For those missing all of their upper or lower teeth, dental implants offer a range of secure and comfortable tooth replacement options. With the right implant treatment plan, even patients with no remaining teeth can enjoy the confidence, function, and quality of life that comes with a strong, attractive smile.
Missing all lower teeth
Snap-On Denture with Ball Attachments
For this option, two dental implants are strategically placed in your lower jaw. Your new denture will snap securely onto these implants using ball attachment anchors. While more stable than conventional dentures, some movement can still occur during chewing. Food debris can get trapped, causing sore spots. Periodic denture adjustments are needed.
Bar-Retained Overdenture
This technique involves placing 4-6 implants in your lower jaw, depending on its size and shape. After healing, a custom support bar connects the implants. Your new overdenture has internal clips that allow it to snap firmly onto the bar, minimizing irritating denture shifting. The overdenture is removable for easy cleaning.
Screw Retained Overdenture
With this method, 5+ implants anchor a permanent non-removable denture in place using screws or clasps. The denture hovers over your gums, eliminating sore spots. Cleaning under the denture takes more dexterity but eliminates removal. Many prefer this fixed, permanent solution.
Individual Implant-Supported Crowns
For the most natural-looking and feeling outcome, each missing tooth can be replaced with an individual implant-supported crown. Around 8-10 implants are typically needed to support a full arch replacement that mimics your real teeth. This option requires adequate jawbone density and is the most costly up-front.
What if I'm missing all my upper teeth?
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often 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 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.
Implant Retained Upper Denture
With enough implants placed, you can avoid covering the roof of your mouth with a traditional full palate denture. This gives you an improved sense of taste and temperature. The denture clips onto implants but is removable for easy cleaning.
Individual Implant-Supported Crowns
For a permanent non-removable solution, 8-10 individual implants can support a full arch of replacement teeth. After healing, porcelain crowns are secured giving you new natural-looking teeth.