I need a upper denture but I have a gag problem. Implants probably are not a good option for me. I would like to have a horseshoe palate. I think I can wear that but will I have more bone loss if I do not have a full palate? Thank You
Connie, CA

Dr. Parker
I do feel that a horseshoe denture will be less stable and cause more bone loss. The ridge in the upper arch is made of a softer bone than the roof of your mouth. When we make a denture we try to capture as much of the roof of the mouth as possible because it is the most stable bone, and we can establish a seal where the hard and soft palate meet. With a horseshoe denture we would not be able to capture the stable bone or establish a seal and the denture would most likely fall out much more easily. I would recommend capturing the entire hard palate and then cut the acrylic back in the trial mock up denture set up and see how you respond. I hope this helps.