Dentures
Bellevue, WA
Tooth loss can significantly affect your quality of life. Whether you’re missing all of your teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, simple tasks like eating and speaking can become difficult. At A Smiling Heart Dentistry, we offer full dentures to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable restorations that replace missing teeth. Full dentures consist of lifelike resin teeth embedded in a gum-colored acrylic base. They rest directly on your gums and are held in place by suction. Today’s dentures are far more natural-looking and comfortable than previous generations.
Types of Full Dentures
- Conventional Full Dentures: Made after all remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissue has healed. This process may take several weeks before impressions are taken and dentures are fabricated.
- Immediate Full Dentures: These are made in advance and placed immediately after tooth extractions. As your gums heal, the dentures are periodically relined for a better fit.
Caring for Your Dentures
Dentures require daily care. Remove them at night and clean them with a soft brush and denture paste or soap and water—never toothpaste, which can cause microscopic scratches. Soak them in a denture solution overnight, and brush your gums and tongue daily with a soft toothbrush. Rinse dentures thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth the next day.
Benefits of Full Dentures
- Restore your ability to eat a variety of foods
- Improve speech clarity and communication
- Restore a confident, natural-looking smile
Drawbacks of Dentures
- May slip or shift out of place
- Can cause sore spots on the gums
- Do not prevent jawbone loss, meaning they may need to be replaced every 7 years
If you’re missing teeth and ready to improve your daily life, call A Smiling Heart Dentistry today at (425) 558-9998 to schedule a consultation and learn more about full dentures.