One of the best ways to utilize dental implants is to support a denture. Traditional dentures rely on the support of the underlying gum tissues, which are movable and thus cause the denture to shift with eating and speaking. This instability can be uncomfortable and can cause anxiety when in a public setting. Additionally, overuse of denture adhesives commonly used with traditional dentures can lead to problems with normal digestion.  

 

The stability of the denture is vastly improved with dental implants, which provide a solid anchor for the denture to attach. The number of implants used may vary depending on each individual case and whether the denture is for the upper or lower arch, however the stability of the denture increases as does the number of dental implants used for support. Implant dentures provide better support allowing for increased chewing function. They also decrease shrinking of the jawbone as typically seen in long-term traditional denture wearers, and thus help retain facial contours and reduce tissue irritation that commonly occurs with traditional dentures. With the use of dental implants, patients missing all of their upper or lower teeth have significant improvements in the options available for treatment.

 

There are several treatment options available for full arch restoration supported by dental implants. 

An Overdenture is a removable prosthesis that relies on both dental implants and the underlying tissues for support. The overdenture can generally be designed and constructed utilizing a minimum amount of dental implants; however, this can result in increased maintenance requirements to ensure the best fit and functionality of the prosthesis.   

A Fixed Hybrid is a non-removable prosthesis that attaches directly to the dental implants. Teeth are attached to a reinforced substructure that is screwed into strategically placed dental implants. This allows for a less overall volume in the mouth as compared to an overdenture allowing for greater comfort with eating and speaking.   

Fixed Bridgework is non-removable bridges attached directly to dental implants.  Fixed bridgework supported by dental implants results in the least amount of overall volume in the mouth and allows for aesthetics and functionality most like natural teeth.  This treatment option generally requires a greater number of dental implants to provide adequate support and a longer overall treatment period allowing for precision adjustments to ensure optimum aesthetics and function.