FAQ: Questions About Dentures and Dentist Services

What's the Difference Between A Denturist and a Dentist?

A Denturist in the State of Washington is a licensed professional whose field of dentistry is dedicated solely to providing removable full and partial dentures directly to the public. A Denturist is a recognized health professional who constructs, inserts and adjusts removable dentures as well as over dentures on implants. Most licensed Denturists have served many years fabricating dentures. Furthermore, they passed a comprehensive practical exam on the fitting and making of dentures along with a thorough written examination conducted through the State of Washington Board of Denture Technology.

A Denturist is trained not only in the construction of dentures but also educated in microbiology, physiology, oral pathology, head and neck anatomy and more. Denturists are an important part of the community of dental care providers. When you seek the care of a Denturist you will find that as a patient you play an active role in the discussion of what you desire for your new dentures. Remember, you are in the hands of a professional who specializes only in the making of removable prosthodontics. Your Denturist will involve you in the steps necessary to ensure your dentures fit properly and meet your full expectations. For more details, go to www.wadenturist.com

A Dentist is a healthcare professional qualified to practice dentistry - the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth.

Why Do You Offer Both Denture and Dental Services?

In the beginning, we started a denture office and referred patients to specialists like oral surgeons. Over time, we got feedback from our denture patients that they wanted to go to one place for dental and denture care. As a result, we hired a dentist to do extractions and general dentistry. As a resyult, we can offer our patients complete, comprehensive denture and dental care.

When should I replace my dentures?

Dentures have a useful life of about five years. The following are some of the signs that your dentures need attention:

• Your dentures no longer adhere properly to your gums
• Your dentures are loose
• Your dentures do not cut food well or you have difficulty chewing
• Your dentures make your face look older
• Your dentures have yellowed
• Your dentures cause you discomfort or pain

So if I don't see any of these signs, does it mean my dentures may be good for more than five years?

Probably not. Dentures are made of a hard, rigid material. But your face, mouth and jaw change over the years. Because your denture cannot adapt to such changes, and because the artificial teeth wear down over time, the denture cannot do its job effectively for more than about five years. According to the Denturist Association of Canada, "wearing dentures that are 10 or 15 years old inevitably causes changes in your physiognomy that are often irreversible." These changes occur gradually over the years, and you may not notice them.

How are dentures constructed?

The denturist starts out by taking an impression of your gums. The denturist then uses various instruments to reproduce your bite, or more precisely, to reproduce the relationship between the upper and lower gums. Then, the artificial teeth are arranged and re-arranged, until the most aesthetic and natural look is achieved.

Do I need a referral from my dentist?

NO!! Denturists are independent, licensed practitioners, and you can call us for an appointment anytime! And, if a dentist pulls your teeth, he/she does not necessarily have to make your dentures. You are free to see us and have your dentures made by an independent denturist!

Are denturists licensed?

YES!! Denturists are licensed by the State of Washington, and are authorized to construct new complete and partial dentures, as well as repairs, relines and rebases to existing dentures.

How should I care for my dentures day-to-day?

You should rinse your denture thoroughly after every meal, and clean it completely at least once a day, using a brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner, or a specialized sonic cleaner. You should never use boiling water, bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, abrasive cleaners, whiteners or alcohol to clean your dentures.

Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my dentures myself?

NO! You should never try to repair or adjust your dentures. See your denturist, who can make many repairs and adjustments on the same day. If you need your dentures repaired, please visit our denture repair page.

Dental & Denture serves clients in Seattle Washington and other Washington State Cities including: Bellevue, Bothell, Brier, Ballard, Crown Hill, Everett, Greenwood, Federal Way, Kenmore, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Kirkland, Lake City, North City, Northgate, Mercer Island, Mountlake Terrace, Richmond Highlands, Renton, Redmond, Shoreline, Tacoma, Tukwila, Wedgewood and Woodinville.