Dentures

Dentures replace permanent teeth lost to trauma, decay, or extractions. At Cole Street Dental in Enumclaw, Washington, experienced general, family, and cosmetic dentists Sean Monaghan, DMD, Gina Petrarca, DDS, and the team often prescribe dentures to people with missing teeth. Dentures restore your biting and chewing abilities and improve your oral health. Call Cole Street Dental today to schedule a denture consultation, or book your visit online.

I’ve lost permanent teeth. Can dentures benefit me?

Yes. Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace teeth in your upper or lower jaw. They’re made from tough materials, like nylon, acrylic, metal, and porcelain, allowing you to bite and chew confidently.

Are there different types of dentures?

The Cole Street Dental team offers several types of dentures, including:

Partial dentures
Partial dentures replace several of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. These dentures have a metal framework that attaches to
metal clasps, preventing the denture from shifting.

Full dentures
Full dentures replace an entire row of missing teeth in your upper or lower jaw. You apply a denture adhesive (a special type of glue) to the bottom or top of the appliance to prevent it from moving.

Immediate dentures
Sometimes, people need extractions before they get dentures. Immediate dentures are special appliances worn after the extractions.

After your mouth heals, you return to Cole Street Dental and the team replaces the immediate dentures with full dentures.

What is the process for getting dentures?

Your Cole Street Dental provider reviews your dental records and examines your mouth, checking your jaws, gums, and teeth. Then, they take a series of 3D X-rays to assess the thickness of your jaw and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your upper teeth). 

If your provider determines you can benefit from dentures, they take impressions of your upper and lower jaws. Then, they send the impressions to a denture lab that uses them to model and build your custom dentures.

Techs at the lab create your dentures using materials like wax, acrylic, nylon, and resin. A week or two later, when your dentures are finished, you return to Cole Street Dental and try them on.

Your Cole Street Dental provider checks the fit of your dentures, looking for any areas that might irritate your gums. Then, they make the necessary final adjustments and explain how to keep your dentures in optimal condition.

How long do dentures last?

Dentures usually last 7-10 years, but you can extend their life by taking good care of them. Always take your dentures out before going to bed and clean them with a soft-bristle toothbrush after meals and snacks. If you notice changes in the way your dentures fit, contact Cole Street Dental immediately.

Call Cole Street Dental today to schedule an appointment for dentures, or click the online booking feature.