Dentures in Tacoma Full & Partial
Dentures in South Tacoma: Restore Your Smile and Function
Types of Dentures
Full Dentures (Complete Dentures)
Full dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch (or both), with individually characterized teeth and gum-colored acrylic bases matching your natural tissue — the ADA confirms modern dentures look remarkably natural.
Conventional Full Dentures: Placed 8-12 weeks after tooth extraction, once gums fully heal for the best possible fit.
Immediate Full Dentures: Placed right after extraction so you're never without teeth, though they'll need more adjustments as your gums heal — we typically recommend a permanent set once healing completes.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace some missing teeth when healthy natural teeth remain, attached with a metal or acrylic framework using clasps or precision attachments. They prevent remaining teeth from shifting, maintain your bite, and restore chewing function at moderate cost.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures snap onto dental implants (typically 2-4 per arch), eliminating slipping and dramatically improving stability and chewing function over traditional dentures — costing more upfront but preventing the bone loss that comes with them.
The Denture Process
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive exam evaluating your oral health, remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone, plus a discussion of your goals and budget. If you have teeth requiring extraction, we plan timing for either immediate dentures or waiting for healing first.
Impressions and Measurements
Multiple impressions capture your gum contours and any remaining teeth for a precise fit, along with measuring your bite and natural lip and tongue position.
Try-In Appointment
A wax model lets you see and feel the denture, allowing adjustments to tooth position, size, shape, and color before final fabrication.
Final Denture Delivery
Once complete, we place your custom denture, make adjustments for comfort and bite, and teach you how to insert, remove, and care for it — initial adaptation takes a few weeks.
Follow-Up Adjustments
Most patients need 2-3 follow-up appointments during the first few months to refine comfort and function as they adapt.
Adjusting to New Dentures
Initial Adaptation Period
New dentures feel foreign initially — this is completely normal. Speaking may feel awkward for a few days, and eating requires starting with soft foods before progressing to firmer items. Research in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry shows most patients adapt within 30 days.
Speaking Practice
Practice speaking aloud or conversing with family — certain sounds may be challenging at first but improve rapidly, with speech typically returning to normal within a week or two.
Eating with Dentures
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, chewing slowly on both sides to distribute forces evenly, and gradually introduce firmer foods as you gain confidence. Traditional dentures restore 20-25% of natural chewing power, while implant-supported dentures restore up to 70%.
Increased Saliva Production
Your mouth may produce more saliva initially as it adjusts — this typically normalizes within a few weeks.
Caring for Your Dentures
Remove and rinse dentures after eating, brushing daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner (not regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive) — the CDC confirms proper hygiene prevents infections and extends their lifespan. Soak overnight to prevent warping, brush your gums and tongue each morning before inserting them, and handle dentures carefully over a towel or water-filled sink in case of drops.
Visit us annually for a denture evaluation and professional cleaning, since dentures typically last 5-8 years before wear and changing bone or gum tissue affect fit — replacement is needed once they become loose or uncomfortable despite adjustments. If you develop sore spots from an ill-fitting denture, never try adjusting it yourself, as this usually makes things worse — schedule an adjustment appointment instead.
Dentures vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
Dental implants offer superior stability and permanence but cost more and require adequate bone, while dentures are economical, surgery-free, and often the only viable option for patients with significant bone loss or health conditions. Dental bridges work well for a few adjacent missing teeth but aren't practical for extensive tooth loss, which dentures handle more affordably. Implant-supported dentures offer a middle ground — combining denture affordability with much better function at a moderate cost increase — and many patients start with traditional dentures before converting later when budget allows.
Why Choose Davis Dental Group
- Advanced 3D Scanning Technology: Precise imaging for accurate treatment planning.
- Walk-Ins Welcome: Stop by our Tacoma office anytime — no appointment needed.
- Same-Day Consultations: Available when scheduling allows.
- Free Consultations: Expert guidance with no obligation.
- Comprehensive Care in One Location: From consultation to final treatment, all under one roof — no referrals needed
- Experienced Team:Dedicated to your comfort throughout treatment.
Related Services
Implant-Supported Dentures - Upgrade to snap-on dentures secured by implants for superior stability.
Dental Implants - A permanent alternative to dentures.
Tooth Extractions - Professional removal when teeth can't be saved, preparing you for dentures.
Restore Your Smile with Quality Dentures
Replace missing teeth with custom, natural-looking dentures at Davis Dental Group in South Tacoma. Serving South Tacoma, Graham, Roy, Spanaway, Frederickson, Eatonville, and JBLM families.
Schedule Your Denture Consultation
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Most major PPO insurances accepted.
