Replacing Missing Teeth with Implant Retained Dentures

One option for replacing multiple teeth is 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. One option to improve retention of the lower denture without adhesive is the “implant overdenture” which fits securely onto two or more dental implants.  The retention of the denture comes from the snap mechanism of implant attachments but is still removable for cleaning purposes.  If used in combination with an upper denture, an implant overdenture, will allow the palate to not be fully covered minimizing the gag reflex and improving the sense of taste.

Screw Retained Dentures

A second option involves placing four or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent screw retained prosthesis or full arch bridge. Your prosthesis 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 prosthesis without removing it. This prosthesis will replace all your missing teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your prosthesis without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent solution prefer this option.

The full-arch, ceramic, implant-supported, screw-retained option of replacing all of the teeth is growing in popularity.  This option is typically referred to as zirconia full arch bridge.  Zirconia is a white, powdered metal oxide, a metal with similar properties to titanium.  Both implant retained dentures and fixed screw retained dentures provide great benefits for edentulous patients. However, screw retained full arch bridges have demonstrated superior impact on patient satisfaction, oral health, aesthetics, and quality of life.  Implant retained restorations offer a beautiful alternative to replacing natural teeth!