Dr. Steve Horne began his career at Brigham Young University obtaining his BA in English. He earned his doctorate of dental surgery in 2007 from the University of Southern California where his pursuit for academic excellence landed him on the dean's list. He was recognized for his superior clinical skills and invited to help teach other dental students in courses on restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, and tooth anatomy. During dental school, he provided dental care for underserved populations of Los Angeles and Orange County, Mexico, and Costa Rica with the international volunteer organization AYUDA. After graduation from USC, Dr. Horne entered active duty with the U.S. Army and practiced dentistry at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for four years. During this time, in 2010, he was deployed as part of a medical unit to Baghdad, Iraq, to provide dental and triage support to military and civilian workers who were involved in the effort there. During his military service, he received multiple Army Achievement Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and served as company commander. After leaving the Army in 2011, Dr. Horne joined a private practice in La Jolla, Calif., and became credentialed with Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla as a dental consultant. Health and education are of paramount importance to Dr. Horne, and since 2012, he has been writing dental articles for MedicineNet and WebMD to provide accurate information about oral health to the public. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), California Dental Association (CDA), and the San Diego County Dental Society and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He is a preferred provider with Invisalign and spends countless hours each year pursuing continuing education in order to maintain a standard of excellence in dentistry. Dr. Horne has been married for 15 years to his wife, Christy. They have 3-year-old twins, Camille and Trent, and very recently welcomed their third child, Colette Elise, on July 6! The heart and soul of the family is Roscoe, their chocolate Labrador.
Dentures are generally worn during the day and taken out at night to give the oral tissues time to relax. During the first few days after receiving the denture, however, it needs to remain in the mouth even when sleeping to best identify areas that need to be adjusted. This is especially important after receiving an immediate denture, for the gum tissues will swell after the teeth are extracted or lost and then may not permit the denture to be reinserted if taken out.
Dentures are essentially removable replacements for missing teeth. Two types of dentures are available: complete, or full, dentures and partial dentures. Patients who need to replace an entire row of teeth use full dentures. On the other hand, partial dentures, or partials, are used when only a few of the teeth need to be replaced and some of the natural teeth are still intact. At the Family Dental Group, full and partial dentures are fabricated to resemble natural teeth as closely as possible while also taking into consideration the patient’s comfort when wearing them.
Dentures are essentially removable replacements for missing teeth. Two types of dentures are available: complete, or full, dentures and partial dentures. Patients who need to replace an entire row of teeth use full dentures. On the other hand, partial dentures, or partials, are used when only a few of the teeth need to be replaced and some of the natural teeth are still intact. At the Family Dental Group, full and partial dentures are fabricated to resemble natural teeth as closely as possible while also taking into consideration the patient’s comfort when wearing them.
As far as back office goes, Carlos the assistant has the patience of a saint. Seriously. We had to do a full series of x-rays because my mom couldn't stand up for the pano. My mom had trouble holding still and repeatedly failed to follow instructions. Carlos never stopped smiling and encouraging her. He had a lot of positive energy and kept joking with her throughout, which I know went a long way to making her feel good about the office. He did the same during the other visits, but the x-rays I'm sure were the biggest challenge.
Teeth can fall out for a number of reasons, ranging from genetics to drug abuse. Most commonly, teeth are removed or fall out on their own due to severe tooth decay. Neglect to upkeep oral hygiene or not seeking proper treatment for damaged teeth, can lead to the onset of decay which in turn leads to loss of teeth. Visiting you dentist in 6 month intervals is a good preventive measure to spot any early signs of decay.
A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 4 to 6 weeks).  During this time, the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
Only his assistant - she did his job great. But I didn't pay her. I paid him. He nonchalantly walked down the hall not even stopping to take a look at my jawline that's showing. I love my immediate dentures. But the money I paid. I think I should have a decent dentist that is interested in helping his patient with care. My Medicaid dentist treats me better and he doesn't get paid so much.
You should see your dentist 24 hours after delivery of your new dentures. It is not unusual to experience some initial discomfort. Minor adjustments can increase comfort and eliminate problems before they become more serious. Initially, a new denture may feel unusual in the mouth. The cheeks, lips, and tongue are very sensitive areas that require time to adjust. It is not uncommon to bite one’s cheek or tongue while acclimating to the new restoration. However, persistent soreness or irritation should be reported to your dentist.
If you are considering dentures as a solution to missing teeth, the first step is to consult your dentist to determine the type of dentures you need and how much they will cost. Next, you may wish to ask your dentist what financing options he or she offers. In addition to offering financing plans specific to his or her office, your dentist may be affiliated with Compassionate Finance®. Compassionate Finance® operates much like a credit card. Once your application is approved, you may receive a credit line to help pay for the cost of your dental treatment. A Compassionate Finance® card offers you the freedom to select the type of dentures that suit your individual needs, and you don't have to feel restricted by what your insurance plan does and does not cover. Visit the Compassionate Finance® form or your dentist's office to learn more about Compassionate Finance® or to fill out an application.
At the time of my visit, I had eight teeth remaining, with only the two upper teeth to be extracted. I had been wearing partials and bridges for 17 years. The price schedule the assistant put in my lap showed extractions at $75 each. I was charged $105 for each one, and not told of the inflated price until after surgery. Dr. ** made the dollar amount out of whole cloth. This is bait and switch.
If cared for properly, dentures should last a minimum of 5 years. Over time, the bone shrinks and causes the denture to become loose. The rate that this happens varies with each individual, but can be controlled by visiting a dentist regularly to ensure that the denture is fitting properly. An ill-fitting denture causes the bone to shrink more rapidly. To prolong the life of a denture, a dentist will often use a denture liner to refit the internal surface of the denture to the oral tissues.
As of now I essentially have no teeth and won't until at least 2-3 months later when I am supposed to return for my "permanent denture". It is incredibly humiliating having to go out in public with no teeth. I returned to ask what they could do and they wanted around 300 bucks for a reline but recommended I just get a new denture made (which they of course wanted to charge me around 600 bucks for). I couldn't believe what I was hearing. They made an awful denture and refused to fix it. Suddenly all of the nightmare stories began to make sense. I kindly told them to screw off and that I would just wait a few months.
Whether you've lost one tooth or many, chewing and smiling can become more difficult because of the gaps left behind. Partial dentures are an economical solution to replace the missing teeth and fill in the spaces, improving chewing ability and the confidence to smile. A partial denture in place will also help keep your natural teeth from shifting, lowering the risk of losing those teeth in the future.

