- Palateless dentures, also known as horseshoe dentures, are an alternative to conventional maxillary dentures. Due to the absence of a palate in their structure, they are less bulky and offer more comfort.
- To get palateless dentures, you will need to go through a procedure similar to the fabrication of traditional dentures. This includes tooth extraction, impressions, and wax try-in.
- Palateless dentures are less stable. It is better to wear them with an adhesive.
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Learn how palateless dentures work, their pros and cons, whether they require implants, and how stable they are compared to traditional upper dentures.
Process of getting horseshoe dentures
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The process of getting a horseshoe denture is the same as it is for a traditional appliance. It can vary depending on whether you have teeth that need to be extracted and if you already have a current denture. During your initial consultation, your dental provider will outline your treatment plan.
Extract teeth
If there are remaining teeth in the arch, extracting them is the first step. Prior to their removal, your dental provider may take impressions to create an immediate denture that can be placed after the extractions.
Wax try-in
If you are not getting an immediate denture, the first step following the initial impressions is to do a wax try-in. Your dentist will place a wax rim on the arch and make adjustments to the wax. This allows the dental lab to modify the rims before they process them for final fabrication.
Sometimes, a second wax try-in is performed with the teeth in place. Your dentist will recheck the fit and make any adjustments to your bite before sending the wax-up back to the lab for processing.
Denture delivery
When you get your new denture, you may need adjustments for any spots that feel sharp or tight. After that, you may need to return several times to have further adjustments made. Wearing dentures does take some getting used to, so multiple adjustment appointments are common. Quick denture repairs are also possible.
Pros and cons of a roofless dentures
There are several pros and cons to palateless dentures. You should consult with a dental provider or prosthodontist before making this decision, as your bone level significantly affects how well roofless dentures will work for you.
An upper denture without a palate will be more comfortable and feel like your natural teeth. They can also enhance your ability to taste, allowing you to savor food more fully. Patients with a sensitive gag reflex may not do well with traditional dentures, but can often tolerate a roofless denture.
Lee emphasizes: "There is the crucial trade-off I have to explain. A traditional upper denture works like a giant suction cup. The broad coverage across the palate is what creates that strong, stable seal, holding it securely in place. When you remove the palate, you remove all the suction."
The biggest con of a maxillary horseshoe denture is the decreased level of security and stability. Unless you use implants to help retain the denture, you will likely need to use denture adhesive to keep it in place. Even with adhesive, they can be dislodged during eating.
"Without that seal, the denture has very little to hold onto. It relies only on the ridge of your gums, and it will rock, shift, and fall when you try to eat or talk," Lee adds.
"That is why, in my practice and in modern dentistry as a whole, the palateless denture is almost exclusively designed to work in tandem with dental implants. The implants act like snaps or anchors, providing the rock-solid stability that the palate used to. Without them, you are often just trading the annoyance of a covered palate for the constant frustration of an unstable denture," he warns.
More comfortable
Increased taste ability
Better for sensitive gag reflexes
Unstable
Easily dislodged
Must use adhesive
FAQ
Are palateless dentures stable?
Yes, but stability depends heavily on whether implants are used. Without implants, palateless dentures rely only on the gum ridge and often require adhesive. Implant-supported versions provide significantly greater retention and chewing efficiency.
Can you get palateless dentures without implants?
Yes, palateless dentures can be fabricated without implants. However, they are generally less secure and may shift during eating or speaking. Most dentists recommend implant support for improved stability and comfort.
What are alternatives to palateless dentures?
Traditional full upper dentures that cover the palate are the main alternative. Implant-supported overdentures are another option and provide significantly more stability than a roofless denture without implants. In some cases, fixed implant bridges may also be considered.
Do roofless dentures require the use of dental implants?
Palateless dentures can be made without implants, but they are typically much less stable. Without the suction created by the palate, they often require denture adhesive and may shift during eating or speaking. For long-term stability, most modern palateless dentures are supported by implants.
Are horseshoe dentures more expensive than traditional ones?
Horseshoe dentures typically cost a similar amount to traditional upper dentures if no implants are used. However, if dental implants are placed to improve retention, the overall treatment cost increases significantly due to the surgical component.
Harry Lee, DMD
The number one complaint I hear from my upper denture patients is about having the roof of their mouth covered. It feels bulky, it affects their speech, and it dulls the taste of their food. So, when they hear about a palateless or horseshoe-shaped denture, their eyes light up. It sounds like the perfect solution.