Advances in dental materials and prosthetic design have made replacing missing teeth more effective and natural-looking than ever. While fixed solutions such as dental implants and bridgework remain excellent options for many patients, modern removable dentures continue to be a reliable choice for restoring function, appearance, and comfort when teeth are missing.
At Mercer Island Dental Associates, we use high-quality materials and careful craftsmanship to ensure each denture fits comfortably and supports the facial contours that contribute to a natural, confident smile.
Our approach emphasizes personalized care: we listen to your goals, evaluate oral health thoroughly, and develop a treatment plan that balances durability, function, and aesthetics.
Tooth loss is more than a cosmetic concern. Missing teeth change how your mouth works — affecting chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and the bite relationships among remaining teeth. Over time, these changes can make it harder to eat a varied, nutrient-rich diet and may encourage unhealthy compensations in chewing patterns.
Beyond function, losing teeth can accelerate bone resorption in the jaw. When tooth roots are no longer present to stimulate underlying bone, the ridge gradually reshapes. This process can alter facial support, causing the lower face to appear shorter or the cheeks to look sunken if left unmanaged.
There is also a social and emotional dimension: gaps in the smile can undermine self-confidence and social ease. Addressing tooth loss with an appropriate restoration helps restore appearance and makes daily activities like speaking and smiling feel natural again.
For these reasons it’s wise to evaluate replacement options sooner rather than later. A thoughtful prosthetic solution, such as a well-fitted denture, can halt or slow the functional and aesthetic consequences of missing teeth while improving overall oral health.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and the supporting structures of the mouth. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a base that rests against the gums; the base is carefully shaped to distribute forces evenly and to sit comfortably over the jaw ridge.
Contemporary denture teeth come in a range of shapes and shades to match natural dentition and facial features, and modern base materials are resilient and lightweight. These improvements result in dentures that look more lifelike and feel more comfortable than earlier generations of prostheses.
Unlike fixed restorations such as bridgework and implants, removable dentures are designed to be taken out for cleaning and overnight rest. This removability makes it easier to maintain the health of the soft tissues and any remaining teeth, and it provides flexibility for adjustments during the healing and adaptation period.
When considering dentures, it’s helpful to understand the balance between function, stability, and convenience. Some patients prioritize ease of removal and maintenance, while others seek additional retention through attachments or implant support — all of which are considered during the treatment planning phase.
Selecting the most appropriate denture begins with a thorough clinical evaluation. Your dental team will review your medical and dental history, assess the condition of remaining teeth and gums, and consider the shape and volume of the jawbone. These factors guide the choice between a partial denture, a complete denture, or a denture that receives extra support from implants.
Comfort and long-term success depend on the health of the oral tissues. If remaining teeth are present, their stability, position, and periodontal health determine whether they can be used for support with a partial denture. If teeth need removal, timing and healing are planned to optimize fit and tissue adaptation.
We tailor denture design to personal preferences as well: tooth shape and color are selected to complement facial features, and occlusion (how teeth meet) is adjusted to promote efficient chewing while protecting sensitive tissues.
Throughout this process, collaboration between the clinician, the patient, and the dental laboratory is essential to create a restoration that balances function and appearance.
Complete dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth — upper, lower, or both. The design may vary depending on whether the denture is placed immediately after extractions or after the gums and bone have healed. Each approach has advantages and considerations related to fit during healing.
A conventional full denture is fabricated after all remaining teeth have been removed and the gum tissues have fully healed. This method allows for accurate impressions of the healed oral tissues, generally resulting in a more precise initial fit and stable base.
Immediate denture
An immediate denture is placed on the same day teeth are extracted, so the patient never goes without teeth. While this offers immediate esthetic and functional benefits, the denture will require follow-up adjustments and potential relining as the tissues remodel during healing.
Overdenture
An overdenture fits over a small number of retained tooth roots or attachments placed on existing teeth. This approach preserves bone, improves denture stability, and can be a conservative option when a full conventional denture is not ideal.
Implant-supported dentures
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants that are strategically positioned in the jaw. These implants act as stable anchors, increasing retention and chewing ability and often enhancing patient comfort and confidence.
Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth while relying on remaining natural teeth for support. They typically use clasps or precision attachments to secure the prosthesis, preventing unwanted shifting and preserving the alignment of surrounding teeth.
Modern partial frameworks are available in several materials — cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid systems — giving patients options in terms of weight, strength, and aesthetics. The chosen material and design reflect the number and position of missing teeth, as well as patient preferences.
Partial dentures not only restore appearance and chewing function but also help maintain the spacing and stability of the dental arch, reducing the risk of further tooth movement or bite changes over time.
At Mercer Island Dental Associates, we focus on creating denture solutions that respect the individuality of each mouth so that the final restoration looks natural and supports long-term oral health.
A successful denture begins with a comprehensive diagnostic process. This typically includes a careful visual exam, digital imaging or radiographs as needed, and impressions to map the shape of the gums and jaw. These records allow the dental team and laboratory to design a prosthesis that fits the unique anatomy of the mouth.
When extractions or pre-prosthetic procedures are necessary, timing is coordinated so the tissues can heal in a way that best supports the denture. In some cases, minor reshaping of the ridge or soft tissues is recommended to improve comfort and fit.
The fabrication process often involves trial fittings and try-ins to confirm tooth position, bite relationship, and esthetic appearance before the final denture is processed. These steps give patients the opportunity to provide input and ensure the result meets expectations.
For complex cases, treatment may involve coordination with specialists such as oral surgeons or implant dentists. Comprehensive planning helps reduce surprises and leads to a more predictable, lasting restoration.
Adjusting to a new denture is a process. In the first days or weeks you may notice differences in speech and chewing as your tongue, lips, and cheeks adapt. Practicing speaking aloud and starting with softer foods can accelerate this adjustment period.
Adjusting to wearing a new denture
Minor sore spots and pressure areas are common early on. Wearing the denture and noting areas of discomfort helps the clinician identify where adjustments are needed. Timely follow-up appointments allow for precise relief and improved comfort.
Temporary increase in saliva
A new appliance can stimulate a temporary increase in saliva production. This usually resolves as the mouth becomes accustomed to the prosthesis.
Speaking with ease
With practice, most patients regain clear speech quickly. Reading aloud and repeating challenging words helps retrain muscles to work with the new tooth positions.
Getting used to eating with a denture
Begin eating with small pieces of soft foods and chew evenly on both sides. Avoid biting directly into very hard or sticky items until you and your denture have adapted to each other.
Taking care of your dentures
Rinse dentures after meals and brush them daily with a brush designed for prosthetics to remove debris and reduce staining. Regular cleaning helps preserve the appearance and hygiene of the appliance.
Continue to care for any remaining natural teeth and the gums beneath the denture. Keeping these tissues healthy supports long-term fit and comfort.
Remove dentures at night to allow the gums and jawbone to rest. Soaking dentures in water (and according to manufacturer or clinician guidance) helps prevent warping and microbial buildup.
Added stability options
When retention is a concern, adhesives can provide short-term help, while implant attachments or precision connectors offer more reliable long-term stability. Your clinician will discuss the best options given your anatomy and lifestyle.
Follow-up care
Routine checkups let your clinician assess fit, oral tissue health, and the condition of the denture. A comprehensive oral exam at these visits ensures any changes are caught early, and adjustments or repairs can be scheduled as needed.
Relines and maintenance
As the jawbone and gums remodel over time, relines or adjustments can restore comfortable fit. Periodic maintenance keeps the denture functioning well and extends its useful life.
We are committed to helping patients find the denture solution that fits their needs and lifestyle. If you have questions about how dentures might work for you or would like to discuss next steps, please contact our office for more information.
Today, it’s easier than ever to replace missing teeth and achieve natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting results! Depending on a patient’s dental needs, lifestyle, expectations of care, and budget, choices can include conventional fixed bridgework, dental implants, or removable partial and complete dentures. At the office of Mercer Island Dental Associates, we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.
With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.
