You don't say how old you are, but I'm guessing that you are getting on in years. It's natural that the gums shrink and there is also some bone loss in the jaw. The shape of the jaw can actually change a little. Ask your dentist, it might be a good idea to get a new set made. Otherwise, I think the only option is either to have them lined again or just put up with them like they are.

seems like costs for dental cleaning vary a LOT depending on where in the country you live, how good a job you want done, how closely you want your pet monitored and cared for while anesthetized, and how expertly you want any extractions done. where my wife works as a dental technician here in Los Angeles the average dental runs just under $1000... but can easily get over $2000. But in some clinics here I have worked relief at $250 is standard (but the standard of care at these places is BELOW standards!)- I sure wouldn't want my own pet done there, even if I did the dental myself! Where I work now the average is about $600, but you rarely get a doctor involved... which I don't necessarily think is a good thing... and we don't routinely radiograph teeth (and therefore probably miss a LOT of stuff). Saving money on dentals is not necessarily a good thing in the long run... Not sure where in the country you are, but my only experience is with Los Angeles prices.

You need to have a more positive outlook, trust your Vet completely, and be sure that none of your tension goes to your dog. If people or animals have excessive bacteria in their gums, or if they need the protection, antibiotics in advance will help keep them safe from the bacteria getting into their bodies and doing damage. We had both of our dogs done last fall, and it is a great thing to do for them. There are even Vet dentists anymore - that seems to be a new specialty. That bacteria if left alone, can work its way under the gums into bad places. When the teeth are cleaned, they go way up under the gums, and clean whatever needs it. Frankly I was worried about our 10 year old dog, but I trusted our Vet. After this is done, you ought to brush his teeth each night. The toothpaste we use tastes like chicken, so they are anxious to have their teeth brushed. Relax. You are doing a very good thing for your dog. Sammy

After spending $6,000, my dentures still do not fit well, upper or two different lowers. I have read and been told that lowers or the hardest to get right. The uppers make me whistle, and I finally got implants for the lowers. I'm not spending any more money on dentures, so I do the best I can with what I have, which means I can't eat certain things. I have to use a lot of the "glue." I will say they look nice. I usually soak them overnight and eat something soft for breakfast before I put them in. I am not a happy camper, denture wise. Funniest thing I ever heard about false teeth. My friend works at a hospital and happened to be in the room with some family members whose brother had died. One sister commented that John's mouth didn't look right. Other sister looked closer and said his dentures didn't look right. First sister said, John doesn't wear dentures! Oops, seems a nurse had put somebody's dentures in John's mouth! I have made a joke about my situation. I ask my relatives if eating all that "glue" has made me look fat. ;-) Sue