Replacing all of your teeth is a big decision and our goal is to guide you through the denture process with careful attention to fit, comfort, and appearance. If you are missing all of your teeth, full dentures can restore your smile, improve your ability to eat and speak, and support the natural shape of your face.
Full dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace all missing teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They are custom-made to fit comfortably, support facial structure, and create a natural-looking smile.
Full dentures may be recommended when all natural teeth are missing or need to be removed due to decay, damage, or other oral health concerns.
If you are missing only some teeth, you may want to explore our Partial Dentures options.
Many patients notice that we take both a preliminary impression and a final impression when making dentures.
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The preliminary impression allows us to capture the overall shape of your mouth so we can create a custom tray designed specifically for your anatomy.
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Once the custom tray is made, we take a final impression using a highly precise material that records the fine details of your gums and tissues.
This two-step process helps us achieve a more accurate fit and allows the final denture to sit more comfortably and function more predictably.
Because the clinical and laboratory work happen in the same office, we are able to make refinements at every step.
At First Choice Denture Clinic your dentures are fabricated in our in-house laboratory rather than being sent to an outside lab.
Many patients tell us they appreciate understanding what is happening during each step of the denture process and why those steps are important.
Creating comfortable, natural-looking dentures requires careful attention at each stage. Taking the time to confirm each step allows adjustments before the denture is finalized.
The first impression allows us to study the overall shape of your mouth and create a custom tray designed specifically for you.
A precision impression is taken using the custom tray to accurately record the shape of your gums and tissues.
This appointment records how your upper and lower jaws come together so the dentures function properly when you chew and speak.
The teeth are placed in wax so you can preview your new smile before the denture is finalized. Adjustments to tooth size, shape, and position can be made at this stage.
Once the denture is processed and finished in our in-house laboratory, it is carefully fitted and evaluated for comfort and function.
Minor adjustments are sometimes needed as your mouth adapts to the new dentures. These visits help ensure the denture remains comfortable.
Full dentures may be a good option if you:
Are missing all your natural teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both
Have remaining teeth that cannot be saved due to decay or damage
Experience difficulty chewing or speaking because of tooth loss
Want to restore facial support and your natural smile appearance
Are looking for a removable, full-arch tooth replacement solution
A complimentary consultation can help determine whether full dentures are the right solution for your needs.
Not sure if full dentures are the right solution for you?
We offer complimentary, no-obligation consultations to assess your needs, discuss your options, and answer any questions – at your pace.
We welcome patients from: Kennewick | Pasco | Richland
Learning to chew with dentures takes time and practice. Start with softer foods, take smaller bites, and chew slowly. Try using both sides of your mouth rather than only one side to help keep the dentures balanced.
Many patients can enjoy a wide variety of foods once they adapt to their dentures. Some people prefer to cut foods like corn off the cob while others find they can bite into these foods comfortably after they adjust to their dentures.
The shape of the jawbone, gum support, and muscle adaptation all influence denture stability. Careful impressions, accurate bite records, and proper tooth placement also play an important role.
Some patients come to us after struggling with dentures that never felt stable. An evaluation can help determine whether adjustments, relining, or new dentures may improve comfort and chewing ability.
The bone that once supported your teeth is maintained by the natural forces created when you chew. When teeth are lost, that stimulation is no longer present and the jawbone slowly changes shape over time.
The jawbone changes the most during the first year after teeth are lost. After that, the rate of change usually slows down but the bone may continue to change slowly over time.
Dentures restore appearance and chewing ability but they do not stop the natural changes in the jawbone that occur after teeth are lost, because dentures rest on the gums rather than being anchored in the bone.
Many patients wonder if dentures will affect everyday activities such as kissing. Most people find that kissing feels natural once they become accustomed to wearing their dentures.
During the wax try-in appointment you are able to preview your smile before the denture is finalized. Changes can be made at this stage so the final result reflects your preferences.