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.
Treatment Options When Missing All Lower Teeth
If you’ve lost all your lower teeth, you’re not alone. Many dental patients struggle with wearing and eating with traditional lower dentures. Fortunately, several stable and comfortable implant-supported tooth replacement solutions are available.
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.
Treatment Options When Missing All Upper Teeth
Similar options exist for people missing all the teeth in the upper jaw. Depending on your particular needs and oral health, you may need more implants since the upper jaw is less dense.
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.