DENTAL ImplanTS OPTIONS AFTER REMOVAL OF ALL TEETH
Dental Implant Options after Removal of all Teeth
Option 1: Fixed Implant Bridges
In cases where multiple teeth are missing, patients may be advised to get a Fixed Implant
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What are Fixed Implant Bridges?
Fixed Implant Bridges are dental prosthetic devices used to replace (more than one) missing teeth in a patient’s mouth.
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They are a type of dental bridge that is supported by dental implants rather than by natural teeth. These bridges are a popular, successful and effective solution for those who have lost multiple teeth and want a stable and permanent restoration.
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When multiple teeth in a row are missing, fixed implant bridges utilize dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone (the foundation) and tooth-like porcelain restorations to replace missing teeth (much like a fixed bridge on natural teeth) to replace the missing teeth and restore the ability to chew food, and smile with confidence.
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In addition to preserving the jawbone and surrounding teeth, fixed implant bridges help maintain the shape of your smile and prevent future dental complications. When several teeth are missing, Fixed Implant Bridges are the most ideal dental restorations.
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A removable bridge (partial denture) needs to be taken out for cleaning, but Fixed Implant Bridges are attached to dental implants for a permanent, worry-free solution that looks, feels and acts like your natural teeth.
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These can be done in areas missing as few as just three teeth, all the way up to an entire arch of teeth (all upper teeth or all lower teeth).
Here’s how fixed implant bridges work:
They utilize Dental Implants for support: Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once placed in the bone, the implants fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a sturdy foundation for the bridge. They are completely submerged in bone.
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Abutments: After the dental implants have healed and integrated with the bone (which typically takes several months), abutments are attached to the implants. Abutments are connecting posts that are screwed down into the body of the implant (which is not visible, as it’s down IN the bone). They protrude above the gum line and serve as attachments for the bridge.
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Bridge Construction: The bridge is a custom-made prosthesis consisting of artificial teeth that fill the gaps left by missing teeth. The bridge is typically made from materials such as porcelain or zirconia to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These look just like real teeth and can even be custom stained to include whatever characterization you’d like. They can be custom-designed to your preference as far as tooth size, shape, color, characterization etc.
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Attachment: The bridge is securely attached to the abutments using screws. Once in place, it becomes a permanent fixture in your mouth and cannot be removed by you. If they ever do need to be removed, only a dentist can remove them. They are strong and stable and provide you with not only comfortable chewing but the confidence to chew foods that perhaps for years, you were nervous to eat because of tooth problems.
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What are the Benefits of Fixed Bridges?
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A long-lasting solution that maintains the structure of surrounding teeth. With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported bridges can last for many years, often decades.
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Fixed Implant Bridges look, feel and function like healthy natural teeth. They are designed to look natural and blend seamlessly with the remaining teeth.
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Comfort. Patients missing all teeth on a given arch (all uppers or all lowers) find them more comfortable than removable dentures since they are firmly anchored in the mouth.
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Oral Health. Fixed implant bridges do not rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, which means neighboring teeth do not need to be altered or prepared.
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Stability. A strong structure that can withstand the force of normal biting and chewing. They are highly stable and function like natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
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Confidence. Implant bridges restore your ability to eat normally, to talk and to smile without worrying about your dental prosthetic becoming loose or falling out.
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Bone preservation. Dental implants help preserve the surrounding jawbone by providing stimulation, preventing bone loss that often occurs when teeth are missing.
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A treatment option that is often less expensive than replacing every missing tooth with an implant.
Option 2:Implant overdentures/Implant supported removable fixed dentures
Implant-supported overdentures provide you with a restorative solution for replacing a full set of missing teeth. These overdentures give you a more comfortable, natural-looking smile compared to traditional dentures. The secret lies in the support the overdentures get from well-positioned implants.
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Instead of removable dentures that use adhesive to stay in place, overdentures have support from two to four implants, depending on the location of the overdenture. Upper teeth usually require a minimum of four implants to ensure the stability and security of the overdenture, while the lower teeth may only need two implants.
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The implants firmly snap into the dentures without the need to use adhesives. Plus, since the overdenture snaps into position, it does not move even when eating or talking.
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Getting implant-supported overdentures requires a surgical procedure to place the implants. You may get a temporary denture the day of your implant surgery and a final version after your healing process completes.
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Benefits of an Overdenture
Getting an implant-supported overdenture is a much better option for many patients than standard dentures. Because the implants fit into the jaw, they promote bone retention. In contrast, traditional dentures may cause bone loss over time, resulting in changes to the face and the need for replacing the dentures. The longer you wear traditional dentures, the looser they usually get.
Another perk of getting an implant overdenture is its stability in the mouth. Overdentures give you better biting strength than dentures, so you can eat what you want without worrying about your dentures moving or falling out. You’ll have fewer restrictions to your diet. Therefore, you can more easily maintain good nutrition by continuing to incorporate meats, fresh fruits and vegetables into your eating plan.
Option 3: Hybrid dentures
What Are Hybrid Dentures?
You can think of hybrid implant dentures as being a cross between dentures and implants (as the name may suggest). If you need to replace a missing tooth, you may get a single dental implant, but if you need to replace multiple teeth, this can end up being a lot of work—not to mention a lot of money or sometimes, you just do not have enough bone to replace all the missing teeth with implants. This is where hybrid dentures come in. Instead of getting every tooth replaced, you use implants to connect them to dentures, which are anchored to the jaw. So, you may have the option of four implants being strategically placed in the mouth, which are then connected to your dentures, giving you some of the benefits of having implants instead.
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What Is the Difference Between Classic and Hybrid Dentures?
The main difference between classic dentures and hybrid dentures is that hybrid dentures are fixed in your mouth with implants. This means that your dentures are fixed securely, so even if you bite into something chewy or hard, your dentures will stay in place. As dentures go, these have a very natural look and will have the closest feel you can expect to your original teeth.
Advantages of Hybrid Dentures
Considering getting hybrid dentures? Have a look at the advantages cons of fixed hybrid dentures.
Advantages of Hybrid Dentures
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You get better support. Since hybrid dentures are screwed in directly to dental implants, they give you better support and stability, so you don’t have to worry about them dislodging or loosening while talking, eating, or laughing.
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They look like natural teeth. You can smile with confidence, as hybrid dentures look natural and are permanent.
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You can eat and drink more easily.
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Hybrid dentures do not cover the roof of the mouth, so the roof of your mouth and gums feel natural and normal.
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Gum irritation is minimized as you do not depend on the gums for holding the denture in place. Also, you won’t have to worry about denture slippage and bite strength is also increased.
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Click here to view a case study of Hybrid Dentures from our clinic