Whether you wear partial or complete dentures, it’s essential to see the dentist for routine care. Besides checking the fit and condition of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments, you’ll also receive a comprehensive exam to check on the health of any remaining teeth as well as the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.
A same-day denture offers an accelerated design and fabrication process that allows a patient to go from impression taking to denture insertion in a single day.
For patients who don’t want to wait after having teeth extracted, an immediate denture can be inserted the same day your teeth are removed. Sometime later you may need the denture relined to address any changes in its fit once the extraction sites have completely healed.
While no one wants to drop or break a partial or complete denture, accidents do happen. The good news is that in some cases, your partial or complete denture is reparable. It all depends on the extent of the damage. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’ve broken or damaged your denture. We’re happy to help.
The simple act of taking your partial denture in and out can cause certain types of metal clasps to loosen over time. When you come in for your checkup visit or contact our office for an adjustment, we’ll assess the fit of your partial and tighten the clasps for improved stability and comfort.
While rebuilding a complete smile is a worthwhile investment, our office is sensitive to the costs involved in dental care. We customize care and will discuss which treatment options address your needs, lifestyle, and budget. How much a new denture will cost depends on the type of the prosthesis, its design, and the materials used to fabricate the supportive base, teeth, and clasps or precision attachments. Dentures that include the placement of dental implants for added retention and stability typically involve additional costs.
If you have dental insurance, your coverage may include a new or replacement set of dentures. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.
At the office of Mercer Island Dental Associates, we provide an extensive range of dental services, including the latest and most effective methods to help patients with missing teeth rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced professionals, we recognize that every patient is different, and every smile is unique. We’re passionate about what we do and take great pride in providing personalized treatment plans while treating our patients as valued partners in care.
Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances that replace missing teeth and the supporting gum and ridge structures. They consist of artificial teeth set in a base that is shaped to fit the contours of the mouth and to distribute chewing forces evenly. Modern denture materials and tooth designs are intended to restore biting efficiency and a natural appearance.
By recreating tooth contact and arch form, dentures help improve chewing, speech clarity and overall oral function. They also provide support for the lips and cheeks, which helps maintain facial proportions that can change after tooth loss. Because they are removable, dentures make daily hygiene accessible and allow clinicians to adjust fit as tissues remodel.
There are several common denture styles, including complete (full) dentures that replace an entire arch, partial dentures that fill one or more gaps while relying on remaining teeth for support, and overdentures that fit over retained roots or implant attachments. Immediate dentures are placed at the time of extractions so the patient never goes without teeth, while conventional dentures are made after tissues have healed. Implant-supported dentures use dental implants as anchors to increase retention and chewing ability.
Choosing the right style depends on the condition of the remaining teeth, the volume and shape of the jawbone, medical considerations and personal preferences regarding maintenance and stability. A thorough clinical evaluation and discussion of daily habits and goals will guide the selection. Your dental team will outline the functional and aesthetic tradeoffs so you can make an informed decision.
The denture process begins with a comprehensive diagnostic exam that may include visual assessment, digital imaging or radiographs and impressions to map the gums and jaw. These records allow the clinician and laboratory to design a base and tooth arrangement that fit the unique anatomy of the mouth and establish a comfortable bite relationship. In many cases clinicians use try-in stages to confirm tooth position, color and occlusion before final processing.
Fabrication involves close communication with a dental laboratory where technicians craft the base and set the teeth to match the agreed design. After the final denture is delivered, clinicians perform adjustments to relieve pressure points and to refine fit and function. Follow-up visits are important to monitor tissue response and to schedule relines or repairs as needed.
Adapting to new dentures typically takes days to weeks as the tongue, lips and cheeks learn new tooth positions and as soft tissues acclimate to the appliance. Early experiences often include minor sore spots, a temporary increase in saliva production and slight changes in speech. Practicing speaking aloud, starting with softer foods and following care instructions will help speed the adjustment.
Minor pressure areas are common and should be evaluated promptly so targeted adjustments can improve comfort. Over time patients usually regain clear speech and more efficient chewing as they practice and the tissues stabilize. Regular follow-up appointments allow the clinician to make relief adjustments or to discuss additional retention options if stability remains a concern.
