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Full Dentures Specialist

Tenino Denture Center

MaeNell Sullivan, DPD

Denturist located in Tenino, WA

MaeNell Sullivan, DPD, is a licensed denturist who leads a team of denture experts at her practice, Tenino Denture Center in Tenino, Washington. She is well-known for her extensive skill in creating natural-appearing full dentures that can provide the beautiful smile you deserve. She’s also careful to provide dentures that fit your mouth and are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Call the office today to schedule an appointment or book your visit online.

Full Dentures Q & A

What are full dentures?

Full dentures are removable replacements for all the teeth on your bottom or upper arch. Made from durable acrylic, dentures include natural-looking teeth built into a foundation that’s designed to mimic your own gums.

Ms. Sullivan has extensive experience in fashioning dentures that are cosmetically appealing as well as comfortable.


Are dentures hard to get used to?

For most people, it can take a few weeks to get used to the feel of full dentures. Muscles in your cheeks and tongue must learn new skills to help keep the dentures in place. You may also notice a temporary increase in saliva production.

However, these problems generally fade completely after several days. Wearing your dentures consistently as directed helps speed up this process.

You can expect to return to Tenino Denture Center after you’ve received dentures so that Ms. Sullivan can check the fit and make adjustments as necessary. You should also return to the clinic if you develop areas of irritation on your gums or other soft tissues in your mouth.

Once you’ve grown accustomed to your dentures, you’ll likely agree that the ability to eat, speak, and smile normally again is well worth the effort it took to get used to them.


Will I have to go without teeth for a while?

There are a wide variety of styles and denture types available, and Ms. Sullivan discusses your options in detail before you choose your dentures.

Generally, conventional dentures are placed after your teeth have been removed and your gums have had a chance to heal, which may take six weeks or more.

Immediate dentures are fashioned in advance and inserted on the same day your teeth are removed.

Immediate dentures are a temporary fix and provide an alternative to remaining edentulous until you’re able to wear your custom dentures, which can take weeks to months. This does increase the overall cost of dentures, however.

When it’s time to choose your dentures, schedule an appointment with the experts at Tenino Denture Center. Call the office or book your visit online.