Full Mouth Reconstruction: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
How much it costs
What insurance will cover
How it works
How to prolong results
Fast facts
A full mouth reconstruction procedure replaces or restores all (or a majority) of your teeth. This process of reconstructing the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws is typically performed by a cosmetic dentist or oral surgeon, though in more complicated cases may require other oral health care providers, such as an orthodontist or endodontist.
The goal of a full mouth restoration is to improve both the health and appearance of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. The process can be lengthy and expensive, involving surgery that can completely alter the appearance, size, shape, and position of your teeth.
Depending on the extent and severity of the underlying problems as well as your overall health and gum health, it may involve a variety of treatment options, including dental bridges, dental crowns, implants, onlays or inlays, or porcelain veneers.
In some cases, it may also involve orthognathic surgery to reposition your jaw.
The process of restorative dentistry can be especially well worth it if you're missing teeth due to decay, trauma, or an underlying medical condition like oral cancer. It may also help correct dental problems stemming from bruxism, or teeth grinding.
Despite the expense, full mouth reconstruction has an extremely high RealSelf Worth It Rating. Members who’ve reviewed it say their new teeth have improved their ability to chew and talk. They also report a renewed sense of confidence in their smile. One RealSelf member says, “I can speak and eat with far better clarity and efficiency,” and “my new mouth gives me loads of confidence.”
Pros
- The procedure can transform your smile by replacing decayed, lost, or misshapen teeth with bright, even implants or veneers.
- Artificial dental restorations can last for decades—or even the rest of your life—with proper care.
Cons
- Even with dental insurance partially covering the cost, full mouth reconstruction is a major investment.
- It often involves being treated by several restoration dentistry professionals.
- It’s a lengthy process that can take a year or more to fully complete.
Full mouth reconstruction costs between $12,300 and $25,000, according to patient reviews on RealSelf.
Your cost will depend on which procedures you’re having, the experience level of your providers, and their practice locations. The type of sedation you have during surgical procedures may also impact the price you pay.
This is a major investment, and most providers offer payment plans or accept financing options. One widely accepted option is CareCredit.
Dental insurance may cover at least some costs associated with the procedure, if it’s considered medically necessary, not just cosmetic (for example, replacing missing teeth).
Many dental offices also offer third-party financing options, to help make the procedure more affordable.
Depending on the severity of your tooth decay or loss, a full mouth reconstruction often requires the care of several different specialists, working as a team.
Typically, you’ll start with your general dentist, who will examine the health and condition of your teeth to determine which kinds of restorative dental work may be necessary. This initial examination process may require X-rays and teeth impressions.
Your dentist will also examine the health of your gums. If you have significant gum recession or periodontal disease, you may not be a good candidate for a full mouth reconstruction until you're treated for the underlying condition, and your newly restored or reconstructed teeth have a solid base to stand on.
Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, oral surgeon, or an orthodontist, who can help ensure your new teeth will be straight. Depending on their findings, you may need root canal therapy, bone grafting (to ensure that your jawbone is strong enough for future procedures, like dental implants), or other oral surgery.
Once they've fully assessed your unique situation, your team of dentistry experts will put together a full mouth reconstruction plan, with a series of steps. Don’t be shy about asking your team of specialists for clarification on any step of the plan.
Before moving forward with a full mouth reconstruction, be sure to “do your research, just like you would for anything,” recommends Rocky River, Ohio, dentist Dr. John Heimke, DDS, in a RealSelf Q&A. “Have multiple consults. Look for someone you feel comfortable with, above all.” Your provider(s) should specialize in cosmetic dentistry.
Most full reconstructions that involve a series of dental procedures take up to a year (and sometimes longer) to fully complete.
Each patient’s comprehensive treatment plan is unique, so during your consultations, ask each specialist for their estimate of the full timeline.
After completing a long, expensive full mouth rehabilitation, you’ll need regular follow-up checkups “to prolong the lifespan of these new restorations and to ensure the health of your gums,” explains Washington, D.C., dentist Dr. Peter Rinaldi in a RealSelf Q&A.
Protect your investment by getting regular dental care: see a dentist at least yearly and get a thorough teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist every six months.
Many patients are instructed to wear a mouth guard at night, to prevent cracks that can happen from grinding your teeth while sleeping. This is especially important to protect costly dental implants.
Updated June 13, 2023