Dentures & Partial Dentures in Moses Lake, WA
When several teeth or an entire arch of teeth are missing, dentures restore your ability to eat, speak clearly, and feel confident in your appearance. Moses Lake Family Dentistry provides custom-fitted full dentures and partial dentures, as well as implant-supported denture options for patients who want added stability.
Dr. Nick Smith, DDS, takes impressions, designs, and delivers dentures at our office on East Nelson Road. Every denture is made to fit your mouth specifically. Our team works with a trusted dental laboratory to produce natural-looking results that function comfortably for daily life.
If you are missing multiple teeth and want to understand your options, call 509-765-4351. Dr. Smith evaluates your situation and explains whether a conventional denture, partial, or implant-supported option is the best fit for you.
Call 509-765-4351 to schedule a denture consultation. We are in-network with Delta Dental and accept Cherry financing to help make treatment affordable.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all the teeth in an arch (upper, lower, or both). They rest on the gum ridge and are held in place by suction and the muscles of the lips and cheeks. Conventional full dentures are typically made after remaining teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed, which takes several weeks to a few months.
Immediate dentures are an alternative: they are placed on the same day extractions are completed, so you are not without teeth during the healing period. Immediate dentures require relining or replacement once healing is complete because the gum ridge changes shape as it heals.
Getting Used to Full Dentures
New full dentures take adjustment. Speaking and chewing feel different at first. Most patients find that their comfort and confidence with dentures improves significantly over the first four to eight weeks as the muscles adapt. Soft foods during the first weeks, and patience with the adjustment period, make the transition easier.
If a denture causes persistent sore spots or pain, come in for an adjustment. Dentures should not hurt. Soreness at specific pressure points is common initially and easily adjusted in a brief appointment.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture replaces some, but not all, of the teeth in an arch when healthy natural teeth remain. It attaches to the existing teeth with metal or tooth-colored clasps and can be removed for cleaning. A well-fitted partial distributes chewing forces more evenly and prevents the remaining natural teeth from drifting into the gaps.
Partial dentures are less expensive than bridges in most cases and do not require shaping the adjacent teeth to accept crowns. They do require removal and daily cleaning, which some patients find inconvenient compared to a fixed bridge.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures anchor to implant posts placed in the jawbone, providing substantially more stability than a conventional denture that rests on the gumline. Two main types are available:
Snap-on (overdenture) style: The denture clips onto attachments connected to implants, usually four to six per arch. The denture is removable for cleaning but snaps firmly in place during wear. Patients report significant improvement in stability for eating and speaking compared to a conventional denture.
Hybrid (fixed implant denture) style: This type is screwed onto implants and can only be removed by a dentist. It functions very much like natural teeth and eliminates the need for daily denture removal. This option requires more implants and a higher investment but provides the most tooth-like experience of any denture option.
Implant surgery is performed by the oral surgery partners in Dr. Smith’s referral network. He handles the denture design and delivery phase at our Moses Lake office.
How Dentures Are Made
The denture process begins with impressions of your mouth. For full dentures, we also record measurements of how your upper and lower jaws relate to each other, which determines how the teeth are set. These records go to the dental laboratory along with information about the shade and shape of teeth you prefer.
Before the final denture is processed, Dr. Smith typically has you try in a wax version of the denture. This lets both of you see how the teeth look and how the bite feels before the denture is finalized. Adjustments to tooth position, size, or shade can be made at this stage.
Once the final denture is delivered, a follow-up appointment one to two weeks later is standard. Some adjustment to pressure spots is almost always needed, and this is a normal and expected part of the denture process.
Caring for Your Dentures
Remove and clean dentures daily. Use a soft brush and denture cleaner; regular toothpaste is too abrasive for denture material and can scratch the surface over time. Rinse dentures after eating. When not in your mouth, keep dentures moist by soaking them in water or a denture solution. Dry dentures can warp.
Continue attending dental checkups even if you have full dentures. Dr. Smith examines the gum ridges, cheeks, tongue, and throat for any changes, including oral cancer screening. He also evaluates the fit of your dentures at each visit.
When Dentures Need to Be Replaced
Conventional dentures typically last seven to ten years. As the jawbone and gum ridge change shape over time, a well-fitting denture eventually becomes loose. Signs a denture needs attention include slipping during eating or speaking, sore spots that persist, visible wear or cracks in the teeth, and difficulty chewing foods you managed easily before.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of dentures at Moses Lake Family Dentistry depends on whether you need a full or partial denture, whether implant support is involved, and the materials used. Delta Dental typically covers a portion of denture costs. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprise costs. Cherry financing is available for the balance after insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, though with some adjustments, particularly at first. Sticky foods, very hard foods, and foods that require biting with the front teeth are more challenging with conventional dentures. Most patients adapt over time and find they can eat a wide variety of foods comfortably. Implant-supported dentures allow more confident eating than conventional dentures.
Do dentures look natural?
Modern dentures are made with materials that closely approximate the appearance of natural teeth and gums. The shade and shape of the teeth are selected with your input. Most people wearing well-made, well-fitted dentures are not immediately identifiable as denture wearers in everyday conversation.
How long does it take to get dentures?
Conventional full dentures typically take three to six weeks from the first impression to delivery. Immediate dentures can be placed on the day of extraction. Implant-supported dentures involve additional time for the surgical and healing phases before the final denture is attached.
Will dentures affect how I speak?
New dentures can temporarily change the way certain sounds form, particularly S and T sounds. Most patients adjust within a few weeks. Reading aloud and practicing speaking at home speeds up the adjustment. If speech problems persist after the first month, come in for an evaluation.
Call 509-765-4351 to schedule your denture consultation at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. Dr. Smith explains all options and helps you find a solution that fits your situation and budget.