Berlanga Dentures - Welcome to Our Blog

How much denture adhesive do I need?
For your upper denture, we recommend placing a toothbrush-length of adhesive in the middle, so as you place the denture it will spread out evenly. For the lower denture, apply 4 pea-size drops of adhesive. Be careful not to use too much adhesive.

How do I remove my dentures without causing pain?
After applying adhesive, it's very difficult to remove dentures. If you feel any pain when trying to remove the dentures, rinse your mouth with warm water first.

How do I remove adhesive from my dentures?
Patients use a variety of methods to remove the adhesive from their denture once out of the mouth. A dry paper towel works just fine. Or you can also use a piece of gauze, a washcloth, or a wet toothbrush. We do recommend removing all excess adhesive once you’ve removed your dentures.

My dentures will not stay in no matter what kind of adhesive I use. What should I do?
This might mean it’s time for a reline, or possibly new dentures. If you are feeling any changes in how your dentures fit, it’s time to call your denturist. However, if you are wearing your dentures 24 hours a day, without giving your tissue time to heal, you may begin to feel irritation and the adhesive could fail. We recommend taking your dentures out at night while you sleep.

If you are having difficulty applying adhesive, if your dentures are not feeling the way they used to, or you find that your dentures are “falling out” or slipping, make an appointment right away! We’re here to guide you and advise you.

The transition from having teeth to wearing dentures can be traumatic. Losing teeth is like losing a limb or other major body part: you experience a significant sense of loss.

That’s why it is so important to have someone who will work with you start to finish, prepare you for what to expect, and make sure you have the right type of denture that fits You! At Berlanga Dentures we can make dentures that will give you the full confidence you had when your natural teeth were whole and healthy.

There are several fears people have about getting dentures. People fear they will be judged, that they will lose friends, or make them feel uncomfortable with their partner. They fear that food will be hard to eat and no longer taste good, that they won’t be able to talk without drooling or spitting, and that dentures will cause them pain.

All of these fears may be eliminated as long as you have someone who cares about you, your situation and is willing to take the time to make sure your dentures fit properly and look and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible.

Dentures are nothing to be afraid of–when they’re done right.

Getting dentures is a big step. Which is why we recommend a full consultation with one of our denturists who will outline all your options and take you through the entire process. 

Call to schedule your consultation today.

Dentures replace natural teeth, but they do not feel the same. Although your mouth and tongue become accustomed to this new dental appliance, you will need to change how you handle your food. You may also consider cutting food into smaller pieces, using both sides of your mouth to chew, and chewing more slowly.

After a while, you should be able to eat normally, but it may take more time to get comfortable with harder foods or sticky foods. Using a small amount of denture adhesive (no more than three or four pea-sized dabs on each denture) may help stabilize the dentures and help hold them in place while you learn how to get comfortable with them and will make the learning process easier.

Some foods may not taste the same, and your mouth may become less sensitive to hard food – putting your dentures at risk for breakage. You may find it necessary to add more seasoning to your meals and take special care not to eat or drink things that are too hot.

Unfortunately, dentures and chewing gum do not usually work well together, no matter which brand of chewing gum you decide to try. The gum typically sticks to the acrylic plastic in the denture. Gum may remain stuck to the denture and eventually harden and discolor. Ultimately, if you wear dentures, you should avoid chewing gum.

Eating with dentures will become a pleasant experience, and you will soon be able to eat nearly the same diet you upheld before. You may choose to avoid nuts and seeds, as they can slip under dentures and irritate the mouth.

Always keep your dentures clean by removing them every day and brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food deposits and prevent staining. Brush your gums, any remaining teeth and tongue at the same time. Keep in mind dentures should also be soaked overnight in denture cleaning solution so they can stay clean and don't dry out. See our blog post on how to clean your dentures. 

Yes, you can wear your dentures at night, but it is preferred that they be removed. Removing your dentures at night will give your gums and bone a chance to relax from the pressure of the denture during the day. It allows the tissue to heal and encourages blood flow. If you need to wear your dentures at night, you should find time during the day to properly clean your mouth and your dentures. You should never wear your dentures 24 hours a day without preforming proper oral cleaning.

When dentures are placed the same day the teeth are extracted, it is normal to leave them in the mouth for 24 hours, even wearing them as you sleep. The dentures act like a bandage during the first day. When you visit the denturist the next day, the dentures will be removed and cleaned, sore spots relieved, and the bite adjusted. At that appointment you should have received instructions on caring for and cleaning your dentures.
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In general, you should remove your dentures every night, clean them thoroughly, and place them in a container with liquid denture cleanser or water to soak overnight. This could prolong the life of your dentures by keeping them free of bacteria, and it will allow your gum tissues to rest and heal. 

The best starting point to see if dentures are an option for you is to see a denturist.

A denturist is a specialist with specific training focused on the restoration and replacement of teeth. A denturist will also be able to explain all your options and help you find a solution that is best for you and your budget.

What types of dentures are there?
Dentures may replace all or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present, and cover and rest on the tissue and bone where the teeth are missing. Dental implants can also be used to restore and stabilize partial dentures as well.

What is the average cost of dentures?
Denture fees vary widely based on many factors including the complexity of your situation. However, here at Berlanga Dentures we will try to find a solution that will work for you and your budget.

How Do I Know if I Need Dentures?
You might think that dentures are only for older people, but that isn’t completely true. Tooth loss and dental problems are a fact of life for people of all ages, and dentures may become something you have to deal with sooner than expected.

