Dental implants - restoring natural smiles, comfort and confidence
Problem
All teeth missing
Loose, uncomfortable or poorly fitting conventional complete denture
- Unable to chew properly and eat certain foods
- Unable to speak clearly
- Unable to smile confidently
- Food gets stuck under the plate
- Plate causes gagging reflex
Solutions
Implant-supported fixed or removable complete arch bridge
Three principal options: Permanently fixed porcelain bridge, fixed but removable acrylic bridge or removable clip retained
All three options support the bridge, so that it is not resting on the gums
Implant-supported permanently fixed porcelain bridge
- Looks and functions like natural teeth
- Only removable by a dentist, for cleaning or extraction of trapped oral debris
- The most expensive option for a patient with no teeth
Acrylic bridge supported by four implants
- Looks and functions just like natural teeth
- Combines the security of permanent fixing with the convenience of removable dentures
- Solid foundation for natural chewing function, but easily removable for cleaning
- Bridge made from the same material as a conventional denture
- Once implants are in place, denture can be fitted by your general dentist
Removable (clip retained) denture
- Looks like natural teeth and can be removed for cleaning
- Some movement during normal chewing, due to necessary slack in securing clips
Alternatives
Conventional denture located with two implants
Continue with a complete conventional denture
- Initially, cheaper than an implant-supported restoration
- Continuing impairment of eating, speech, confidence
- Bone supporting the gum beneath the denture will shrink due to lack of use
- Denture will need to be regularly relined or replaced
- The pressure from an unsupported conventional denture during chewing reduces the blood supply to the gums and contributes to accelerated bone shrinkage through resorption
Page compiled with assistance from Dr Nigel Jones