I will ask to see the dentist when I return and tell him that if the permanent denture is not going to be formed with any more care than this, I want the remainder of my money back and I will go elsewhere. Even for an "affordable denture" the quality of this temporary is not worth the mouth pain and I will never be able to wear it for 6mo to 1yr while I wait for the permanent one. If you can afford better, then please do, as you will not be happy with the poor quality results.

The main alternatives are a fixed bridge or a dental implant. A dental bridge is made by putting crowns on the teeth at either side of the gap, and then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. This is all made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge can't be removed.

67K hospital bill later ( 2 yrs later now over 80K in medical,they could install her dentures for 15 months , (blood clots got her so weak and run down , nothing would heal, implants finally were strong enough at 16 months , they said, and installed them , but she hadn't eaten solid food for 15 months, now so weak and thin the implants don't fit, they want another few hundred to adjust them, 22months later and still don't fit,she now is anorexic going 2 yrs withouut eating lost almost 40 # is down to 80+ , PS no insurance self pay up front,so because of a tooth ache 100K gone
For many years, partial dentures have been used to replace groups of teeth or a few teeth scattered across the lower or upper jaw. There are a variety of removable partial dentures available to patients and each one comes with its own set of benefits and disadvantages. All partial dentures attach to remaining teeth and have a gum–colored portion meant to blend into the existing gum, with prosthetic teeth to replace the missing teeth. 
Lab management needs better education on how to speak to employees when they make mistakes and to not put so much pressure on trying to make everything perfect. I felt as after my 90 days were up the lab manager started treating me differently in a negative way. I know I was struggling and my performance may have been slightly off towards the end due to personal issues but management could have handled it differently instead of being more demanding.
I STILL HAVE THE TEMPORARY DENTURES THAT WAS MADE IN 2014. NO ONE CALL AND SAY THE PERMANENT DENTURES WAS READY. WENT IN 2018 AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD MAKE THE PERMANENT ONES AND THEY NEVER FIT. WAS REFUNDED HALF OF THE MONEY I PAID. TOLD ALL OF MY FRIEND NOT TO GO THERE BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT TRUE-FULL VIDEO STATING FULL REFUND IF NOT SATISFIED. NEVER NEVER AGAIN
It’s time to discover metal-free partial dentures! While there are other metal-free partial dentures out there, called flexibles, they tend to be flimsy and lack support. Ultaire™ AKP is a different option, a high-performance polymer that is designed specifically as a metal replacement for partial dentures — with the strength and durability required to give you a comfortable and functional partial denture. Hear what dentists say about Ultaire™ AKP metal-free partial dentures.
At first, wearing dentures may require some getting used to in terms of talking and eating, as the dentures become “balanced” in the space formerly occupied by the teeth. But over time, the muscles, nerves and ligaments of the mouth learn to work in new ways, which allows these functions to occur normally. Dentures also help support the facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks, which can help create a more youthful appearance.

This is long,but I writting this to hopefully save someone else from going through this,self pay people are at the mercy of blood sucking dentist.Well,I carefully compared several NC Affordable Dentures,I read reviews from many sources.The one near me is pretty bad,went many years ago and the currant reviews are down right scary,couple with a serious fear of dentist,did not want to put myself through that again. Soooo the search was on,after being quoted 632.00$??? at DentalWorks!! Who the he'll can afford that out of pocket,so after reading the reviews for this location I called asked questions,asked what I needed to bring along with time to be there.Then I read website to make sure everything was a go.Had x-rays sent over along with bringing a copy myself incase something went wrong.Website&Receptionist both confirmed needing to arrive