What type of dentures should elderly people with missing teeth choose?
You should choose based on three factors: cost, bone loss, and the condition of remaining teeth, not age. This section covers two aspects: the role of age and how to choose the right option for each situation.
Does age change the way dentures are chosen?
No, young and old people with missing teeth can choose the same option based on the same criteria. The denture fabrication techniques are the same for both groups.
The difference lies in the fact that older people often have lost teeth a long time ago, resulting in more bone loss and difficulty in properly cleaning and maintaining their dentures. Both of these factors affect how securely the dentures fit and how clean they can be, so we will discuss each point separately.
Which option should be chosen in each situation?
If all teeth are lost and the bone is still stable, a full removable denture is usually chosen. If there is significant bone loss in the lower jaw, then a prosthetic denture with implants should be considered.
| Situation | Commonly Considered Options | Estimated Cost | |
| Complete tooth loss, stable jawbone, want to save money | Full removable denture, hard resin or reinforced resin base, usually 12 teeth | 6,000,000 VND to 19,000,000 VND per denture | |
| Too Lost** Complete tooth loss, significant lower jaw bone loss, difficulty in implanting dentures | Removable dentures on 2 implant posts | 60,000,000 VND per denture | |
| Partial tooth loss, remaining teeth are stable | Semi-partial or partial removable dentures | Titanium framework base 2,500,000 VND, plus price per tooth | |
| Partial tooth loss, adjacent teeth and bone are still good | Fixed teeth: porcelain bridge or implant | Porcelain crowns from 4,000,000 VND per tooth, implants up to 18,000,000 VND per tooth |
In cases where some natural teeth remain, you can refer to separate articles on partial removable dentures and removable framework dentures. If adjacent teeth are healthy and bone is sufficient, the clinic always prioritizes fixed options such as porcelain crowns, fixed bridges, or full dental implants. Bridges are not suitable when bone loss occurs or adjacent teeth are too weak; in such cases, removable dentures are the next option.
Once you've chosen an option, the next question is usually the cost.
How much do dentures cost for the elderly?
A full set of 12 teeth costs from 6,000,000 VND to 19,000,000 VND, while a full set with implants costs 60,000,000 VND per set. This part is divided into main costs and additional expenses that should be budgeted for.
Cost of a Full Denture
Price of a denture = base + [Price per tooth x number of teeth needed]
People who have lost all their teeth usually get 12 dentures because bone loss has occurred and the 7th tooth is rarely used for chewing. You can still get 14 dentures if you wish. Japanese dentures cost 500,000 VND, American dentures cost 800,000 VND, and composite dentures (synthetic resin material) cost 1,500,000 VND each. Hard resin bases are free, and high-strength resin bases cost 1,000,000 VND.
Detailed calculation methods can be found in the article on full denture prices, and the best type of denture is compared in the article on which removable dentures are best.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Besides the cost of the dentures themselves, older adults should budget for denture fillings because bone and gum tissue resorb over time. For dentures with implants, 60,000,000 VND is payable immediately after implant placement.
| Cost | When needed | Cost |
| Dental Cushions | Loose dentures due to bone and gum resorption after prolonged use | 1,000,000 VND per denture |
| Soft Denture Cushions | Loose dentures, needing a softer cushion for sensitive gums | 2,000,000 VND per denture |
Doctors prefer soft denture cushions because they are precise and biocompatible More options are available, but the final choice is yours based on your budget.
The price is clear, but many families are also concerned about whether the health of elderly people can withstand the denture process.
Can people with weak health get removable dentures?
Removable dentures do not require invasive surgery on the jawbone or grinding down natural teeth, so they are suitable for elderly people or those with weak health. This section discusses the level of intervention and the work schedule.
Typically, the denture process involves 3 appointments within a week, each lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are tired or afraid of pain on your appointment day, the doctor may postpone taking impressions to a later date, depending on your health and pain tolerance. The duration of each appointment is discussed in the article ""How long does removable denture placement take?"".
Once the dentures are fitted, the upper and lower dentures of elderly people do not align identically.
How Do Upper and Lower Dentures Differently Work in Older Adults?
Upper dentures generally adhere better than lower dentures, a fact many older adults experience firsthand. The techniques for making dentures are the same; only the degree of adhesion differs.
When the lower denture becomes loose, you should proceed step by step, from mild to severe, instead of immediately replacing it:**
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Testing natural adhesion: Dentures usually adhere without adhesive.
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Using supplemental adhesive: When there is significant bone loss, see the article on denture adhesives.
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Refilling dentures: When bone and gum loss has increased after prolonged use, instead of replacing the dentures.
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Implanting two support posts: When the above steps are insufficient, or when you cannot tolerate a large, thick base that hinders eating and speaking.
Therefore, lower dentures don't always require 60,000,000 VND; they should only be considered when less drastic measures are no longer effective.
What support should family members provide when the elderly use dentures?
Family members should help the elderly remember to remove the dentures for cleaning after each meal and before going to sleep, as this is a mandatory instruction. This section has two aspects: maintaining hygiene and monitoring the dentures.
Older adults often find it difficult to ensure proper hygiene and maintenance of their dentures, so reminders and support from family are very helpful. Specific cleaning instructions are provided in the article on how to clean dentures.
The clinic does not schedule separate follow-up appointments for dentures; you only need to come in when problems arise. This means there are no scheduled appointments to remind the elderly to come for check-ups, so family members are the ones who can recognize problems earliest. Pay attention to three signs: dentures starting to loosen, dentures cracking or chipping, and dentures breaking. All three methods have their own solutions (cushioning or patching/repairing the denture), so elderly people don't have to endure damaged dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can elderly people with diabetes or high blood pressure get dental implants?
It is still possible to get implants if the condition is well controlled with medication and maintained at a safe level. If your parents have these conditions, please come to Dental Fam; we will conduct a general health check and provide the best treatment plan for your parents.
Can elderly people with a few weak teeth get dentures?
Yes, but a thorough examination by a dentist is needed beforehand because weak teeth may not be able to support the metal clasps of the denture. If the abutment teeth are too weak or there is severe periodontal disease (gum disease), the dentist will usually not use metal clasps and will consider plastic or other options. See more in the article on partial dentures above.
Is it possible to get dentures after long-term tooth loss?
Yes, but the longer the tooth loss, the more bone resorption occurs, making it harder for the denture to adhere. Without tooth roots or implants to stimulate bone resorption, the jawbone continues to resorb over time. In this case, the dentist will examine the jawbone to advise on the choice between conventional dentures and dentures with implants.
Elderly people who have lost teeth should choose dentures based on budget, bone resorption, and remaining teeth, not age. Full removable dentures cost from 6,000,000 VND to 19,000,000 VND per denture and do not require surgery. If there is significant lower jawbone resorption, consider dentures with implants, priced at 60,000,000 VND. Family members should remind patients to remove the dentures for cleaning after each meal and while sleeping, and to take them for check-ups if the dentures become loose or crack.
All dentists at Dental Fam can perform removable denture procedures. The content of this article is based on the current price list and consultations with the clinic's dentists. You can view an overview of our services on the removable dentures page.
Because everyone's jawbone and health are different, the surest way is to have a doctor examine and advise on the best option. The 100,000 VND consultation fee is waived if you get dentures made immediately.
Dental Fam - Family Clinic
- Address: NOTT 28, 29, 30, Phuoc Long A Urban Area, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
- Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM;
- Sunday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Hotline: +84 582 582 345 / +84 983 001 768
- Email: info@dentalfam.vn