Single Removable Denture: Is it possible and how much does it cost?

What is a single removable denture?

A single removable denture is a prosthetic tooth attached to a small base, which you can remove and reinsert yourself as needed.

The denture consists of two parts: the denture and the base (the part that helps the tooth stay in place in the mouth). Unlike porcelain crowns or implants (posts implanted into the jawbone) which are fixed in place, this denture is not permanent, so you can remove it for daily cleaning.

So, does the clinic make dentures for a missing tooth?

Can a single removable denture be made?

Yes, the clinic does make them, but the aesthetics may not be as good, and the plastic base can easily press against adjacent teeth. The possibility depends on whether you've lost a front tooth or a molar, and these two cases differ considerably.

Missing a single front tooth

It is still possible to make a denture for a single front tooth, and the technique is no different from making one for a molar.

The front teeth are located in an aesthetically important area, so many people expect the dentures to look exactly like real teeth, while in reality, the aesthetics of a single missing tooth aren't very high. Even two people who have lost a single front tooth may not have the same result, as the outcome depends on the lips, tongue, and other oral factors. Therefore, the dentist will assess your oral condition before providing advice.

Losing a Single Molar

Dental Fam usually doesn't accept single molar dentures because they are less stable and can easily lead to the misconception that they can be used for chewing.

Molar teeth bear significant chewing forces, and a single tooth attached to a small base isn't strong enough. In reality, a single-tooth removable denture cannot be used for chewing; it only fills the gap left by the missing tooth. If you have lost a molar and need to be able to chew, the dentist will advise on other options; you can see the comparison with fixed dentures below.

Assuming you are eligible for a removable denture, the next question is likely the cost.

How ​​much does a single removable denture cost?

As mentioned in the introduction, the price of a single removable denture is the price of the denture plus the price of the base. Therefore, this section goes straight to three points: why the base is still included in the price, the specific price list, and the additional costs beyond the denture price.

Why is the base price included even for a single denture?

The base price does not decrease with the number of teeth, because dentures cannot stand alone; they must be attached to the base.

The base is the foundation that rests on the gums and holds the tooth in place, so even with only one tooth, the base must still be included. Consequently, for a single tooth, the base usually accounts for the majority of the cost: choosing a Japanese denture (500,000 VND) on a titanium frame (2,500,000 VND) results in a total of 3,000,000 VND, of which the base accounts for 2,500,000 VND.

Price List by Tooth Type and Base Type

The price per tooth is the sum of 3 tooth types (500,000 VND, 800,000 VND, 1,500,000 VND) and 4 base types (free, 1,000,000 VND, 2,000,000 VND, 2,500,000 VND).

The warranty period in the first column applies to the entire set of teeth, not just individual teeth. It's the period during which the clinic provides free repairs for technical defects, not the lifespan of the dentures. Therefore, the dentures don't automatically become unusable after the warranty expires.

For example, if you lose one front tooth and choose a US-made denture on a titanium frame, the total cost is 800,000 VND plus 2,500,000 VND, totaling 3,300,000 VND.

Costs Beyond Denture Price

The consultation fee is 100,000 VND, waived if you have your denture made immediately after the consultation. Prior dental treatment is charged separately.

If you need to have any remaining teeth extracted, cavities treated, or gum disease treated before getting your denture, these costs will be calculated according to the current price list. The dentist will take X-rays or CT scans and then quote the price for each additional item so you understand the total cost. The denture itself is a package deal, including follow-up appointments for adjustments.

In addition, after you have your denture, you may encounter two additional costs for future use. These two costs are not included in the initial price of the dentures shown in the table above:

• Dental Filling: Over time, bone and gum tissue resorb, causing the dentures to become loose. In this case, you need to re-fill the dentures instead of making new ones. Regular denture filling costs 1,000,000 VND, while soft denture filling (using special materials from Japan) costs 2,000,000 VND per denture.

• Dental Repair: When dentures are broken, cracked, or chipped, the cost is 1,000,000 VND per denture, regardless of the extent of damage. If the damage is too severe, the dentist will recommend making new dentures instead of repairing them.

The prices are clear, but which type of base is suitable for a tooth?

Which denture base should I choose for a single tooth?

If there are still stable supporting teeth, the dentist prefers a framework denture because it is stable and causes less pain, while resin bases are a more economical option. The four types of bases are briefly summarized as follows: If you want a full comparison of materials, you can check out the article on which type of removable denture is best.

Titanium Frame Dentures

Titanium frame dentures are the top choice when a single tooth is missing but there are still supporting teeth, as they are stable, thin, lightweight, and less uncomfortable.

Frame dentures use the remaining teeth as anchors, so they are more secure than resin dentures, and eating is more comfortable. However, they are less aesthetically pleasing, and if a clasp breaks, a new denture is needed. You can learn more about this in the article on removable frame dentures.

Hardened Resin and Reinforced Resin

Hardened resin dentures (free) are the most economical option, while reinforced resin dentures (1,000,000 VND) are more durable and therefore preferred when comparing only these two types.

