Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. If you are missing all your lower teeth, several implant-supported replacement options are available.
Book an appointmentOne option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw, and a denture will snap onto these implants. This option makes your lower denture more stable while chewing than without implants. However, your lower denture will still move, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it.
As with all removable replacement teeth, you will still need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
Another option involves placing four to six implants into your lower jaw, depending on your jaw size or shape. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach to the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.”
The advantage of the bar attachment denture is that it is much more stable than the ball attachment denture and allows very little movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. A screw retained denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits.
Cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time-consuming and requires more dexterity. However, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
The final option is to have all your teeth individually replaced so they will appear to be growing out of your gum tissue and most closely resemble the natural appearance of your teeth. This option usually requires eight or more implants. Separate abutments or support posts for each implant will be made, and crowns will be placed for each missing tooth. The teeth are often joined together for sinus grafting to replace bone height, strength, and support.
Individual implants are the most costly option because the process requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication. Your jawbone's current size and shape may also limit your replacement options.
Cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time-consuming and requires more dexterity. However, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth.
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need to cover the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
If you want a restoration that is similar to your natural teeth and therefore not removable, you will probably need eight to ten individual implants placed. After healing, the abutments and new replacement crowns are placed.
Let us help you improve your smile with full mouth dental implants at Butura Oral and Implant Surgery. If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation, give us a call today!
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