Implant Supported Denture

For a mouth missing all or nearly all of your teeth there exists four major implant supported and/or retained options. The first two options are a fixed prosthesis that stays in all the time; the second two options can be removed by you.

The first two options are completely fixed, meaning you do not have to take them in and out. They are the most natural looking and functioning options.

1. Fixed full-arch implant bridges. This consists of 6-8 implants and fixed bridges. Below are some pictures of a prosthesis that is very similar. The only difference is yours would have some spaces in between the teeth to floss and in case something should ever break then a smaller section would need to be repaired.

This option gives you the second best result you could ever possibly have, next to individual implants for every tooth. It’s fixed, meaning it does not come in and out. And it would provide you with enough implants to replace all or any of your teeth. It is made out of porcelain teeth that look very natural. It would be very similar to having a new set of teeth that can not rot.

Risks: Porcelain chips on crowns – Could possibly happen over your lifetime – can usually be easily repaired
Implant fail – highly unlikely to happen – would lose implant and potentially part of bridge that that implant was attached to if still not enough implants to support that part

2. Fixed full-arch bridge on multi-unit abutments. This consists of 4 implants and a single fixed prosthesis. This option is heavily advertised as an “All-on-4” option.

Very good option. It’s fixed so stays in. A few disadvantages compared to the first option are that this option provides 1 or 2 less teeth on each side in the back and if an implant ever failed on you the whole prosthesis may not function properly anymore and need repairs or replacement. Also this restoration is all one piece using high end denture teeth and acrylic versus porcelain. Denture teeth are a little less esthetic and wear away faster but are cheaper to fix and repair.

Risks: Damage or break teeth – possible – cheap fix but must give up appliance for one day
Implant fail – highly unlikely – if one lost will be less stable, may be able to get new implant and use same appliance with little expense other than implant cost

These final two options are removable. So you would have to take them out at night and you will not have the same biting force as with the other options.

3. Implant supported overdenture. This consists of 4 implants and a removable appliance that attaches in some manner to the implants. The implants and either a bar or locator attachments support the denture. May or may not have a bar for support.

Disadvantage from previous options is that this is a removable denture so it goes in and out and you take it out at night. Pretty stable since has four supporting implants but not as stable as above options. Advantage over final option is more implants = more stability = you can eat more things and function more normally.

Risks: Damage or break teeth – possible – cheap fix but must give up appliance for one day
Implant fail – highly unlikely – may be a little less stable but likely will need no change or repair other than removal failing implant – can add new implant and use same appliance if you feel need to at that point
Reline denture – will need about every 3-8 years – takes 2-3 days
Attachment parts wear out – will happen every 2-4 years – very cheap fix

4. Implanted retained overdenture. This consist of 2 implants and a removable appliance, looks similar to the above option.

This is one step up from a denture. It provides a little more support but you will get some sore spots and need occasional relining of the denture because it will be supported by your tissue and not the implants as the previous option is.

Patient with three implants instead of two.

Risks: Damage or break teeth – possible – cheap fix but must give up appliance for one day
Implant fail – highly unlikely – will be less stable – can add new implant and use same appliance if you feel need to at that point
Reline denture – will need about every 3-5 years –
Attachment parts wear out – will happen every 2-4 years – very cheap fix

Whatever you do you could later upgrade to a higher level. The overall cost of doing it that way would be more since we would be making some things twice. However, going from option #4 to #3 is not a major cost, because the removable prosthesis can be modified. Whereas going from either option #3 or 4 to #1 or 2 would have similar costs to starting from scratch minus a couple implants.

This information sheet is meant to give you an idea about options. Until you meet with the implant surgeon, which option is right for you cannot be known. Some of these options may not work for you due to lack of bone. A CT scan may be needed to check bone levels and thickness, which will be completed in the implant surgeon’s office.

I hope you find this information helpful and it is not too overwhelming. I try to provide you with a lot of information without getting too technical. Obviously everything you would need to know is not included in this. A common question I am often asked is “How long will this process take?” As a general rule implants require 3-4 months to heal in the lower jaw and 4-6 months in the upper jaw. After the implants have healed then depending on which option you have chosen; 4-10 weeks for us to complete your teeth. There also can be quite a bit of pre implant work that we may need to do depending on your option; up to 6 weeks worth. You will always have some sort of teeth to wear through out the entire process. I recommend reading this several times and making a list of questions that you have and then meeting with one of the doctors to discuss your concerns and allow us to answer your questions. Some questions only the doctor placing your implants can answer and some not until after they place the implants. Please feel free to contact our office to set up a complimentary consult appointment with one of the doctors.