by 7:30am.Okay,I cancelled one of my accounts (means I lost money),woke up at 4:30am then drove hour n half to A.D. Apex Highway Location.Stood in line,filled out forms,handed over X-Rays,took a seat.After watching people come in at 10 am be seen before me,denture customers get teeth pulled come back sit down in lobby again,then be called back for fittings or whatever of course started to get anxious.I just needed one extraction.There was a very loud girl there who had to have one tooth pulled as well.At the four hour mark,she asked them what was going on.Receptionist tells her denture people should all be done being treated by 3pm.So she may or may not be treated sooner.What?????Been waiting 4hours,drove almost two to get there with less then 5 hours sleep to make sure I'd be on time and it's going to be another 4hour wait??? and then that's not guaranteed.So I asked receptionist if this was the case,told her my issue,she just looked at me blankly"yep"..This information is no where on website,I told her on phone what I needed asked if there was anything I needed to know.She even said for treatments had to be there at 7:30am.NO WHERE DOES IT STATE JUST EXTRACTIONS WILL BE DONE AFTER EVERYTHING ELSE.The whole ordeal was just inexcusable.I got my x-rays and left,I am now sitting with a abscessed tooth waiting to make an appointment on Monday at one of them blood sucking offices,got small loan because the price of extractions is inexcusable too.You know what though,I Will expect it,I will also be treated better,will not automatically assume I have no other options but them so they can treat me however an if they mess up oh well.How would these ppl like to be treated this way,this issue may sound insufficient but the fact is I lost a day of my personal time along with a days work and still need to see a dentist because of thier mistake not mine. You slap the word affordable on a business,make em line up,play by your rules or else,because you know they cannot afford it anywhere else,its borderline cruel.I'm positive there has got to be a hundred other poor souls that will go through something similar to me,I if I can help one person avoid it,good!!..
When you see these low costs advertised, it is almost always a "bait and switch." With dentures, you get about what you pay for, but rarely would you find even average quality for $399-$599 and that is for each, not both. Since well-fitting dentures are essential for good health, to say nothing of cosmetics, one should not consider price alone. Low cost dentures use cheap and "soft" teeth that wear rapidly and look fake, while higher quality teeth last for many years. The pink denture base made of cheap material discolors, breaks easily and usually fits poorly. I would advise that, as with hand grenades and parachutes, don't always look for the lowest cost.
Should I Get Dental Implants?According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, statistics show that nearly 70% of adults aged 35 to 44 years in the United States have at least one missing tooth due to an accident, tooth decay, gum disease, or dental fractures.Dental Implants or Dentures?But there’s no need to go through life with missing teeth. These days, many good alternatives are available. Dental implants and dentures are the most common options. Dentures are false teeth, and although their quality has improved, they’re not ideal for everyone. If not secured with denture adhesive, dentures might slip out of place while eating or speaking, which could be embarrassing, and partial dentures might promote infection and decay in other teeth if they aren’t fitted properly, which may increase the risk that you would need a tooth filling on the abutment (adjoining) tooth. That said, dentures may be the best choice for people whose gums and jaw are weak or unhealthy.Should I Get Dental Implants?If you are missing teeth and your gums and jaw are healthy, you may benefit from dental implants, which are replacement teeth that are implanted surgically into the jawbone. With good oral hygiene, dental implants can last for 20 years or more without the need for replacement. Dental implants are often a popular choice for people who have only one or two teeth missing, but they can be an alternative to dentures if you have several missing teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are healthy, two or more implants can serve as a base of support for several replacement teeth.

