Seattle’s Downtown Dentist
Dentures in Downtown Seattle
Dentures at Seattle’s Downtown Dentist
Dentures are a time-tested way to replace missing teeth and restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Modern dentures look more natural and fit more comfortably than ever, especially when they are designed and fitted by a dentist who takes the time to get the details right. At Seattle’s Downtown Dentist, we offer custom full and partial dentures designed around the shape of your face, the structure of your jaw, and how you actually use your mouth every day.
We serve patients across downtown Seattle, South Lake Union, Belltown, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Types of Dentures We Offer
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all of the teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They sit directly on your gums and are held in place by the natural suction of your jaw, sometimes assisted by a small amount of denture adhesive. Full dentures are a good option for patients who are missing all of their teeth in a given arch or who need to replace teeth that cannot be saved with other treatments.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace some but not all of your teeth. They attach to your remaining natural teeth with small clasps or precision attachments and fill in the gaps where teeth are missing. Partials are a great option when you still have healthy natural teeth that we want to preserve while replacing the missing ones.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are placed on the same day your remaining teeth are extracted, so you never have to be without teeth during the healing period. They are usually a temporary solution while your gums heal and a permanent denture is fabricated, but they let you go through that healing phase with a complete smile.
A Note on Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures combine the function of an implant with the coverage of a denture. Two or more dental implants are placed in the jaw, and a denture snaps or screws into place on top of them. The result is a denture that does not slip, fits more securely than a traditional denture, and protects the jawbone from the recession that can occur over time with conventional dentures.
At Seattle’s Downtown Dentist, our in-house implant services are limited to single tooth implant placement and bone grafting. For implant-supported dentures or full-arch implant treatments (such as All-on-4), we refer to trusted specialists in the Seattle area and coordinate your care so the transition feels seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dentures look natural?
Yes. We custom-design every denture to match the shape, color, and size of your existing teeth (or the teeth you used to have). Modern dentures look significantly more natural than the dentures most people picture when they hear the word.
How long do dentures last?
Most well-cared-for dentures last five to ten years before needing to be relined or replaced. Your jaw shape gradually changes over time, especially after teeth are extracted, so dentures may need adjustments to maintain a comfortable fit.
Will dentures hurt?
Some initial soreness and adjustment is normal during the first few weeks as your gums and tongue get used to the new prosthetic. We schedule follow-up visits during this period to make small adjustments and keep you comfortable. Most patients are fully adjusted within a few weeks.
How much do dentures cost in Seattle?
Cost depends on the type of denture (full, partial, immediate), the materials used, and whether you need extractions or other preparatory work first. Most major PPO dental plans cover a portion of dentures. We provide a clear cost estimate during your consultation along with payment plan options.
Does insurance cover dentures?
Most major PPO dental plans cover a portion of dentures, especially when the dentures are medically necessary. Coverage varies. Our team verifies your specific benefits before treatment begins.
How long does the denture process take?
For traditional dentures, the process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish, including multiple fittings to make sure the final denture is comfortable and natural-looking. Immediate dentures are placed on the same day as extractions, with a final denture fabricated and delivered after your gums have healed.
How do I care for my dentures?
Brush your dentures with a soft denture brush every day, remove them at night and store them in water or a denture solution to keep them moist, and rinse them after meals. Also brush your gums and tongue daily to remove bacteria. We will give you detailed care instructions at your fitting.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
With practice, yes. Most patients start with soft foods for the first few days and gradually return to a normal diet within a few weeks. Some very hard or sticky foods may always be more comfortable to avoid with dentures.
Should I consider implant-supported dentures instead?
Implant-supported dentures fit more securely, do not slip, and protect the jawbone from recession over time. They are also more expensive and require oral surgery. We focus on placement and bone grafting in-house and refer to specialists in the Seattle area for the full implant-supported denture process. We can talk through whether this is the right option for your case during your consultation.
What to Expect from the Denture Process
Step 1: Consultation
We start with a careful exam, X-rays of your jaw, and a conversation about your goals. We discuss whether traditional dentures, immediate dentures, or a referral for implant-supported dentures is the best fit for your situation. You leave with a clear plan and a cost estimate.
Step 2: Preparation
If you need any teeth extracted before your denture is fitted, we schedule those extractions. We then take impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth so your custom denture can be designed.
Step 3: Fittings
Most patients come in for one or two fitting visits as the denture is being made. We check the shape, size, color, and fit to make sure the final denture looks and feels right before it is finalized.
Step 4: Delivery and Adjustments
We deliver your finished denture and check the fit one more time. Some initial soreness and adjustment is normal during the first few weeks, so we schedule follow-up visits to make small adjustments and keep you comfortable.
Step 5: Long-Term Care
Routine visits help us check the fit of your denture over time. As your jaw shape gradually changes, your denture may need to be relined or eventually replaced to maintain a comfortable fit.
