Seattle Dentures

Dr. Alex Melner is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dentures.


Q. What are dentures?

A. Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth typically made out of an acrylic resin that at times may incorporate a metal frame for additional structural support. There are two main types of dentures. Both Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures are custom crafted and fitted. Combining the aesthetic and the technical elements of making attractive and functional dentures requires an artistic touch, as well as the technical know how. Dentures are important for digestion, personal appearance and the self-confidence that follows.  If you properly maintain your dentures they will appear natural and provide a perfect smile. Additionally, dentures help strengthen muscles controlling your expressions that require the support of your teeth, rid you of pronunciation problems caused by missing teeth and aid with chewing.  Dentures are a healthy, non invasive alternative to replace your missing teeth. 

Q. Why should I use a denture adhesive?

A. A properly made denture requires no adhesive to maintain its function.  Custom dentures (well-contoured dentures) stay in your mouth by creating suction between the gum and the inner denture surface.  In order to satisfactorily contour a denture, one must have a working knowledge of the origins and insertions of the muscles of facial expression and mastication and an understanding of the activity of these muscles during oral function. 
Breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech sounds (phonation) are all functions that transmit loads to the denture.  The loads generated during functional movements can work to either dislodge the denture or maintain it in its most advantageous position in relation to the supporting tissues.  Proper contours cradle a denture in this later position, permitting optimum stability and function, therefore increasing the likelihood of patient confidence and satisfaction. 

In case of Immediate Dentures (first denture post extractions) some denture adhesive may be necessary to promote function.  As we heal after surgery, so does our mouth tissue heals after tooth extraction.  It takes an average of eight months to a year before the bone and tissue are completely healed.  As these tissues will be shrinking, some adhesive may be beneficial during this time. 
Poorly made dentures often require denture adhesive because they lack proper contours necessary for function and stability.  

Q. What types of cosmetic dentures are possible?

A. There are a number of different cosmetic dentures:

Complete Dentures
These replace all of your teeth, upper or lower. Their comfort depends on muscle, bones, tongue, and saliva. Patients begin wearing conventional dentures after healing completely post extractions.

Immediate Dentures
Immediate Dentures are fabricated prior to extractions and are placed right after extractions take place. The benefit of immediate dentures is that a patient does not have to be without teeth for any period of time; immediate dentures may also speed up the healing process and will require additional adjustments during that time. It can take months for your bone and tissue to stabilize after tooth extractions.

Over Dentures
Over Denture is a type of conventional denture similar to Complete Denture. The difference is that not all teeth are extracted and they use one or more natural teeth for their support. This type provides greater stabilization during chewing. Over Dentures cost more and typically require more preparation and dental appointments until the procedure is fully complete.

Partial Dentures
Partial Dentures are designed to correct the gaps in your smile when only some of your teeth are missing. Metal attachments anchor the dentures to your natural teeth. Partial Dentures maintain tooth alignment by preventing your remaining teeth from shifting. Partial Dentures can also help prevent loss of more teeth due to decay or gum disease.
There are different types of Partial Dentures, such as a metal frame partial, acrylic partial, or flexible partial.  Different types are better suited in different patient cases.
More information on different types of partials can be found at Seattledenturescenter.com.

Q. How long do cosmetic dentures take to make?

A. Cosmetic dentures require a series of appointments; a simple acrylic partial can be made in a few days, requiring 2 appointments, where as a metal frame partial requires 4-5 appointments and may take up to 3 weeks to complete.  Full or complete dentures can be ready within a week to two weeks, with an average of 4 appointments. 

Q. What are alternatives to cosmetic dentures?

A. Missing teeth is a common dilemma for many people who have had teeth removed because of extensive cavities, gum disease, injuries, and those who may have never developed some of their own teeth due to a hereditary trait. The three most common ways for a dentist to replace one or more missing teeth are a crown and bridge restoration, a dental implant, or a removable partial denture. Although a bridge or dental implants may be more comfortable and cosmetically pleasing than a removable partial denture, there are some drawbacks. Bridge and implants can cost significantly more than a removable partial denture, and may not be a viable option for some patients. In certain cases, a removable partial denture may be the best or only choice available.  All these options should be discussed with your dentist or denturist prior to treatment. 

Q. Are dentures uncomfortable or painful to wear?

A. This is an interesting question, because it can be answered in different ways.  Of coarse it is always better to keep your own teeth as long as possible.  However, dentures can be a comfortable, functional alternative to missing teeth.  Anything new requires an adjustment period and I would be lying if I said that dentures are just like your real teeth.  First dentures will take time to adjust to.  If a denture is made properly, it will be comfortable, where as a poorly made denture can cause many problems to its wearer.  My advice is to get your denture made by a denturist, who is a denture specialist and is experienced in denture fabrication.  Dentists do not have much denture experience after completion of dental school, and usually send their denture work to a denture lab, where dental technicians will fabricate the denture and send it back to the dentist.  A denturist is the one who makes your denture from start to finish, usually with better results. 

Q. What’s the difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?

A. As I mentioned earlier, immediate dentures are fabricated prior to extractions and are placed in the mouth immediately after extractions take place.  This procedure helps to retain the tissues in place and speeds up the healing process.  The main advantage is that the patient does not have to be without teeth for any period of time.  Immediate dentures will need ongoing adjustments as the patient heals from extractions.
Conventional dentures can be a replacement of existing dentures or fabrication of new dentures.  If there is no extraction involved, they will need no ongoing adjustments and should fit comfortably from the start.    If extraction is involved, the patient will first need to heal (tooth sockets must be closed) in order to take an impression for denture fabrication.  The healing process may take up to two months in some cases, thus causing the patient to be without teeth for a given period of time.  Conventional dentures are best when no extractions are necessary. 

Q. How to contact Dr. Melner, if we have further questions?

A. I would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have. 
I may be contacted at Accusmile Denture Clinic:  206 783-1828
By email:  dentures@accusmile.net
Or through the website:  Seattledenturescenter.com