Replacing Missing Teeth With Implant Retained Dentures

Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” and your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And, of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture.

Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.

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What if I’m missing all of my lower teeth?

Ball Attachment Denture

One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw, and a denture made that snaps onto these dental 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 denture adjustment appointments.

Before Ball Attachment Denture

1. Before

Implants Placed Ball Attachment Denture

2. Implants Placed

Ball Denture Attached

3. Denture Attached

Bar Attachment Denture

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 this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Before Bar Attachment Denture

1. Before

Implants Placed Bar Attachment Denture

2. Implants Placed

Bar Denture Attached

3. Denture Attached

Screw Retained Denture

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. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time-consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.

Before Screw Retained Denture

1. Before

Implants Placed Screw Retained Denture

2. Implants Placed

Screw Retained Denture Attached

3. Denture Attached

What If I’m Missing All Of My Upper Teeth?

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 your mouth’s roof with a complete denture. This option allows you to taste your food fully 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.

Implant Retained Upper Denture

Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need to cover your mouth’s roof with a complete denture. This option allows you to taste your food fully 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.

An Implant Retained Upper Denture with its implants attached

Implant Benefits

  • Improved confidence
  • Stability during eating
  • Bone and gum preservation
  • Improved dental hygiene
  • Superior esthetics
  • Nutritional benefits

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Smile?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!