Getting dentures is a common treatment for missing teeth. Traditional dentures consist of a base that covers the roof of the mouth (palate) and artificial teeth. However, dentures don’t have to include the palate coverage. You can get dentures made that only replace the missing teeth without covering the roof of the mouth. These are called palateless dentures or non-palatal dentures.
What are palateless dentures?
Palateless dentures, also called non-palatal dentures, only replace the missing teeth. They do not have an acrylic base that covers the palate or roof of the mouth. With traditional full dentures, the base covers the entire palate to help hold the dentures in place.
Palateless dentures have several benefits:
– Allow you to taste food better since the palate is uncovered
– May be more comfortable and easier to tolerate
– Don’t impact speech as much
– Easier to keep clean
However, palateless dentures also have some drawbacks:
– May not be as stable due to lack of palate coverage
– Can only be used if enough natural teeth remain to hold them in place
– May require use of denture adhesives
When are palateless dentures an option?
Palateless dentures may be an option if you still have several natural teeth remaining, especially on the bottom jaw. The remaining teeth help hold the palateless dentures firmly in place.
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, traditional full dentures with a palate base are likely the better option. The full palate coverage is needed to keep the dentures stable when no natural teeth remain.
Some potential candidates for palateless dentures include:
– Missing molars but retaining front and some bicuspid teeth
– Missing upper back teeth only
– Had a cleft palate repair which makes palate coverage uncomfortable
– Experience gagging with full palate coverage
Your dentist will let you know if you are a good candidate for palateless dentures after thoroughly examining your mouth. An oral surgeon may also need to be consulted depending on the work required to extract any remaining teeth.
The process for getting palateless dentures
The process for getting palateless dentures is similar to traditional full dentures but with a few modifications. The main steps include:
1. Initial consultation – Your dentist will examine your mouth to see if palateless dentures are an option. X-rays and impressions of your mouth will be taken.
2. Tooth extraction – Any remaining teeth where the denture will be anchored will need to be extracted. Healing time is required before the next step.
3. Trying on dentures – After your gums have healed, you will come in for the dentures to be tried on for size and fit. Multiple fittings are required to get the right shape and position.
4. Adjustment period – It takes time to adjust to palateless or any dentures. Several follow up visits will be scheduled to check fit and make any adjustments needed as you adapt.
5. Routine care – Like natural teeth, dentures require daily cleaning and regular dental checkups to keep your mouth healthy.
Proper oral hygiene and denture care are extremely important with palateless dentures since food and debris can collect under them more easily. Your dentist will provide instruction on keeping them clean.
The costs involved
Palateless dentures typically cost more than conventional dentures with a palate base. Some estimates indicate they are 15% to 60% higher.
Factors affecting the cost include:
– Extent of tooth removal required before getting the dentures
– Type of materials used – some more expensive materials improve durability and fit
– Amount of adjustments and follow-up visits needed
– Additional procedures like bone grafts or implants to stabilize the dentures
On average, costs can range from:
– $1,000-$3,000 or more per arch for basic palateless dentures
– $3,000-$10,000 or more when implants are used for support
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of standard denture costs. Coverage may be limited for palateless dentures since they are considered a specialty treatment.
Cost comparison to traditional dentures
Procedure | Traditional Dentures | Palateless Dentures |
---|---|---|
Initial examination | $100 – $300 | $100 – $300 |
Tooth extraction | $75 – $300 per tooth | $75 – $300 per tooth |
Denture creation | $800 – $2,000 per arch | $1,200 – $3,000 per arch |
Follow up adjustments | $0 – $200 total | $200 – $600 total |
Implant support | $1,500 – $6,000 total | $3,000 – $10,000 total |
As shown, the main costs difference is in the actual creation of the dentures and any implants or special materials utilized. Additional follow up visits also factor into the higher price.
Pros and cons of palateless dentures
There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding if palateless dentures are the right choice:
Pros:
– Allow better taste of foods since palate is uncovered
– Less impact on speech
– Easier to keep clean than full palate dentures
– Prevent gagging feeling that palate coverage can cause
– More comfortable for some people
Cons:
– Not as stable or secure as full dentures, may require denture adhesive
– Can only be used if adequate natural teeth remain
– May be uncomfortable at first as mouth adjusts
– Higher cost than conventional dentures
– Can collect food more easily underneath, requiring diligent cleaning
For some people, the benefits outweigh the downsides and make palateless dentures an ideal solution. Others may find the security and stability of full palate dentures a better option. Your dentist will advise if you are a candidate.
Risks or complications
Some potential risks or complications to consider with palateless dentures include:
– Dislodging – Without the full palate base for stability, they may loosen more easily. Using good denture adhesive can help.
– Bone loss – Pressure from dentures can cause bone loss in the jaw over time. This eventually affects stability and fit. Implants may be needed to stabilize dentures.
– Speech issues – While less impact than full dentures, speech can still be altered. Consult your dentist if speech problems arise.
– Oral health problems – Poor fit, chronic irritation, and leaving dentures out for long periods increases risk of fungal infections, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
– Tooth wear – Natural teeth supporting the dentures can gradually wear down over years of use. Protect remaining teeth with proper care.
– Breakage – Palateless dentures may be at more risk for chipping or cracking since they lack the full supportive base. Handle with care.
Proper care and dental checkups help minimize risks when wearing palateless or any type of dentures. Alert your dentist at the first sign of any problems.
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat with palateless dentures?
Yes, you can eat with palateless dentures. They function just like conventional dentures for chewing and biting foods. However, you may experience some differences in your ability to taste foods since the palate is uncovered. Some find it easier to sense sweet, sour, bitter, and salty tastes. But it may take time to adapt to the feel in your mouth when eating.
Do palateless dentures require adhesive?
Palateless dentures typically require using denture adhesive to keep them stable and secure. The adhesive helps prevent dislodging since there is no full palate base for support. However, if enough natural teeth remain or implants are used, adhesive may not be required. Talk to your dentist about whether you need to use adhesive with your palateless dentures.
Can you get palateless dentures for just one arch?
Yes, you can get palateless dentures to replace missing upper or lower teeth only. You don’t need to do both upper and lower. Discuss your specific needs with your dentist. Some people opt for palateless dentures on just the upper or lower arch most affected. Others may do both arches if warranted.
How long does it take to adjust to palateless dentures?
It can take 2 to 6 weeks to fully adjust to wearing new palateless dentures. Your tongue will need time to get used to the feel of the open palate. Speech and chewing may feel different at first. Don’t get discouraged if they feel awkward or uncomfortable as you acclimate to them. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for easing into regular usage.
Can palateless dentures be made for immediate use after extractions?
Immediate palateless dentures are possible but less common than traditional immediate dentures. Since your gums and bone need time to heal properly after extractions, the fit will continue changing. Most dentists have patients wait until the sites are healed before taking final impressions and fitting palateless dentures. But temporary immediate dentures may be placed right after extractions, then you will receive final dentures later.
Conclusion
Palateless dentures are a specialized type of removable partial or full dentures that don’t cover the roof of your mouth. They offer benefits like improved speech, taste, and comfort when a full palate base isn’t ideal. But palateless dentures may carry more risks like instability and higher cost. They also require adequately healthy and strong natural teeth to provide support. Talk to your dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for palateless dentures. With proper care and adjustments, many patients find palateless dentures a good solution for missing teeth.