Berlanga Dentures - Welcome to Our Blog

This holiday Berlanga Dentures wanted to find a way to say, “Thank You,” to all the dentists and oral surgeons who have referred patients to us throughout the year. We appreciate the business and referrals, because together we can help those who need our services and want to feel confident in their health care.
 
At Berlanga Dentures we know that the dentists and oral surgeons in the South Sound have other options when it comes to referrals for their patients, but we appreciate that they recognize our exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and our willingness to find the best solution for our patients.
 
Here at Parkland Denture Center, Puget Sound Dentures, and Meridian Denture Center, we try to go above and beyond just providing dentures to our patients. We want to be part of the entire process, so we can help you get back to your happy and confident smile.
 
When we work hand-in-hand with you and your dentist or oral surgeon, we are able to provide a comprehensive service that is second to none in the South Puget Sound area.
 
As we move into 2019, we send a special thanks to everyone who helped make
​2018 one of our best years ever!
 

The best way to make the healthiest transition from natural teeth to dentures is to take good care of your mouth throughout your lifetime and see a dentist regularly. If you are currently experiencing any symptoms, schedule a consultation with us to see if dentures are a good option for you. We can help guide you through the entire experience. We will be sensitive to your individual situation, without judgement, and help you navigate all your options.
 
Dentures are not what they used to be thirty or more years ago, things have changed quite a bit and dentures today are almost indistinguishable from natural teeth if fitted properly and worn correctly.
 
A lot of this is due to the evolution of dentistry and dental treatments, and the quality of modern dentures is improving all the time. There are many different reasons why a person might need replacement teeth. If a person takes exceptionally good care of their teeth, careful brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, and attending regular dental check-ups and appointments, there is every chance that their natural teeth will last them all their life. However, many do end up needing dentures. If you’re not sure whether you might be a good candidate for dentures, or partial dentures, come see us. We can help!
 
For example, you may only require a partial denture, which is made to replace multiple missing teeth surrounded by healthy natural teeth. Partial Dentures are attached to your natural teeth with custom clasps, making them more natural looking.
 
Immediate Dentures means you will never be “toothless,” we take impressions of your existing teeth before your extraction, and a removable custom denture is created so you have teeth immediately.
 
Overdentures go over natural teeth to help support the bone and Dental Implants are screwed into your jawbone at the places where your teeth are missing or have been extracted, providing better stabilization and making them more convenient.

Getting dentures can have multiple benefits besides replacing missing or decaying teeth, they can also prevent any remaining teeth from shifting in your mouth which could be causing you pain. Years of wear and tear may have caused your natural teeth to deteriorate. Replacing them with dentures can be a way to alleviate pain, eradicate persistent root infections, and help you to live an easier life as far as dental health goes. In addition to improving your oral health, you will also benefit from clearer speech, restored facial appearance, and a brighter smile!
 
If you or a loved one feel you might be a good candidate for any type of denture, come see us at one of our convenient locations and let us help you determine the best type of denture for your situation and budget. First time consultations are always free and will provide you with the information you’ll need to make this important next step in your dental health.

If you’ve noticed your dentures have changed or are not fitting as well, there could be several reasons why. Many things can contribute to a change in how your dentures fit, such as weight loss, weight gain, an illness, a new medication, or a significant change in your daily habits or diet.
 
If you’ve had your dentures for more than five years, it’s possible you need new dentures. Your gums and the bone underneath can change shape throughout your life, as a result, dentures that were made to fit your mouth several years ago may no longer fit comfortably.
 
Frequently we see folks try to compensate for this by using more denture adhesive, not wearing their dentures at all, or they try to fix them by buying temporary liners or "fix" them by other methods. None of these things are a good idea. (See our blog on why “what to do if your dentures break.”)
 
If you think your dentures no longer feel right, if they are moving in your mouth or even falling out, we recommend you contact us right away and come in for an evaluation. In most cases we may be able to reline your existing dentures for a better fit, or if that is not an option, recommend new dentures. Read more about relining here.
 
If you currently wear dentures, you know that they don't really replace your missing teeth.  If you have had your denture for five or more years, they most likely need a reline.  When you have your natural teeth a bone in your jaw helps hold and support those teeth, and that same bone is used by your denture for support and suction.  If your natural teeth have been removed, your body realizes that the bone is no longer necessary, and over time it will begin to recede.  Over the years, as that bone is lost, the support for your denture diminishes. This means your denture has less and less support and no longer fits the way it did when new. 
 
One option is to put something back into the bone.  For this we recommend a dental implant which will preserve your natural bone, so you don’t lose that support.  It will also keep your face looking more youthful.  The implant can also be used to support your denture, keeping it stable and stopping the movement and floating that can occur after several years of wearing regular dentures. Dental implants can be a great option for many patients. To learn more we recommend visiting a recent blog post by the Puyallup Oral Surgery Center.
 
Here at Berlanga Dentures we can help provide all the options for you, and help you determine what’s best for your situation and budget.
 
We can also assist even if you didn’t get your dentures from us originally.
 
We recommend you contact us today, so we can set up an appointment to find the right solution for you.

Denturism is defined as the practice of “Denturists” examining oral health, planning treatment, making artificial dentures including other removable oral appliances, and fitting them to their patients.
 
Equipped with solid technical training as a technician, and post-technician training in sciences, clinical skills and interpersonal skills, the Denturist can design, create, construct, and modify (repair and reline) an oral prosthesis to ensure optimal fit, maximum comfort, and general well-being. The Denturist performs dedicated procedures as both the clinician and dental technician. We are better equipped to control all aspects of the creation and design of the prosthesis, while enabling a cost saving to our patients. Our entire focus is the oral health of those individuals needing a dental prosthetic and the actual fabrication of that appliance.
 
Did you know that “Denturism” is a recognized profession throughout the world and is currently utilized in many countries including Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Canada? In the United States, however, denturism is only legislated and practiced in 7 states (Maine, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington). The National Denturist Association (NDA), helps to raise public awareness of the Denturist profession, and to address unjust legal restrictions within the profession.  This injustice affects not only the professional Denturist but also those individuals who could greatly benefit from Denturist services.  The goal of the NDA is to promote awareness of the professional, so that every citizen of the United States knows the benefits of the profession and is provided the opportunity to choose who their prosthetic dental provider will be.
 
In 1994, the People of the State of Washington passed Initiative 607, allowing persons other than dentists to manufacture and sell dentures to the public. This new professional would be known as a Denturist. Joey Berlanga was one of the original 24 Denturists who helped to pass the initiative.
 
Today, Denturists are recognized as an important part of the health profession in Washington. Thanks to those who helped pass the initiative, the public now has the right to choose an affordable alternative when it comes to denture care.
 
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. 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. 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 Denturists.
 
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. Here at Berlanga Dentures we will involve you in the steps necessary to ensure your dentures fit properly and meet your full expectations for the rest of your life.
 
The Washington Denturist Association (WDA) was formed to promote unity and to maintain standards of professional ethics among Denturists in our state. For more information on the WDA and Denturism throughout the world, may we suggest the following websites (see below).
 
The Berlanga family would like to thank everyone responsible for the passing of Initiative 607 and for being able to provide the public with quality, affordable denture care.
 
Remember, a Denturist is always the best choice for your denture needs!

Washington Denturist Association

National Denturist Association

International Federation of Denturists