I began to get suspicious when they refused to pull my teeth unless I agreed to buy their most expensive package. Being in a dire financial situation I really didn't have much a choice. The most expensive package isn't what I wanted but it was still far cheaper than getting work done elsewhere. I agreed and signed the necessary paperwork. My next appointment was going to be about a week later.


Removable partial dentures. Although these don't require grinding down adjacent teeth, they are not nearly as stable or comfortable as dental implants and can affect speech and eating. This type of restoration is less expensive but doesn’t look as natural or function as well as an implant-supported crowns. The bone underneath a removable partial denture may deteriorate over time, changing the appearance of your smile and face.
I had the procedure done about 5 years ago and I'm down to one implant left. After the other 3 failed, I can say that one of them was my fault but the others I just feel were not seated properly and from what I researched I think 2 of my implants the dentist burned the bones so they inevitably failed. In fact the 1st one failed within 6 months and I knew walking out the day of the procedure something wasn't right with it but I was told it was just "healing".
The biggest problem I have is that I constantly feel the dentures part of the upper roof of my mouth I can't get use to that feeling.I also have to take them out when I eat.I can't eat pizza or chew meat because the top dentures move around.please people take care of your teeth having dentures is not fun.I read you are suppose to have 32 teeth I know have 8 natural teeth.
The Premium Denture is very high in natural appearance. It features enhanced natural appeal, wear and stain resistance, with detailed customization. As with the UltimateFit and EconomyPlus Dentures, the Premium’s extra-high density teeth are first set in wax for you to try in. Changes may be made at that time. After you have approved the look of your Premium Denture, the lab will custom finish your denture in the permanent acrylic base material. This additional customization results in a more natural look.
I at age 16 was in car accident went through the windshield and lost 4 on top and 4 lower so have had partials the last 30 years. Now I have one tooth left on top so I at least need the upper denture implant as for the bottoms well they are not great but can make due a few more years before I will have to get them. I have very lil income as I have just started my cleaning business last year. That being said I am very willing to trade services so long as it a denture implant or something very similar. Right now business is pretty slow always is during the summer. I am OCD and a perfectionist most likely the reason I love cleaning and do it better than most anyone with lil to no chemicals except the normal items you already have at home that care not harmful to the environment people/pets. You give me a beautiful smile back so I can also eat more than soups/foods that require lil to no chewing. I will give u the cleanest office & home 5 days a week for 6-8 months promise
Only his assistant - she did his job great. But I didn't pay her. I paid him. He nonchalantly walked down the hall not even stopping to take a look at my jawline that's showing. I love my immediate dentures. But the money I paid. I think I should have a decent dentist that is interested in helping his patient with care. My Medicaid dentist treats me better and he doesn't get paid so much.