What Are Dentures?
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that you can remove and put back in as needed. Contrary to popular belief, there is not one single type of denture. In fact, there is a wide variety of denture types and they can be customized to your unique dental needs. While some people need a full set of dentures, others may only need a partial set. Your denturist can tell you what your specific needs are and whether it’s time to explore your options for a full or partial set.

Signs You May Need Dentures
That said, there are symptoms you may notice that can clue you in to the possibility that dentures may be in your future. Such as:
Gum inflammation
Gum inflammation may be a sign of (or precursor for) periodontitis, which is a severe gum infection that damages the supporting structures of your teeth. Untreated, this can lead to tooth loss.

Advanced tooth decay
A cavity here or there isn’t seriously detrimental to your overall oral health — if you promptly address the issue. However, a cavity that goes neglected can significantly impact the health of your tooth and can ultimately result in tooth loss.
 
Pain
Dental pain isn’t normal. Pain can indicate a wide variety of oral health issues, some of which can lead to a changing smile and tooth loss.

What to Expect with Dentures?
As mentioned above, dentures aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution to missing teeth. They are always custom-made to work with your smile. And while they do take some getting used to, modern dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

You may or may not need dentures at some point in your life, and it could be earlier or later in life – it all depends on your personal situation and overall oral health. If you have questions or concerns about the health of your mouth or teeth, be sure to schedule an appointment with your denturist to get the care you need.
 

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.

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

If you go to your dentist and they explain that you are going to need dentures, did you realize you have options besides going through your dentist for those dentures? We recommend you do some research.

If you have dental insurance it could cover up to 50% of the expense when going through your dentist, but the out of pocket expense could still be very high because the dentist is charging you double, sometimes triple, the actual cost of the dentures.

This is because dentists don’t make your dentures. They either work with a denturist or denture lab. Regardless, there is a “middle man” between your dentist and the actual dentures.

We are the actual “maker” of your dentures, which means coming to Berlanga Dentures cuts out all the “middleman” costs. It also means you have less issues, because we work with you and your dentist through the entire process.

We recommend you call us to find out if we can work with your insurance company (or check here to see a list of our providers). Regardless, in the end, the cost will still be less than what you’d pay going through a dentist. Our prices are very reasonable, and we’ll work to find the right dentures for you and your budget.

Denturists practice denturism, the practice of making, altering, repairing and relining removable dentures directly to their patients. We are not involved in the extraction, however. You will work with your dentist for that, but after your teeth have been removed, your denturist is involved in the denture process from start to finish.

We encourage you to contact us at any of our three convenient locations located in the Puget Sound area (Tacoma, Parkland or Puyallup) to discuss all your options. We are a family-owned and operated business, and we strive to provide the best customer service for our clients.

Make an appointment today to see why Berlanga Dentures should be your #1 choice for your dentures and denture care.

Lucitone 199 is a type of acrylic resin used for the base of your dentures. The type of acrylic resin used for your dentures is important to consider, because you want your dentures to look and feel like your natural teeth. To do that things like, color stability, strength, durability and comfort, are all significant to a great set of dentures.

With over 40 years of clinical success, Lucitone 199 is the industry’s leading acrylic denture base chosen by top denturists, dentists, and dental laboratories nationwide. Lucitone 199 is the premium choice for both tissue and implant-supported full and partial dentures, and offers outstanding aesthetics, high impact resistance, and superb flexibility and strength. It resists breakage, and its balanced translucency and natural vein simulation delivers excellent results.

Berlanga Dentures is proud to offer high-quality dentures to the residents of Tacoma and Puyallup, Washington, and the surrounding areas. Dentures fashioned in our laboratory are 100% handcrafted, ensuring that each denture we make is customized and unique, and fits the patient perfectly. With over 25 years of combined experience, Joey Berlanga Jr., D.P.D. and John Berlanga, D.P.D, can make a variety of dentures to your specifications.

​These services include:  Full Dentures, Immediate Dentures, Partial Dentures, Implant Dentures and Custom Dentures

​Call today to schedule your appointment.

How long does the process of getting your dentures take?

We hear these questions often. The truth is, getting your dentures is something that is unique to everyone. How long the process takes depends on the type of dentures you get, the fit, and in some cases, the health of your mouth. It also depends on whether this is your first pair of dentures, if it’s a full denture (or a partial), or a replacement denture.

If this is your first set of dentures we will have you come in for a full consultation, take measurements and get impressions of your natural teeth. This way we can have your dentures ready as soon as your extractions are complete. Typically, dentures are fitted the same day as the extraction, but in some cases not until the tissues have healed. Each person’s situation is different.

Can I get my dentures done in a day? Unfortunately, no.

At Berlanga Dentures we pride ourselves on superior workmanship, if we rush your dentures the quality will suffer. Each denture we make is 100% handmade and crafted in our cutting-edge facilities. We prefer to craft dentures by hand because it allows us to fully control the quality of the dentures. Similarly, our chosen crafting method makes it easier for us to incorporate unique characteristics to each set of dentures.

Talk to us about your specific situation and we will provide you all your options, walk you through each step, and assure you have a quality experience start to finish.

We believe that everyone deserves to flash a brilliant smile, no matter how old or young they may be. Therefore, we are committed to providing some of the best dentures available at a price that is affordable to all our clients.

Call Today to Learn More!