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 a patient is missing all of their lower teeth.
Ball Attachment Denture
One option is to have two implants placed in the lower jaw and have a denture made that snaps onto these implants (Locators®). This option allows the lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of the lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, periodic appointments for denture adjustment will still be needed.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Bar Attachment Denture
Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on the patient’s jaw size or shape, into the lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. The 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 is much more stable than the Ball Attachment Denture and allows very little denture movement. This 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 the jaw and attaching a permanent denture. The 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 patients to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under the denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Missing All Upper Teeth Grand Forks and Bismarck
A similar range of treatment options is also available for the upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people may sometimes 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 for covering the roof of the mouth with a complete denture. This option allows a patient to fully taste their food and gives them a better sense of its temperature. This denture will feel more natural. Depending on the patient’s particular situation, the prosthesis may be fixed or removable.
Implant Retained Upper Denture
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of a patient’s mouth with a complete denture. This option allows a patient to fully taste their food and gives them a better sense of its temperature. This denture will feel more natural. Depending on the patient’s particular situation, the prosthesis may be fixed or removable.