Implant technology can vastly improve the patient's denture-wearing experience by increasing stability and preventing bone from wearing away. Implants can also aid retention. Instead of merely placing the implants to serve as blocking mechanism against the denture's pushing on the alveolar bone, small retentive appliances can be attached to the implants that can then snap into a modified denture base to allow for tremendously increased retention. Available options include a metal "Hader bar" or precision balls attachments.


Sulphamic acid is a type of acid cleanser that is used to prevent the formation of calculus on dentures. Suphlamic acid has a very good compatibility with many denture materials, including the metals used in denture construction.[32] 5% hydrochloric acid is another type of acid cleanser. In this case, the denture is immersed in the hydrochloric cleanser to soften the calculus so that it can be brushed away. The acid can cause damage to clothes if accidentally spilt and could cause corrosion of cobalt-chromium or stainless steel if immersed in the acid often and over long periods of time.[32]
What does this mean for me? Dental patients looking for a full-mouth restoration are wise to shop around and, ask the important questions of each prospective dental clinic: questions such as costs for extractions, costs for full-mouth restoration, what materials are used, and what can I expect during my “free” consultation. Without these answers, it’s impossible to make an informed decision about your dental future. Renew also suggests you get a second opinion. Just like you’d want a second opinion if you were going to make a large medical decision, it is important to go to multiple appointments and see where you feel comfortable. We are more than happy to be a resource in your journey so please feel free to email us or call us and we can walk you through our option and other options out there. Knowledge is power!

I bought a full upper denture and within months, they were way too loose. I was told by my dentist they would need relining after several months. My dentist now wants $475 to reline and fit these very thin dentures, but she never mentioned I would be charged to have these refitted. After paying $2,500 total (and unexpectedly), I was just wondering Is this the norm? Or was I just unlucky?Answer: Whenever teeth are extracted, the jawbone and gums in the areas where the teeth used to be start to shrink. This shrinkage can continue for the rest of your life, and this is part of the reason that most dentures need to be refit periodically. Because the most rapid jaw shrinkage occurs during the first six months after extractions, it would be quite normal for your dentures to be loose after six months and require relining. Because the need for this additional and continual treatment (refitting) can vary greatly from patient to patient and time to time, it is most often considered as a separate part of your treatment plan, and the time necessary to accomplish this service is billed accordingly.Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists. Back to top


[...] a composition for the purpose of making of artificial teeth either single double or in rows or in complete sets, and also springs for fastening or affixing the same in a more easy and effectual manner than any hitherto discovered which said teeth may be made of any shade or colour, which they will retain for any length of time and will consequently more perfectly resemble the natural teeth.[8]

