Missing All Upper or Lower Teeth

Missing All Lower Teeth

Many patients 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.

All-on-4® (Implant Supported Full Arch Restoration)

Also known as a screw retained bridge, this option offers maximum stability. Placed on four or more implants and secured by screws, the full arch bridge is permanent, only removed by us at maintenance visits. The full arch restoration fits precisely in contact with the gum tissue, allowing you to clean under it without removal.

All-on-4® Guided Surgery Digital Treatment Planning

All-on-4® Treatment Concept

Ball Attachment Denture

Two implants are placed in the lower jaw, onto which a denture snaps into place. This option is more stable than traditional, removable dentures; however there will still be some movement. Sore spots can develop if food is caught underneath. Periodic appointments ensure proper adjustment.

Bar Attachment Denture

Referred to above as “overdentures”, this process involves the placing of four to six implants in the lower jaw. A custom support bar connects the implants, and a denture with internal retention clips is attached to the support bar. This option is very popular as the denture is more stable than with ball attachments, yet it is still removable for cleaning.

Individual Implants

Of course, there is always the option to have each missing tooth replaced by an individual dental implant. The benefits of this are increased stability, preservation of the jawbone and a natural look. However, the process is the most costly and time-consuming.

Missing All Upper Teeth

Upper Arch Replacements

The treatment options for the upper arch are basically the same as those mentioned above, however additional implants are sometimes needed to compensate for softer bone.

Implant Retained Upper Denture

Depending upon the number of dental implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.

Individual Upper Implants

If you want a restoration that is similar to your natural teeth and therefore not removable, you probably will need eight-to-ten individual dental implants to be placed. This is followed after healing by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.

For more information on dental implants, please visit our Dental Implant FAQ page.

If you are fed up with dentures and are looking for a better, more permanent solution, please call us to find out more about the life-changing transformations that full arch restorations are giving patients in our office.