Dentures in Bellingham & Mount Vernon, WA

One of the most common dental issues we encounter with our adult patients at Diamond Dental is missing teeth. There are several reasons for missing teeth, including genetics, poor oral hygiene habits, lack of access to affordable dental care, and so much more. However, no matter what has caused your tooth loss, the repercussions are the same:

Difficulty chewing/digesting food
Dietary issues (due to difficulty chewing/digesting)
Reduced self-esteem
Misalignment
Jawbone deterioration/weakening
Increased risk for additional problems including decay, further tooth loss, and more

Therefore, if you are missing teeth, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. Dentures are an affordable solution for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth. Here’s what you need to know about dentures at Diamond Dental.

Types of Dentures

At Diamond Dental, we offer several different denture options. We have partial dentures for those who are only missing a few teeth and complete dentures for those who are missing all of their natural teeth. We also offer permanent dentures, which are held in place with dental implants, or removable dentures that can be conventional or hybrid, using dental implants to keep them in place when they are being worn but must be removed for cleaning.

Full dentures

Full dentures also referred to as complete dentures, are used for patients who are missing all of their natural teeth. At Diamond Dental, we strive to save as many of your natural teeth as we can. We will only recommend full dentures if other options have been exhausted.

It is important to note that due to the thickness of the acrylic plate covering the palate and learning to control the tongue and cheeks with the new prosthesis, many patients develop a speech impediment. Due to this, many patients seek a more permanent option, such as permanent dentures or snap-on dentures.

Removable Partial Dentures

For patients who are missing some, but not all of their natural teeth, we may recommend removable partial dentures. These dentures restore the natural look, feel, and function of teeth- but can be removed/replaced at any time. This option is typically recommended for patients who are unable to undergo surgery and do not qualify for fixed bridge dentures.

Fixed Bridge Dentures

Fixed bridge dentures, also known as implant-supported bridges or fixed partial dentures, are designed for patients who are missing several teeth in a row. This restoration consists of two dental implants with one or more prosthetic teeth in between. The bridge is permanently secured in place and can only be removed by a dentist.

Temporary/Same Day Dentures

When you have all of your natural teeth extracted, you’ll have to wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks before you can get traditional dentures. However, you will be given removable temporary dentures. While convenient, these dentures can be a challenge because they are not fitted to your gums. Plus, they don’t look natural and require more care and maintenance. These dentures help ease the transition to a permanent denture.

Permanent Dentures/Denture Implants

Permanent dentures, or denture implants, offer patients a way to replace a full arch with 2 to 4 dental implants. The denture is permanently secured in place, meaning only the dentist will be able to remove it during exams and cleanings. This is the most natural-looking option next to replacing each tooth with a single dental implant.

Snap-on Dentures/Snap-in Dentures

Snap-on, or snap-in, dentures are a hybrid solution that allows patients to take advantage of the stability of dental implants with the affordability of conventional dentures. Snap-on dentures are designed to be taken out for cleaning and to allow gums to rest while sleeping and can be ball-retained or bar-retained.

Other Denture Services at Diamond Dental In Bellingham

At Diamond Dental, we also offer denture repair and replacement. Here’s what you need to know about these services:

Denture Repair
Denture repair typically costs between $100 to $500 depending on the repair. Here are three of the most common denture repair services:
- Denture Reline
  This repair involves reworking/replacing the part that touches the gums to help it fit more comfortably. It is often needed due to changes in the gums and/or jawbone due to age, oral/overall health, weight, and more.
- Rebase
  This repair involves remaking the pink acrylic base that your artificial teeth sit on. It is recommended when the teeth are still in good shape, but the base has deteriorated. This is rarely recommended for partial dentures. The dentures must be sent to a lab to complete this repair.
- Adjustment
  This is a quick and easy process that can usually be done in the office. It involves removing some of the acrylic bases from the denture so that it fits properly. If your denture doesn’t fit properly, you may have difficulty chewing, develop pressure/friction sores, and feel your denture slipping around when talking or eating.
Replacement Dentures
In some cases, dentures cannot be repaired and must be replaced instead. Replacing dentures is similar to getting your first set. Here’s how you know if you need replacement dentures:
- Excessive wear and tear on the prosthetic, including breaks and chips
- Gums can no longer hold the denture due to recession or other changes in the gums due to gingivitis or periodontitis
- Changes in jawbone
- Damage due to trauma

Want to Know More about Dentures at Diamond Dental In Mount Vernon?

If you are missing most or all of your natural teeth and you are looking for tooth restoration options, schedule your consultation with the team at Diamond Dental today in Mount Vernon, WA, and Bellingham, WA. We offer a variety of denture options including partials and complete dentures as well as permanent and removable options.

We will start by performing a comprehensive exam, which will include discussing your dental and medical history as well as your expectations for treatment. We will use this information to determine the best option for you to restore your smile and your confidence.

Dentures FAQs

Dentures are a common procedure at Diamond Dental. However, we do understand that you may have questions. Our team is more than happy to discuss any of your questions and concerns at any time. Below, we’ve offered answers to some of the most common questions we hear.

How much does a full set of dentures cost?

In the United States, most dental insurance providers will cover standard, low-cost dentures. However, many of our patients prefer premium dentures, which look more like natural teeth and typically cost more so they rely on financing options.

On average, a low-cost denture will cost $300 to $500 per arch or $600 to $1,000 for a full set. Mid-priced dentures typically cost $500 to $1,500 per arch or $1,000 to $3,000 for a full set. Premium-quality dentures typically cost $2,000 to $4,000 per arch or $4,000 to $8,000 for a full set.

Which dentures are best?

Most of our patients agree that implant-supported options are best because they offer several advantages over traditional dentures:

More stable, even when removable
Increased chewing ability due to being secured to the jaw
Implants themselves last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance- but this can be impacted by habits such as smoking or health conditions such as diabetes.

Can you sleep with dentures?

If you have removable dentures, it’s important that you remove them before going to sleep. This will give you the opportunity to clean them to prevent bacteria build-up and infection, as well as give your mouth time to rest. However, if you have permanent dentures, you can treat them just as you would your natural teeth, including sleeping with them.

What is the most comfortable denture to wear?

This depends on your personal preferences. However, most patients agree that implant-supported, or permanent, dentures are the most comfortable. This is because they are secured in place with dental implants and therefore, they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth.

How long do dentures last?

According to the American Dental Association, most dentures last approximately 5 to 7 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, you may be able to extend that to 10 years or more. Since implant-supported options are secured in place, they may last even longer.