CAD Smiles can make full dentures, but they specialize in partial dentures and do not offer complete denture services

CAD Smiles is an online denture company that uses digital design and 3D printing to make custom dentures. They focus on partial dentures — the kind that replace some of your teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place. If you need a full denture (one that replaces all your upper or lower teeth), CAD Smiles is not the right fit for you.

The reason matters: full dentures require a different fitting process than partials. A full denture must seal against your entire gum ridge and balance your bite across all the space where teeth used to be. That process typically needs in-person adjustments and measurements that online-only companies do not provide. CAD Smiles' digital model works well for partials because they attach to your remaining teeth, which give the denture an anchor point.

Key Takeaways

  • CAD Smiles makes partial dentures only, not full dentures that replace all your teeth.
  • Full dentures need in-person fitting and adjustment because they rely on gum-ridge contact for stability, not on remaining natural teeth.
  • If you need a full denture, you will need to work with a traditional denturist or dentist who can measure your mouth in person.
  • Online denture companies that do offer full dentures still typically require an initial in-person visit or a referral from a local dentist.

Why Full Dentures Are Different from Partials

A partial denture clips onto your remaining natural teeth and uses them for support. Because those teeth are already there, the company can work from your bite impression and photos to design a denture that fits around them. The denture does not have to create its own stability — your teeth do that work.

A full denture has no teeth to hold onto. Instead, it must create a seal against your gum ridge — the bone where your teeth used to be. That seal is what keeps the denture in place when you chew or talk. Getting that seal right requires precise measurements of your ridge shape, your bite, and how your jaw moves. It also usually requires multiple in-person visits to adjust the denture as your gums heal and change shape over the first few months.

This is why even companies that do make full dentures online usually ask you to visit a local dentist or denturist first. They need someone to take the measurements and send them the data. CAD Smiles has chosen not to offer this service at all.

What CAD Smiles Actually Offers

CAD Smiles uses 3D scanning and digital design to create partial dentures. You send them photos and an impression of your teeth, they design the denture on a computer, and they mail it to you. The process is faster and often less expensive than a traditional denturist visit because there is no in-person appointment.

This works for partials because the fit depends mainly on how well the denture clasps grip your remaining teeth — something that can be designed from measurements and photos. You may still need minor adjustments when it arrives, but the denture usually functions well out of the box.

If you have already lost all or most of your teeth and need a full denture, CAD Smiles cannot help you. You will need to contact a traditional denturist, a dentist who makes dentures, or another online company that specifically offers full denture services.

Where to Look for Full Dentures

If you need a full denture, start with a dentist or denturist in your area. A denturist is a specialist trained specifically in making dentures; in many states, they can work independently without a dentist's referral. You can search for denturists through the National Denturist Association or by calling local dental offices and asking for a referral.

Some online denture companies do make full dentures, but they require you to work with a local provider first. Companies like Affordable Dentures and Aspen Dental have physical locations where you can get measured, or they work with dentists who send them your measurements. The cost and timeline vary depending on whether you need extractions, how much healing time your gums need, and how many adjustment visits are included.

Traditional in-person denturists remain the most common route for full dentures because they can see your mouth, test the fit, and make adjustments on the spot. This usually costs more than an online partial, but it also means fewer trips back and forth if something needs fixing.

The Cost Difference Between Partials and Full Dentures

Partial dentures generally cost less than full dentures because they are smaller and simpler to make. CAD Smiles partial dentures typically range from a few hundred to around $1,000 or $1,500 per denture, depending on how many teeth they replace and what materials you choose. Prices vary, so check their website for current costs.

Full dentures cost more because they cover more surface area and require more fitting time. A full denture from a traditional denturist usually costs between $1,000 and $3,000 per arch (upper or lower), though this varies widely by location and provider. If you need both upper and lower full dentures, you are looking at a larger investment, but you may also be able to spread the cost across multiple visits.

Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of denture costs, but coverage is often limited. Check your plan to see what it covers for partials versus full dentures — the coverage may be different.

What Happens If You Try to Use a Partial Denture Company for a Full Denture

If you have no remaining teeth and you try to order from CAD Smiles or a similar partial-only company, they will likely reject your order or ask you to provide information they cannot use. Without teeth to anchor to, a partial denture design does not work. The denture would have no clasps to grip, and it would not stay in your mouth.

This is not a flaw in the company — it is a real limitation of the product. A partial denture and a full denture are fundamentally different devices. Trying to force one into the role of the other will not work, no matter how good the company is at what they actually do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a CAD Smiles partial denture if I only have a few teeth left?

Yes, as long as you have at least some natural teeth remaining that the denture can clasp onto. CAD Smiles makes partials for people with varying numbers of remaining teeth. The more teeth you have, the more stable the partial will be. If you are down to just one or two teeth, ask CAD Smiles directly whether they can design a denture that works for your situation.

What if my remaining teeth are not in good shape?

If your remaining teeth are loose, decayed, or likely to be extracted soon, a partial denture may not be the right choice for you right now. You might need to have those teeth removed first and then get a full denture. Talk to a dentist about whether your remaining teeth can support a partial, or whether extraction and a full denture would be a better long-term plan.

Do I need to see a dentist before ordering from CAD Smiles?

No — CAD Smiles works directly with customers and does not require a dentist referral. However, it is a good idea to have a dentist check your remaining teeth and gums before you order, just to make sure they are healthy enough to support a partial denture.

How long does it take to get a full denture if I go to a traditional denturist?

The timeline depends on whether you need teeth extracted first. If your teeth are already out, the process usually takes two to four weeks from your first appointment to delivery, with one or two follow-up visits for adjustments. If you need extractions, add two to three months for your gums to heal before the denture is made. Some denturists can speed this up, so ask about their timeline when you call.

Can I switch from a partial to a full denture later?

Yes. If you start with a partial and later lose more teeth or decide to extract your remaining teeth, you can have a full denture made. You will need to see a denturist or dentist to get measured for the new denture. The partial you had will not work anymore because it was designed to clasp teeth that are no longer there.