Implants can improve dentures in many ways. They can improve the retention and comfort of dentures and can significantly improve the ability to eat. All this means that denture wearers who have implants placed later report increased confidence in social situations and the ability to eat new types of food. Implants also have significant benefits for the health of the jaw bones. Many denture wearers find that long term denture wear shrinks the jaw bone and their dentures become progressively more unstable with time. Implants can stop the loss of jaw bone in the same way that teeth do.

Lower Denture Attachments
Full Arch Restoration with a Removable Bridge
Full Arch Restoration with Fixed Implant Bridgework

Lower Denture Attachments

This is the most popular treatment choice to solve the common problem of loose lower dentures. It is simple, minimally invasive and highly effective. Click here to read a patient's experience with this treatment. Lower dentures typically cause denture wearers the most trouble because the denture bearing area is small and the tongue is very mobile. The most cost effective solution to this problem is to place two implants in the lower jaw in the sites where the eye teeth were The denture is then clicked in and out. The strength of the retention is altered by the changing of a rubber ring in the retention socket of the denture.

Many people think that this procedure sounds complicated and painful. The reality is that the placement of the implants is usually quicker, easier and less painful than people imagine.

The steps of treatment are:

1. Consultation: This is an appointment where the options and nature of treatment are discussed and planned.
2. Surgical Session: Patients are booked in for a two hour session. This starts with the imaging work-up to determine the precise position and angulation of the implants. Patients then undergo a surgical procedure where the sites are prepared, implants placed and healing studs are placed in the implants. The surgery is performed under intravenous sedation and so patients will not be troubled by the surgery. Patients will require pain killers for two to three days and be tender around the insertion sites. The denture can then be placed back over the healing studs.
3. Implant Activation: The implants need to be in place for two to six months before they can be activated with the retention device. In some instances the activation can commence immediately after the implants are placed. At the activation appointment an impression is taken and the denture sent to the Laboratory. It is usually returned two hours later when it is clicked into place. No further procedures are usually required.
4. Follow-up: Follow-up appointments may be required for minor adjustments. The fee quoted includes follow-ups for six-months.

Top

Arch Restoration with a Removable Bridge

Provides a slim, highly retentive removable Bridge or Denture. The Fixed Removable Bridge design gives secure retention for good function and allows for the teeth to be removed for cleaning. It is also the most desirable system for monitoring and maintenance of the implants and teeth. It is the best choice for patients who have been wearing dentures as it can help to fill out the face and lip where jaw bone has been lost. This is the most common choice in the upper jaw and has many advantages for use in the lower jaw. Between 4 and 8 implants are usually placed. They are then connected by a metal bar made of chrome cobalt, which is custom made and screwed onto the top of the implants. Usually three locator devices link the denture to the chrome cobalt bar.

The implants are usually placed using computer guided surgery.

Top


Full Arch Restoration with Fixed Implant Bridgework

This provides for fixed teeth in a jaw otherwise without teeth. This is when the teeth are fixed to the implants. This gives the highest level of retention. This can be more readily achieved in the lower jaw and in selected upper jaw cases. In the upper jaw it is usually reserved as a treatment option for people with existing but failing teeth. The maintenance costs are generally higher and special cleaning instructions and techniques are required. From time to time the teeth may have to be unscrewed for professional cleaning and maintenance.

The implants are usually placed using computer guided surgery.

Top