Missing All of the Teeth on the Upper Arch
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, most circumstances eliminate the need for covering 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 and look more natural.
Missing All Lower Teeth
Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. There are different implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.
Bar Attachment Denture
This option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. 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 onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants, very little denture movement occurs. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Screw Retained Denture
This 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.