Rinse dentures after eating to remove loose debris and brush them daily using a brush designed for prosthetics and a nonabrasive cleanser to reduce staining and bacterial buildup. Avoid using regular toothpaste on denture surfaces, as many formulations are too abrasive and can wear the resin. When not wearing them, store dentures in water or a recommended soaking solution to prevent warping and microbial growth.
Continue to care for any remaining natural teeth and the gums beneath the denture by brushing and flossing as appropriate and by attending routine dental exams. Handle dentures carefully to avoid drops and damage when cleaning or removing them. Regular professional checkups let the clinician assess fit and tissue health and schedule relines or repairs as needed.
Yes, dentures can be stabilized by dental implants, which act as secure anchors for a removable or fixed prosthesis. Implant attachments improve retention, reduce movement during chewing and speech, and often increase patient comfort and confidence compared with conventional dentures alone. In many cases implant-supported dentures also allow for stronger biting forces and a wider variety of foods.
Implant-supported solutions may help preserve jawbone by transferring functional forces into the bone and reducing the rate of resorption. Not all patients are candidates for implants, so a complete evaluation of bone volume, medical history and oral health is required. When appropriate, implant planning is coordinated with specialists to create a predictable restorative outcome.
The functional lifespan of dentures varies with materials, oral conditions and how well they are maintained, but wear and changes in the jawbone typically make relines or replacements necessary over time. Relines restore intimate fit by reshaping the tissue surface of the denture to match remodeling gums and ridge contours. Routine evaluations let clinicians identify when a reline, repair or full replacement will best restore comfort and function.
Factors that influence longevity include changes in body weight, ongoing bone resorption, wear of denture teeth and any alterations in surrounding teeth or soft tissues. Immediate or short-term relines may be needed following extractions or surgeries, while longer-term planning anticipates periodic maintenance. Staying current with follow-up care helps maximize the useful life of the prosthesis.
Dentures can change the way the mouth feels and functions initially, but most people adapt and regain clear speech and effective chewing with time and practice. Early speech differences usually improve as patients read aloud, repeat challenging sounds and allow the tongue to learn new positions relative to the prosthetic teeth. Starting with softer foods and cutting items into smaller pieces helps rebuild confidence while chewing skills improve.
Long-term effects depend on denture stability and fit; poorly fitting appliances can continue to affect speech and eating, so timely adjustments or retention enhancements are important. Implant-retained options often provide improved stability and can reduce functional limitations for some patients. Regular follow-up ensures ongoing comfort and permits modifications if difficulties persist.
Tooth loss alters chewing patterns, can make speech less clear and allows neighboring teeth to shift, which may compromise bite relationships and overall oral health. When tooth roots are absent, the jawbone receives less stimulation and bone resorption can occur, gradually changing facial support and ridge shape. These functional and anatomical changes can affect nutrition, comfort and the appearance of the lower face over time.
Appropriate denture therapy restores missing teeth and arch form to improve chewing, speech and facial support, helping patients maintain a varied diet and more natural appearance. While conventional dentures restore surface form and function, options that preserve bone stimulation, such as overdentures or implant-supported prostheses, can be considered when long-term bone preservation is a priority. A dental evaluation will identify the restorative approach that best addresses both immediate needs and longer-term oral health goals.
Look for a practice that performs a thorough diagnostic workup, including a careful oral exam, appropriate imaging and clear communication about treatment steps and expected outcomes. Experience in denture planning, access to skilled dental laboratory partners and a willingness to provide trial fittings and follow-up care are important indicators of a reliable restorative program. Good patient education and clear aftercare instructions help ensure a successful transition to new prosthetics.
Choose a team that collaborates with specialists when cases require extractions, implants or surgical planning and that schedules timely postdelivery visits to refine fit and function. Mercer Island Dental Associates emphasizes personalized planning and laboratory coordination to create restorations that balance comfort and aesthetics. Prioritizing continuity of care and practical follow-up helps patients achieve lasting results and predictable maintenance.
