Tooth loss doesn’t just affect your appearance, it impacts how you eat, speak, and feel day to day. Over time, missing teeth lead to jawbone deterioration, which makes traditional dentures harder to wear and less effective. In fact, more than 23% of UK adults over 60 have lost all their teeth, often followed by bone loss that worsens denture fit and facial structure.
If you’re dealing with bone loss, your denture options change. Today’s solutions go beyond one-size-fits-all. In this guide, we’ll explore which dentures work best when bone loss is a factor, how they function, and what you can expect to pay for them in the UK.
Why bone loss changes everything
Bone loss happens when the jawbone no longer gets stimulation from tooth roots. Once teeth are gone, the bone begins to shrink. Over time, this reduces the area available for dentures to grip, leading to:
- Slippage or looseness
- Sore spots and pressure points
- Difficulty chewing tougher foods
- A sunken facial appearance
This is why traditional dentures often fail in advanced cases of bone resorption. Fortunately, several modern denture designs are tailored specifically for these challenges.
Types of denture options for bone loss
Implant-retained dentures offer secure fit and bone support
When bone loss is present, stability becomes the top priority. One type of dentures are implant-retained dentures, they use a small number of dental implants, typically 2 to 4 per arch, to anchor the denture securely in place. These implants are positioned in areas of the jaw where bone is still dense enough to support them.
Unlike traditional dentures, which rely on suction or adhesives, implant-retained options lock into place. They also help preserve remaining bone by replicating the stimulation of tooth roots.
Overdentures use natural structures for added stability
For those who still have a few healthy tooth roots or previously placed implants, overdentures are a flexible option. They’re designed to fit over existing roots or posts, which anchor the denture while helping maintain bone volume.
Overdentures can be removable or semi-fixed, depending on the design, and they provide better support than traditional plates.
Flexible partials adapt to uneven ridges
When bone loss causes irregular gum contours, flexible partial dentures can be a game-changer. Made from soft, bendable resin, these dentures mould to the mouth’s shape, making them more comfortable and less prone to rubbing or shifting.
They’re ideal for patients with partial tooth loss and minor to moderate bone loss. While they don’t prevent further bone shrinkage, they offer a practical and affordable solution, especially when implants aren’t viable.
Bone graft-supported dentures restore foundation first
In cases of severe bone deterioration, you may need to rebuild the foundation before fitting implants. Bone grafting can restore enough volume for implants to be placed successfully. Once healed, implant-retained or fixed dentures can be fitted for a more natural, long lasting denture result. This process is more complex, expensive and takes several months, but the results are transformative.
Learn more: What Are the Best Dentures in the UK? Types and Costs Explained
Choosing the right denture solution
The best denture for bone loss depends on several factors, such as how much bone is left, your overall health, your budget, and how permanent a solution you’re looking for. Some patients are ideal candidates for implants right away. Others may need a more flexible, interim approach.
That’s why expert guidance is key. A proper consultation, including imaging and oral examination, will determine which solution gives you the best blend of comfort, function, and appearance.
How to know if you’re a candidate for dentures
The right denture option depends on your anatomy, oral health, and goals. A clinical assessment, often including a 3D scan or panoramic X-ray, will evaluate how much bone remains, where it’s strongest, and whether implants are viable.
Here’s what’s considered:
- Bone density and volume: Determines if implants can be placed and where.
- Medical history: Conditions like diabetes or smoking habits may impact healing.
- Budget and timeline: Some treatments take months, others can be done quickly.
- Lifestyle: Do you want something fixed, or are you okay with removable?
Even if you’ve been told in the past you “don’t have enough bone,” newer technologies like angled implants, mini-implants, or zygomatic implants may make treatment possible today.
Why choose First Class Dentures
At First Class Dentures, we’re a denture provider that doesn’t just make dentures, we solve problems. Our team has extensive experience with bone loss cases, offering implant-retained, flexible, and hybrid solutions designed for real mouths, not just ideal ones.
Every denture is custom-built for function, fit, and comfort using advanced scanning and fabrication tools. We also provide clear pricing, compassionate care, and long-term support, so you never feel like just another case.
Book a free consultation with First Class Dentures. We’ll assess your situation and walk you through real denture options that work with your anatomy and your budget.
Contact us today to get started. A secure, comfortable smile is possible, even with bone loss.