Typically anyone who is missing most or all of their teeth is a good candidate for traditional full arch dentures at our practice. When tooth loss is sporadic and you have a substantial amount of healthy remaining teeth, partial dentures may be better suited. If you are looking for a more durable solution to replacing your missing teeth, we also offer implant-supported dentures. Since this option requires dental implant surgery, patients must have healthy gums and adequate jawbone strength to qualify. We will perform a thorough evaluation of your gums, jawbone, and remaining teeth to determine your candidacy for the appropriate type of denture. If gum disease or tooth decay is present, those will need to be addressed before proceeding with dentures.

Traditional dentures are made with a gum-colored base and artificial teeth devised to match your natural tooth enamel for realistic results. Your prosthetic device will be customized to fit securely and comfortably over your gums. Dentures rely on suction and a dental adhesive to hold them in place. Traditional dentures should be removed nightly for cleaning and to allow your gums to rest while you sleep.

When designing your denture, we will take a series of x-rays and impressions to create a 3D model of your smile. This model will be sent to a dental lab where technicians will manufacture your customized denture. The fabrication process typically takes two to three weeks. During your follow-up visit, we will check that your denture fits and demonstrate how to remove and care for the restoration at home.

When tooth loss occurs in multiple areas of your mouth, but you still have a healthy amount of remaining teeth, we may recommend a partial denture. Much like traditional dentures, partial dentures also have a gum-colored acrylic base and natural-looking artificial teeth, but your device will be affixed to a metal base with tiny claps that secure to nearby teeth to hold the denture in place. Partial dentures can be easily slipped on and off for easy cleaning and to allow your gums to rest at night.

Rather than affixing to nearby teeth or resting on your gums, implant-supported dentures are sustained by four to six dental implants in either the upper or lower jaw. Before the denture is designed and placed, we will insert tiny implant posts into your jawbone through a surgical procedure. Over the course of four to six months, your jawbone will undergo a process known as osseointegration, giving the implants time to bond with nearby tissues.

Since dental implants operate much like natural tooth roots, your jawbone will not suffer from tissue degeneration (a side effect of tooth loss). Compared to traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures provide longer-lasting results, unparalleled support and durability, improved comfort, and improved oral health.

To learn more about our tooth replacement solutions, contact us online or call our dental office at (206) 526-9040. Our team can discuss with you in detail our several different types of Seattle denture treatment options available to help you make an informed decision about your smile and oral health.