Will a Palateless Denture Work for Me?

Dr. Gilberto Tostado

9/15/2023

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

  • 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.

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Dr. Gilberto TostadoDr. Karina AcuñaDenturesImplant-Supported Dentures

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I had a fantastic experience at 5 Star Dental! The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Dental hygienist Vickie was thorough and gentle, making the cleaning process a breeze. Dr. Karina Acuna provided exceptional care, taking the time to explain everything and making sure I was comfortable throughout. I highly recommend this clinic for anyone looking for top-notch dental care. Thank you, 5 Star Dental team!

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The name of this dental practice is no accident. They are FIVE STARS!!! My story is a long one, but the short version is that following a very recent move from East Texas to San Antonio, I broke a chunk off of my all-on-four on a Sunday afternoon, creating an extremely sharp edge. (This isn't the first time this happened with this appliance, and my former dentist was just as frustrated as I at the situation.) After an anxious conversation with my previous dentist, my husband and I decided that perhaps the "big city" might provide us with more options for care. We found 5 Star Dental Group online and requested an appointment via the link on the page. I briefly described the situation, and hoped for a return call at some point. I got that call about 8:15 Monday morning, (Excellent response time!) and was scheduled for an appointment at 11:30 the same day. (Excellent attention to a very painful emergency problem.) We arrived to find a spotlessly clean, modern, friendly, and very professional office. The front office staff are sweet, and cheerful, yet professional and VERY competent. We were also able to complete all the required forms at home, and bring them with us, saving time at the office. I was in the dental chair almost immediately, and Dr. Tostado and his dental assistant had my broken all-on-four sanded down to a comfortable level within minutes. He determined that the previous lab used an acrylic for my permanent all-on-four, adding that this material is typically use for a temporary. (No wonder it kept breaking every six months!) We discussed what could be done going forward. After x-rays, he developed a treatment plan which will require a complete replacement of my all-on-four. (Interestingly, the x-rays revealed that the positioning and angle on one of my implants, coupled with the length of the all-on-four on that side, and the materials used to manufacture it create a perfect failure storm.) Dr. Tostado identified the problems, and offered at least two options for a solution.Heretofore, my life has been a constant merry-go-round of breakage and replacement every six months. I feel blessed to be in Dr. Tostado's care and look forward to a long association with the practice for my continued regular dental care. My husband was so impressed, that he set up an appointment for his routine cleaning and care as well. This is a rare practice that excels at making you feel like one of the family. You can look around but you won’t find a better practice for all your dental needs. Too bad I can only give them 5 Stars!

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