Dentures
At Peninsula Family Dentistry, we understand the importance of a healthy and confident smile. Our experienced dentist, Thomas Duffy, DDS, and his team are committed to ensuring each patient receives dentures in Gig Harbor that fit snugly and comfortably and while meeting their unique needs. Whether transitioning from natural teeth or adjusting to your new set, Dr. Duffy, will guide you through every step. We aim to make your experience as comfortable and rewarding as possible, helping you regain both function and aesthetics in your smile. We can’t wait to see your transformation!
Dr. Duffy has significant experience in helping each patient receive a proper fit and choose the right type of denture for their mouth, lifestyle, and budget in Gig Harbor, WA. Additionally, Dr. Duffy will help you undergo the transition of living with your existing teeth and gums to eating, talking and adjusting to your new teeth. He will be happy to work with you and help you make decisions that will best meet your unique needs. We can’t wait to see your new smile!
What Are Dentures?
While some may consider dentures a last resort, they have evolved significantly! And while the old adage “dentures aren’t a replacement for teeth, they’re a replacement for no teeth (or unsupported teeth) remains generally true, today’s dentures offer a natural appearance and comfortable fit, making them an excellent solution for many dental patients. Dentures are more than just artificial teeth; they are a chance to restore confidence, your oral health and improve quality of life. These custom-made dental appliances replace missing teeth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile again.
Choosing dentures is a personal decision that can significantly impact your daily life. The process can be seamless and satisfying with the proper guidance and expertise. At Peninsula Family Dentistry, we offer expertise and personalized care that will be tailored to you!.
Types of Dentures Available
- Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are a type of denture placed right after the removal of teeth. This means you won’t have to wait to have your new smile. They act as a temporary solution while your gums heal and adjust, allowing you to maintain your appearance and functionality without interruption
- Partial Dentures: If you will be keeping some of your natural teeth, partial dentures might be more cost-effective and a good choice for you. They consist of color-matched replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base to fill the gaps. These dentures improve your smile and chewing ability and help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position
- Implant-Supported Dentures: For those seeking a more stable option, implant-supported dentures or “overdentures” provide an excellent solution. These dentures are anchored to dental implants, enhancing stability and significantly reducing movement. These types of dentures are particularly beneficial for the lower jaw, where traditional dentures may struggle to stay in place. And for many, certain kinds offer a more cost-effective option to porcelain crown covered implants
The Denture Process
The process of obtaining dentures involves several carefully planned steps.
Initial Consultation
Dr. Duffy will thoroughly check your current oral health status during your first visit. This includes discussing your past dental history, reviewing and/or taking current dental images, explaining each denture option, understanding your specific needs, and addressing any concerns you may have about the process, cost and timeline.
Precise Measurements and Impressions Dr. Duffy is known for his precision and attention to detail– making accurate measurements and impressions are crucial for creating dentures that fit and perform beautifully. Our team uses state-of-the-art techniques and technology to capture minute details in your teeth, mouth and jaw(s), which will be used to create dentures that will enhance your oral health and comfort.
Model Fitting and Adjustments
Before your final dentures are created, you’ll receive a trial set to ensure proper fit, comfort and aesthetics. At this point, Dr. Duffy will make any necessary adjustments and discuss any changes that should be made. This will help ensure you and he are each satisfied with the appearance, function and feel of your “new” teeth .
Final Fitting
Now it is time for your final dentures to be crafted. At your fitting, Dr. Duffy will ensure they fit seamlessly and comfortably, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile easily. This is a critical step in which we can still make minor adjustments for a better fit.
Follow-Up Care
Post-fitting, Dr. Duffy provides ongoing support and guidance to ensure your new dentures work as intended. It is important to go to your scheduled follow-up appointments to assess fit and comfort. Dr. Duffy remains available to address any concerns or adjustments needed to maintain the functionality and appearance of your dentures. And there are still diseases of the mouth that don’t relate to teeth, so routine checkups are still encouraged.
The Benefits of Choosing Dentures
Opting for dentures comes with numerous benefits that extend beyond aesthetics.
- Restored Functionality: One of the primary benefits of choosing dentures is restoring functionality in your daily life. Eating, speaking, and smiling becomes effortless once more, enhancing your overall quality of life and benefiting your your oral and overall health
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Dentures significantly improve the aesthetics of your smile, helping boost self-esteem and confidence. With advancements in dental technology, dentures today offer a natural and lifelike appearance, blending seamlessly with your facial features
- Support for Facial Structure: Dentures provide crucial support for your facial muscles, helping maintain the shape and structure of your face. Without teeth, facial muscles can sag, leading to an aged appearance as well as risk of diminished nutrition
Dentures in Gig Harbor
Having missing teeth is difficult, but with Dr. Duffy and our experienced team, you can restore your smile with new dentures.We provide expert dental care for patients in Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, Port Orchard, and other communities in South Kitsap county..
If you are considering dentures, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr. Duffy, who will work tirelessly to ensure your beautiful and functional smile! We look forward to welcoming you into our dental family and helping you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.