Both types can have metal clasps added. If you are missing one tooth and want to keep costs low, these are two options you should consult your dentist about first, but they will not be as stable as frame dentures.

Flexible Resin

Flexible resin dentures are suitable for those with few missing teeth and where aesthetics are important, as they lack metal clasps, minimizing the visibility of the clasps.

Because there are no clasps, it's impossible to add clasps to flexible resin dentures, and if damaged, they are almost impossible to repair. If you are interested in this type specifically, the article ""How much do removable flexible resin dentures cost?"" explains this in more detail.

After choosing, you should still be aware of the limitations of this type of denture.

Limitations of Single Removable Dentures

Single removable dentures have four practical limitations you should know before deciding:

• Low Aesthetic Appeal: A single denture may not look as natural as real teeth, especially in the front teeth area.

• The Resin Base Easily Presses on Adjacent Teeth: The resin base pressing on adjacent teeth can affect these teeth with prolonged use. * Unable to chew: The denture only fills the gap left by missing teeth; it does not replace the chewing function of natural teeth.

• Not everyone who has missing teeth in the same location will receive the same treatment: The results depend on the lips, tongue, and overall oral condition.

What are the warranty and follow-up appointments after you receive your dentures?

Warranty and Follow-up Appointments for Denture Adjustment

The dentures are fully warranted (6 months, 1 year, or 3 years depending on the type of denture), and follow-up appointments related to the service performed are free.

New removable dentures usually require multiple adjustments to fit the soft tissues in the mouth, and these adjustments are free. The warranty only covers technical issues; damage due to dropping, stepping on, or accidents is not covered.

If you are still undecided between removable dentures and a longer-term option, the following section will help you.

When should you consider fixed dentures instead of removable ones?

Fixed dentures are always the preferred option when you lose teeth, while removable dentures are a last resort when conditions don't allow for permanent dentures. Fixed options include dental bridges and implants:

• Fixed porcelain crowns: from 4,000,000 VND per tooth (DDBio porcelain crowns).

• Implants: up to 18,000,000 VND per implant (Dentium Korean implants).

The dentist will choose the option based on your budget, bone structure, and the actual condition of your mouth. There are cases where dental bridges are not possible due to bone loss or weak adjacent teeth. Conversely, if you have high expectations for chewing function or aesthetics and insist on removable dentures, the dentist may refuse treatment to avoid unsatisfactory results. You can see a full comparison in the article ""Should you choose fixed or removable dentures?"".

If you choose removable dentures, what steps will you go through?

Procedure for Making a Single Removable Denture

If everything goes smoothly, the denture will be completed in about 3 appointments within a week. The steps include:

1. Examination and Consultation: The dentist will assess your teeth, gums, and jawbone, then help you choose the type of denture.

2. Necessary Oral Treatment (if any): Tooth extraction, treatment of cavities, and gingivitis. This is charged separately.

3. Session 1: Taking initial impressions.

4. Session 2: Trying on the dentures and taking final impressions.

5. Session 3: Receiving the dentures, the dentist will check the fit and provide instructions on removal, insertion, and cleaning.

6. Adjustment after receiving the dentures: Free of charge.

Each step is described in more detail in the article on how to make removable dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Single Removable Dentures

Is installment payment available for single removable dentures?

Currently, the clinic does not offer installment payments for removable dentures.

Is regular follow-up necessary?

After the initial adjustment period, regular follow-up is not necessary. You can monitor your condition at home and only visit the clinic if you experience any problems requiring a doctor's attention.

Does the plastic cause irritation or allergies?

The plastic used in removable dentures is very biocompatible and rarely causes irritation or allergies, even in people with sensitive constitutions.

Is minor surgery required for removable dentures?

Usually, surgery is not required. Only if there are protruding or sharp points in the jawbone that cause pressure when using the dentures may a minor surgical procedure be recommended, and this is not a mandatory procedure.

Should you use adhesive for a single-tooth denture?

The clinic doesn't recommend any specific type of adhesive; you can research and purchase it yourself. The method for choosing adhesive is discussed in the article on denture adhesives.

Are there any differences when elderly people get a single removable denture?

There are no differences in technique, but elderly people often have difficulty cleaning and maintaining their dentures themselves, so family members may need additional assistance. You can refer to the article on dentures for the elderly.

Dental Fam can still make removable dentures for a single missing tooth at a cost ranging from 500,000 VND to 4,000,000 VND, including the cost of the tooth and the base (the base is included even for a single tooth). The price is all-inclusive for the denture itself, including adjustments; prior oral treatment is charged separately. Dentures that are aesthetically unappealing, unable to chew properly, or single molars are generally not accepted. Fixed dentures are always preferred, but if you choose removable dentures, you can schedule a consultation with a dentist.

Dental Fam - Family Clinic

• Address: NOTT 28, 29, 30, Phuoc Long A Urban Area, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
• Hotline: +84 582 582 345 / +84 983 001 768
• Email: info@dentalfam.vn