Dentures in Tacoma, WA

A denture is a removable appliance that replaces an entire arch of teeth. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a plastic or metal base that matches your gums. The dentures fit over your natural teeth and can be removed for cleaning, eating, or sleeping. 

At My Tacoma Dentist - David Wagner DDS, two main types of dentures are available – full and partial. The complete set covers the entire upper and lower arch of your teeth with artificial teeth supported by a gum-colored base. Partial dentures are similar but are designed only to replace a portion of your arch. They are held in place with metal clasps that fit around your existing teeth for a secure fit. 

The Procedure for Dentures

Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, which will be used to create a model of your jaw and gums. While your denture is being fabricated at our lab, your dentist will fit you with a temporary set to wear. You’ll return to our office for placement when the permanent set is ready. The temporary set will be discarded, and the new set will be cleaned thoroughly before being fitted into your mouth. We will check the denture's fit and give you instructions on how to keep it clean. We will also schedule a follow-up appointment to review your gums and ensure they heal properly. During your follow-up appointment, we’ll also make any adjustments to the fit of the denture as needed.

The Benefits of Dentures

A benefit of dentures is that they make chewing your food more accessible. Your natural teeth can get worn down over time, making things like tough meat or hard vegetables painful to eat. With dentures in place, however, you can chew whatever you want with no pain. They’re also great for anyone who has trouble biting into foods like apples, corn, and more because of their texture.

Another benefit of dentures is that they’re straightforward to clean and maintain compared to dental implants. Dentures are typically removable, allowing you to clean them easily at home without worrying about complications like bacterial infections. They also don’t require special tools to clean with other than a soft toothbrush and some toothpaste.

Finally, the most significant benefit of getting dentures is that they give you your smile back. You’ll have your confidence back and be able to smile big on every occasion; no more hiding your teeth in photos or laughing with a closed mouth! Plus, you’ll be able to eat and speak freely and efficiently again. No more worrying about whether or not you’ll have enough strength to chew an enormous burger or steak dinner.

If you have lost all of your teeth and are interested in learning more about how dentures can improve your smile, visit My Tacoma Dentist - David Wagner DDS at 1919 N. Pearl St. Suite A-3, Tacoma, WA, 98406 or call (253) 761-5299.