Full Arch Dental Implant Solutions
There are a variety of implant prosthetics that can replace the teeth in an entire jaw. Some are removable, meaning you take them out to clean at night, and some are "permanent," meaning that they can only be removed by the dentist. They vary significantly in materials, function, patient comfort, and cost.
The following information reviews some of the options available for replacing missing teeth with full arch dental implant prosthetics.
Implant Overdenture
One option is to have two to four implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This is called an “overdenture.” This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants, and will not allow the denture to come loose or float in your mouth. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture.
An additional overdenture option involves connecting the implants with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention attachments that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than overdentures made without a bar and allows very little denture movement, especially if you have maintained your natural teeth on your opposing jaw. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Permanent Denture
Another option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent "denture." Your prosthesis is held in place by the implants and it does not rest on the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing 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 tooth replacement prefer this option.