This is the basic process for a hybrid denture by appointment:

1. Take pictures of the patient, ct scans/X-rays, and make impressions (like a mold) of the entire palate. They send this information to the lab to design the denture and other things necessary for the surgery
2. In this woman’s case, she had extractions. Then they install the implants. They put in a temporary denture. The implants fuse to the bone and that can take several months (up to 6)
3. New impressions are taken of the palate (because the teeth won’t be in the exact same place as before).
4. The patient tries on the final denture to evaluate the fit (if it doesn’t fit right it can lead to jaw pain) if adjustments in appearance need to be made, it’s sent back to the lab, otherwise it’s installed.

So 2 impressions, a temporary denture, a final denture, surgery, installing titanium screws, labor costs all of those appointments including several staff members… regardless of the material used for the final denture, that’s $14,000 worth of services.

I mean I can see being upset over not getting the best material, but it’s far from a scam. Again, like I said above, the dentist was likely worried about potential damage the material would cause.

I feel bad for her because there was an obvious breakdown in communication. People are really really sensitive about their teeth.