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Will a Palateless Denture Work for Me?

Will a Palateless Denture Work for Me?

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Will a palateless denture work for me? I’ve worn dentures for 10 years, and they have always been uncomfortable. The feel of the upper denture on the roof of my mouth is so annoying. I wish I could take the denture off when I eat, but then I couldn’t chew. I’m frustrated. I’ve been researching my options and wonder if a palateless denture would work for me or if it’s too late. Thanks. Akeel

Akeel,

Many denture wearers share your concerns.

What Is a Palateless Denture?

A palateless denture is a horseshoe-shaped upper denture that fits over your gums without covering your palate (roof of your mouth). It is less bulky than a complete denture.

Will a Palateless Denture Work for You?

A palateless denture may work for you if you have good oral health and have not experienced significant jawbone shrinkage, which occurs when all your teeth are missing. Shrinkage occurs because tooth roots and chewing stimulate the bone; without teeth, your body resorbs the bone. You may need bone grafting before you can get a palateless denture.

Types of Palateless Dentures

Palateless dentures are available with or without dental implants. Either option increases your ability to taste food. What are the differences?

Palateless dentures without dental implants

Palateless dentures are available without dental implants. However, your specialist will determine whether you can benefit from this option. How does it compare to an implant-supported denture?

  • Less stability than an implant-supported denture
  • Easy to dislodge from your gums, especially if you have experienced jawbone shrinkage
  • Requires dentures adhesives to stay in place
  • Does not stimulate the jawbone

Palateless dentures with dental implants

A palateless denture and a lower denture

A palateless denture fits better with dental implants

If you choose a palateless denture with dental implants, you can expect the following:

  • Much more stable than a denture without implants
  • May require bone grafting if you have significant jawbone shrinkage
  • No more sliding around or falling out because it is attached to dental implants
  • Stimulates the jawbone to prevent shrinkage

An exam and evaluation of your oral health will help a prosthodontist (tooth restoration and replacement specialist) determine whether you qualify for a palateless denture with or without dental implants. The specialist will explain your options and what to expect. Schedule a consultation with at least two prosthodontists to compare your options.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Can I Sleep with My Denture In Overnight, Or Is It a Problem?

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Every time I go to the dentist, she asks me if I fall asleep with my dentures on. I must tell her yes because I usually sleep with them through the night. I don’t like how my mouth feels without them. My dentist said to me that it could cause problems with my gums. Is that true? Is sleeping in my dentures really a problem? Thanks. Wayne from Scottsdale, AZ

Wayne – Thank you for your question.

Can You Sleep with Your Denture In Overnight?

An upper and lower denture

Removing a denture before bedtime supports your oral health

Although you can sleep while wearing your dentures, you should not keep them on overnight. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Dental Research confirms it. The study, conducted by researchers in Japan (Nihon University’s School of Dentistry and Keio University’s School of Medicine in Tokyo), shows that people who wear dentures in their sleep have an increased risk of tongue and denture plaque buildup, as well as gum inflammation.

Researchers also found the following for people who consistently wear their dentures overnight:

  • Bacteria and pathogens that breed in the mouth from excessive denture-wearing can enter the airway and lead to aspiration pneumonia.
  • Older adults have a doubled risk of contracting pneumonia from overnight denture-wearing.
  • During the night, your saliva production decreases. The dry environment in your mouth promotes bacteria.

How Should You Clean Your Dentures?

You can clean and take care of your dentures with these steps:

  • Remove and thoroughly clean your dentures to remove food debris and plaque.
  • Clean your tongue and gums.
  • Regularly soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution.
  • When not wearing your dentures, store them in clean water or a mild denture-soaking solution.
  • Keep your regularly scheduled appointment with your dentist or prosthodontist to examine your denture for fit and function and ensure you are maintaining good oral health.

San Antonio prosthodontist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post. A prosthodontist is a specialist with two to three years post-graduate training in tooth replacement and restoration, including dentures and dental implants.