One telescopic crown or an inner cap is cemented permanently onto your tooth, the other outer cap on top looks like your teeth and combines with your denture. If you can imagine two cups representing the two crowns being stuck together, when you pull them apart you feel resistance. This is how the telescopic denture is held in place.
The remaining teeth are prepared with a drill so that a ‘cone’ crown can be fitted over the tooth. This crown is in the shape of a cone with a 5° taper, and not the normal bell-shape of a natural tooth. This cone crown is technically called a primary crown and it is permanently cemented over the prepared tooth.
If a sufficient number of secondary crowns are incorporated into the body of the partial denture there is no need to cover the palate (roof of the mouth).
Telescopic dentures are an excellent alternative to dental implants for patients seeking a more affordable, non-surgical option. They use a double-crown system, where a custom denture fits securely over prepared natural teeth or implants, providing a stable and comfortable fit without adhesives.
Compared to implant-supported solutions, telescopic dentures are typically more cost-effective, can be completed in a shorter timeframe, and are easier to clean and maintain due to their removable design. They still offer strong support, improved function, and a natural appearance—making them a reliable option for restoring your smile without the complexity of full implant treatment.
Telescopic Dentures can be fitted to a few remaining teeth but need the support of a minimum of two teeth per jaw. Ideally, one on each side, usually only between 2-6 teeth are required. The denture may also extend to 6 -8 teeth. It depends on the condition of your teeth. If you lose teeth later or years down the track, teeth can be added to the dentures, so there is no need for new dentures to be remade.
Dr Lidia A Palenberg is a Polish General Dentist with over 17 years of experience working in her own practice and also as a contractor. She speaks English, German and Polish.
Practicing all aspects of modern dentistry, Lidia believes in dental health improvement for patients of all backgrounds including highly anxious patients. She pays attention to your personal situation and plans your treatment accordingly.
Lidia endeavors to make your visit as relaxed as possible utilising her experience in Dental Hypnosis and Sedation.
Lidia established her first own family practice in 2004 in the ...
Because the plate itself is made from Chrome Cobalt, which is a high bio-compatible material, it’s accepted by the body and not rejected. This has been used in dentistry and medicine for many decades. In telescopic dentures, it’s been used since 1982 and it’s a good strong material. The actual teeth are made out of composite, so the colour can be made to suit or match any desired colour.
Before & After of upper telescopic denture fitted after two visits.
The cone crown is made from a variety of materials including cast stainless steel and zirconia. A secondary crown made of the same material is designed to frictionally fit intimately over the cone crown and is incorporated into the telescopic denture. In actual fact, the amount of retentive force required to unseat the Telescopic Denture is about 2kg.