The shoddy work of Drs. ** and ** resulted in blisters, lesions, sores and bleeding in my mouth. All caused by Affordable Dentures'€™ defective product. The lowers would not allow my mouth to rotate or chew. And I was expected to be tortured like this for no less than one year and up to two years! Subsequently, I was examined in an emergency room and by a dentist in federal practice, all advising me to contact Dr. ** for adjustment.
I have had to go back a couple times to see Christopher Atari and his team they are so wonderful… I have had to go back a couple times to see Christopher Atari and his team they are so wonderful everyone on his staff make you feel like you're at home not at a dentist I cannot tell you how wonderful they are there are not words out there for this dental office if you need help you must go here everyone there everyone are so so kind and make you feel comfortable and most of all nothing to be ashamed of. I actually can't wait till my next visit he says it about a dentist no one that's how good they are. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and for making me so happy. And my great big smile. I can't quit smiling thank you thank you thank you. Anyone who's reading this this is the place to go. God bless every single one of you sincerely Toni Barajas Read more
Removable partial dentures start at $300 -$500, average around $700-$1,800,and can cost $2,000-$4,000 or more in gold (instead of acrylic or another metal). Partial dentures use a metal framework to hold artificial teeth in place, and can be attached to natural teeth with metal clasps or with precision attachments that are nearly invisible but require crowns on the real teeth.
While wearing removable dentures, patients should not chew gum or use toothpicks. In addition, patients need to be careful when eating food that is hot or hard, as well as anything with bones or shells. It may take a while to get used to chewing with dentures, so Dallas Laser Dentistry suggests patients start with softer foods that are cut into small pieces. Chewing slowly and using both sides of the mouth may also help some patients.

Some patients who believe they have 'bad teeth' may consider having all of them extracted and replaced with complete dentures. However, statistics show that most patients who receive this treatment wind up regretting it. This is because complete dentures have only 10% of the chewing power of natural teeth, and it is difficult to get them fitted satisfactorily, particularly in the mandibular arch. Even if a patient retains one tooth there, that one tooth contributes significantly to the stability of the denture. However, retention of just one or two teeth in the upper jaw does not contribute much to the overall stability of a denture, since an upper complete denture tends to be very stable, in contrast to a lower complete denture. It is thus advised that patients keep their natural teeth as long as possible, especially in the case of lower teeth.
A mid-priced (and better quality) heat cured denture typically costs $500–$1,500 per denture or $1,000-$3,000 for a complete set. The teeth look much more natural and are much longer lasting than cold cured or temporary dentures. In many cases, they may be tried out before they are finished to ensure that all the teeth occlude (meet) properly and look esthetically pleasing. These usually come with a 90-day to two-year warranty and in some cases a money-back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied. In some cases, the cost of subsequent adjustments to the dentures is included.
I had a really great experience with Affordable Dentures and Implants. My mom has always been afraid of dentists and didn't take care of her teeth. She also had a stroke a few years back which has created a few more barriers to treatment. It's difficult to explain to anyone who doesn't personally know a stroke survivor, but she gets antsy pretty quickly and can be a bit difficult to work with at times. She's also physically handicapped and can't use her left side, plus is having trouble transferring from her wheelchair to other seats, getting into a helpful position, and following directions, so it's a bit of a unique situation.
HORRIBLE!!  My husband sat and waited 5 HOURS only for them to turn him away.  He has suffered for… HORRIBLE!!  My husband sat and waited 5 HOURS only for them to turn him away.  He has suffered for years with horrible teeth and came to the decision, it would be best for him to get dentures instead of suffering.  The doctor told him he "needs to keep the teeth God has given him"....They were not willing to listen to him or do what HE wanted them to!  Pull the 10 teeth that he had left and get a pair of dentures!  Thanks for absolutely NOTHING! Read more
A film of saliva typically helps hold dentures in place. Denture adhesives may be used if the salivary glands do not produce a sufficient amount of saliva. Denture adhesives are not, however, a remedy for ill-fitting dentures. A denture that fits poorly (i.e., feels loose or causes discomfort) may need to be relined or replaced as it can contribute to the development of mouth sores.
Dental adhesives are safe as long as they are used as directed. If the denture is well-fitting and the adhesive is only used to give added stability, there should be no ill effects. If adhesives are used excessively to fill voids for an ill-fitting denture, they can be harmful to the underlying soft and hard tissues. Occasionally, in these cases, inflammation of the soft tissues can result. In addition, because of its movement on the soft tissue and underlying bone, an ill-fitting denture can cause bone loss.
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