custom dentures. Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule a dentures consultation, or book your appointment online.
Dentures Q&A
How are dentures different from dental implants?
Dentures and dental implants both replace missing teeth, but they do it in different ways:
Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace some or all of your natural teeth. They rest on top of your gums and are held in place with an adhesive.
Dental implants
Dental implants are small titanium posts inserted into your tooth sockets. They fuse with your upper or lower jaw, providing a base for crowns, bridges, or implant-retained dentures.
Are there different types of dentures?
The Smile By the Station Dentistry team offers several types of dentures, including:
Partial dentures
Partial dentures replace two or more teeth. They have a metal framework and several false teeth. The framework connects to small metal clasps bonded to your existing teeth.
Partial dentures look like an orthodontic retainer. They snap into place, blending in with your smile.
Complete dentures
Complete dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. They have a metal base, pink gums made of plastic or acrylic, and a whole row of artificial teeth. Before putting complete dentures in your mouth, you apply denture glue to the bottom.
Implant-retained dentures
Implant-retained dentures replace an entire row of teeth like complete dentures. The difference is they connect to dental implants –– metal posts that integrate with your upper or lower jaw.
Implant-retained dentures require less care than partial and complete dentures. You clean them by brushing and flossing, and you don’t have to remove them at night.
What does getting dentures involve?
Getting dentures at Smile By the Station Dentistry takes at least two visits.
Your dentist completes an oral exam and takes dental X-rays to assess the health of your gums, jaws, and existing teeth. If you’re missing two or more teeth, you qualify for dentures.
Your dentist takes digital scans of your mouth and sends them to a denture lab. Technicians at the denture lab use your scans to create a custom partial or complete denture.
A week or two later, when your dentures are finished, you return to Smile By the Station Dentistry. Your provider has you try your dentures on and makes adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. They answer your questions and explain how to care for your dentures.
Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule a denture consultation, or book your appointment online.