Replacing Multiple Teeth
Missing All Lower Teeth
Although some patients learn to adapt to an upper denture, most people find it extremely difficult to adapt to lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.
Stud Attachment Denture
One option is to have two or more implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto attachments, or studs on these implants. This option reduces movement of your lower denture allowing it to be more stable while chewing. However, there may still be some movement of your denture, and sore spots can still occur, especially if small food particles, like seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you will still need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Bar Attachment Denture
Another option is to have two or more implants placed in your lower jaw with a denture that snaps onto a metal bar that is custom made to connect the implants together. Your denture will be made with special internal attachments that allowing it to snap firmly into place. This is also called a bar “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that the denture is much more stable than the stud attachment denture and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Screw Retained Denture
A third option involves placing four or more implants in your jaw and permanently attaching a denture. With this option, your denture is no longer removable, except by your dentist. Many patients who want the feel of permanent teeth prefer this option.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Individual Implants
The final option is to have all your teeth individually replaced so that they will appear to be growing out of your gum tissue and will most closely resemble the appearance of your natural teeth. This option usually requires six or more implants. Separate abutments or support posts for each one of these implants will be made and crowns for each missing tooth will be placed. The teeth are often joined together. Overall, this is the most costly option, because it requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication. However, it is also the option that closely resembles and feels like natural teeth.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Healing Completed
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 dense as in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support the replacement teeth.
Stud Attachment Denture
One option is to have two or more implants placed in your upper jaw and a denture made that snaps onto attachments, or studs on these implants. This option reduces movement of your denture allowing it to be more stable while chewing. However, there may still be some movement of your denture, and sore spots can still occur, especially if small food particles, like seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you will still need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
Bar Attachment Denture
Another option is to have four or more implants placed in your upper jaw with a denture that snaps onto a metal bar that is custom made to connect the implants together. Your denture will be made with special internal attachments that allowing it to snap firmly into place. This is also called a bar “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the stud attachment denture and allows very little denture movement. In addition, it may also be possible to reduce or even remove the covering of the roof of your mouth with the complete denture. This would allow you to enjoy food more by improving taste, temperature and texture sensation. Your denture will feel more natural and still be removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Individual Upper Implants
The final option is to have all your teeth individually replaced so that they will appear to be growing out of your gum tissue and will most closely resemble the appearance of your natural teeth. This option usually requires eight or more implants. Separate abutments or support posts for each one of these implants will be made and crowns for each missing tooth will be placed. The teeth are often joined together. Overall, this is the most costly option, because it requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication. However, it is also the option that closely resembles and feels like natural teeth.