Dr. Jorge and his staff at Dental & Denture Clinic are Seattle general dentists. In addition to practicing general dentistry, they treat patients wearing dentures in Bothell, WA and the surrounding areas. The office has received questions from their patients and the members of the community regarding palateless dentures.
Some people get a gag reflex or find talking or swallowing difficult when they have a denture in the upper part of their mouth. The problem is caused by the part of the denture that is touching the roof of their mouth, or palate. Some patients complain that because of the palate surface of the denture, it is difficult for them to chew food and swallow. They also say that food becomes stuck on the palate surface or, because it’s slick, food slides down their throat before they’re ready to swallow it. The palate portion of the dentures, the part which is creating the problem, gives the denture its strength and rigidity.
There is a solution for the patient who has difficulty with regular upper dentures. It is the palateless denture. Palateless dentures, sometimes referred to as “snap on dentures,” do not have the part of a regular denture that is next to the roof of your mouth. This type of denture is shaped in an arch. In order to stabilize the appliance and keep it securely in place, a palateless denture is attached to implants which have been surgically emplaced in the patient’s upper jaw bone. There are small metal rings in the denture which snap onto the ends of the implants projecting above the gums. As few as two implants can be used to attach the denture, but usually there are four or five. It depends upon the size of the arch. The more the attachment points, the more stable the denture will be in use. Palateless dentures have better retention and chewing efficiency than conventional dentures.
Snap-on dentures can also be used for the lower arch. Using this type of denture can be a solution for people whose dentures slip and slide when they eat, sometimes causing pain.
Everyone’s problem is slightly different. Patients with a gag reflex or chewing and swallowing problem who think they might need dentures should make an appointment at Dental & Denture Clinic to discuss what’s best for them.
