Direct-to-consumer (DTC) dental laboratory services have popularized the idea of purchasing new teeth without a dental office visit. This modern model, often referred to as “online dentures,” typically involves a mail-order process or a tele-dentistry approach. Interest in these services is growing, driven by the desire for lower costs and the convenience of avoiding multiple appointments. These platforms promise a streamlined path to tooth replacement, but the process bypasses traditional professional oversight.
Direct-to-Consumer Options
The short answer to whether you can buy dentures online is yes, but the available products and necessary steps vary widely among providers. DTC services offer a range of prosthetic appliances, including full dentures for completely edentulous arches and partial dentures designed to replace only a few missing teeth. Some companies also market flippers or other purely esthetic appliances, which are intended as temporary or cosmetic solutions.
These online options generally fall into two categories: full DIY systems and those offering some virtual guidance. The DIY model relies entirely on the customer to create the necessary dental impressions using a mail-in kit. Other platforms may incorporate a virtual consultation with a non-dentist professional, but the core mechanism remains the at-home impression. The American Dental Association, however, discourages these services due to the potential for harm resulting from unsupervised treatment.
The At-Home Impression and Fitting Process
An at-home impression kit is sent directly to the consumer for online denture acquisition. This kit typically contains impression putty, a catalyst, and a variety of trays meant to accommodate different mouth sizes. The user is instructed to mix the putty, place it into the tray, and then bite down to capture the exact contours of their mouth and gums.
Once the putty has set, the completed impression is mailed back to the laboratory for the fabrication of the custom appliance. The potential for error is substantial since the user lacks professional training. Mistakes like biting too hard, not mixing the putty correctly, or removing the tray too soon can result in a distorted or unusable mold, almost guaranteeing a compromised fit for the final denture.
Why Professional Assessment is Necessary
A licensed dentist performs several functions that are bypassed in the online model. Before a denture is even fabricated, a professional must conduct a thorough oral examination to check for underlying diseases. Issues such as periodontal disease, oral cancer, or residual infection must be addressed first, as placing a denture over compromised tissue can accelerate health problems.
Proper denture fit also requires a professional assessment of the jaw’s underlying bone structure. After teeth are lost, the jawbone naturally begins a process called resorption, where the bone tissue shrinks due to lack of stimulation. A dentist is needed to account for these changes, which dictate the design and necessary adjustments of the denture to ensure even pressure distribution. Ill-fitting devices can accelerate this bone loss, leading to a cycle of worsening fit and further tissue damage.
Establishing correct occlusion is a precise physiological process that requires professional expertise. An incorrect bite alignment from a poorly fitting denture can lead to difficulty chewing, digestive issues, and speech impairments. Follow-up appointments are also standard in traditional care, allowing the dentist to make necessary adjustments after the soft tissues of the mouth have had time to adapt to the new appliance. This continuous, professional management is absent in the DTC model, creating a risk of chronic irritation, which can lead to painful sore spots and ulcers on the gums.
Comparing Cost Versus Long-Term Fit
The primary appeal of online dentures is the considerable cost savings compared to traditional dental services. Full conventional dentures from a dentist can range from approximately $1,000 to $3,000 or more per plate, depending on the materials and customization. Conversely, online alternatives are frequently advertised at a much lower price point, often falling between $499 and $1,500.
A poorly fitting denture, which is a common outcome of the DIY impression process, places uneven pressure on the gums and jawbone. This accelerated bone resorption can alter the facial structure and necessitates the premature replacement of the denture, ultimately incurring more cost over time. While the upfront price is lower, the potential for costly replacements and the risk of irreversible harm to the jaw structure summarize the value proposition of choosing convenience over professional oversight.