The Solution for Missing Teeth and a Beautiful Smile
Complete dentures are a popular option for people who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. They provide a functional and aesthetic solution for those looking to restore their smile and improve their oral health. Fortunately, our Everett, WA, dentist offers complete dentures as a safe and effective way to restore and enhance your smile.
Contact our dental office today at (425) 341-1111 to schedule your appointment!
What Are Complete Dentures?
Complete dentures, also known as full dentures or permanent dentures, are a popular tooth replacement option for individuals who have lost all or most of their natural teeth. They are custom-made removable prostheses designed to replace an entire dental arch (upper jaw, lower jaw, or both) with artificial teeth. Complete dentures provide a functional and aesthetic solution for individuals suffering from severe tooth loss due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other oral health issues.
Unlike partial dentures that replace some missing teeth, complete dentures restore your entire smile by mimicking the appearance and function of natural dentition. They are held in place by suction or denture adhesives and rest directly on the gums and surrounding tissues, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Components of Complete Dentures
Complete dentures consist of the following key components:
- Base: The denture base is typically made of acrylic resin and is designed to mimic the appearance of natural gums.
- Artificial Teeth: The replacement teeth are typically made of acrylic or porcelain and are carefully arranged to resemble your natural teeth.
- Flange: This is the part of the denture that extends into the cheeks and lips, aiding in retention and stability.
Complete Denture Types
There are several types of complete dentures available, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences:
- Conventional Dentures: These are made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissue has fully healed. Healing may take several months, during which time the patient is without teeth.
- Immediate Dentures: Also known as temporary dentures, these are inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. Measurements are taken and models are made of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. While immediate dentures allow you to avoid being without teeth during the healing period, they may require adjustments or relining as the gum tissues heal and change shape.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Dental implants can be used to anchor complete dentures, providing enhanced stability and function compared to conventional complete dentures. These dentures have attachments that snap onto or connect with implants placed in the jawbone.
Benefits of Complete Dentures
Complete dentures offer several benefits for individuals who have lost all of their natural teeth, including:
- Improved Aesthetics: Dentures restore a natural appearance to the face as they replace missing teeth, supporting the lips and cheeks, and preventing the sunken-in look often associated with tooth loss.
- Enhanced Chewing and Speaking: Dentures enable individuals to chew food more effectively, aiding digestion and nutrition. They also help in clearer speech, preventing slurring or mumbling caused by missing teeth.
- Restored Oral Function: Complete dentures allow people to regain the ability to eat a wider variety of foods, including those that require more chewing, leading to a more balanced diet.
- Easy to Maintain: Removable dentures are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning and proper hygiene practices can help ensure their longevity and prevent issues like bad breath or oral infections.
- Cost-Effective: Complete dentures are generally more affordable than other tooth replacement options like dental implants, making them a viable choice for individuals on a budget.
- Customization: Dentures can be customized to fit the individual’s mouth comfortably. Modern denture materials and techniques allow for a better fit and improved comfort.
- Minimal Healing Time: Unlike dental implants that require healing time after surgery, dentures can be worn almost immediately after they are fitted and adjustments are made.
Getting Your Complete Dentures
You can expect to go through the following steps when getting complete dentures:
- Initial Examination: Our Everett dentist will evaluate your oral health, take a medical history, and discuss your expectations and desired outcomes.
- Impressions and Measurements: Accurate impressions and measurements of your mouth are taken to design and fabricate the dentures.
- Try-In: Before the final denture is made, a preliminary denture model is created and tested for proper fit, bite alignment, and appearance.
- Adjustments: Necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit and comfort.
- Final Fitting: You’ll receive your permanent complete dentures, and our dentist will provide aftercare instructions and guidance on proper denture care and maintenance.
Candidacy for Complete Dentures
To qualify for complete dentures, several factors must be considered, including:
- Complete tooth loss
- Good oral health
- Strong jawbone
- Realistic expectations
- Commitment to oral hygiene
To learn more about your denture candidacy, contact our dentist in Everett today.
Complete Denture Costs
Complete dentures cost between $1,000 to $4,000. The full denture costs will vary as certain factors will influence expenses for each patient. Your new dentures cost will depend on the following:
- Location: Costs can differ significantly per location. For example, dentures typically cost more in urban areas compared to rural areas due to higher overhead and living costs.
- Material: Dentures can be made from various materials, such as acrylic or more premium options like porcelain or flexible materials. Higher-quality materials tend to look more natural and last longer but are generally more expensive.
- Type of Denture: There are conventional full dentures and immediate full dentures. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has started to heal, whereas immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. Immediate dentures might cost more due to their expedited process.
- Dentist’s Experience and Reputation: Highly reputable and experienced dentists or prosthodontists often charge more than those just starting their practice.
- Additional Procedures: Sometimes, additional dental procedures, such as extractions, might be necessary before fitting dentures. These procedures would add to the overall cost.
Caring for Your Complete Dentures
Proper care and maintenance are vital for ensuring the longevity and functionality of your complete dentures. Here are some tips:
- Daily Cleaning: Remove and brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque.
- Soaking: Dentures should be soaked overnight in a denture-cleaning solution to keep them moist and prevent warping.
- Handling with Care: Be gentle when handling your dentures to avoid dropping or damaging them.
- Regular Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for adjustments and to check for any issues with your dentures or oral tissues.
- Adhesives (If Needed): Use denture adhesives as recommended by your dentist to improve fit and retention.
With proper care and regular replacements as needed, complete dentures can restore your smile, improve your oral health, and enhance your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full dentures can last between five to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. However, the lifespan can vary depending on factors like oral hygiene, wear and tear, and the materials used. As we age, our mouths change, and dentures may not fit as well as they did initially, necessitating replacement or relining.
It can take several weeks or even months to get used to wearing complete dentures. During this adaptation time, you may experience some discomfort, soreness, and difficulty speaking or eating. However, with time and practice, most people can adjust to wearing dentures and enjoy their benefits.
Transform Your Smile With Dentures Today!
If you’re considering complete dentures to restore your smile and oral function, schedule an appointment by giving our Everett dentist a call at (425) 341-1111. By understanding the candidacy requirements and what to expect during the process, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of complete dentures for years to come. We welcome patients in Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood, and Silver Firs, WA.