Are you or someone you know missing all teeth in one or both jaws?
Have your teeth continued to break and cannot be saved?
Do you suffer from gum disease or loose teeth and saving them is not an option?
Are you tired of or unhappy with your loose, ill-fitting removable dentures and are looking for a fixed, long-term solution?
You have 3 main options when deciding what to do when deciding on a new set of chompers.
Option 1: Dentures
Dentures are the most traditional solution to replacing missing teeth. They are typically made of acrylic, and until modern technology and the introduction of dental implants, dentures were essentially the only option available.
Dentures are the most cost-effective solution to replace a full set of teeth on either jaw.
Upper dentures stay in place by creating a ‘suction’ effect against the palate. While some patients find these comfortable and can get used to them, others can find them bulky and feel that their satisfaction with food is decreased as taste is altered since the palate is now covered with acrylic or other materials. Over time, as bone and gums remodel, dentures need to be relined or re-made to properly fit the mouth.
The lower denture, unlike the top denture, sits in passively, making it more susceptible to being dislodged. The lower jaw also shrinks at a faster rate than the top jaw, causing them to become loose and rub against the skin over time.
Option 2: Implant supported dentures
In cases of loose dentures (generally lower jaw), two or more implants can be placed in the jaw which help to secure the dentures in place.
These implants give the dentures stability as they are able to be ‘clipped’ on top of the implants.
Implant supported dentures are a great solution for patients suffering from loose or ill-fitting dentures, as they are both more affordable than a fixed implant supported bridge solution and require less bone to be applied.
Option 3: Implant supported Bridge
The ‘All on X’ concept
Many people think that if they are missing “X” number of teeth, they will need “X” number of implants. This is fortunately not the case.
A full set of teeth on a jaw can be constructed with as little as 4-6 implants. These are the closest alternative to a natural set of teeth. This All-On-X concept is essentially a fixed implant supported bridge.
This is the best way to replace a full set of teeth and the strongest option for patients who are suitable for them.
A healthy amount of gum tissue and bone are required for this option, which can be assessed by your implant dentist through 3D scans before proceeding.
Unlike a Full Upper Denture, the All-On-X concept allows for the removal of any material covering the palate so your ability to taste and enjoy your food is unaffected.
There are a variety of types of fixed bridge on the implants, which can influence the cost of the prosthetics. Some of the options that can be fabricated include an adjustable acrylic bridge, Porcelain fused and Zirconia for patients with high aesthetic demand.
With the advancement of digital modern technology, a greater variety and quality of options are available for patients seeking to replace their missing teeth, to meet the patient’s goals and budget.
It is important that your dentist has the 3D X-ray technology and is up to date with modern developments to be able to deliver these safely and effectively, whichever type you choose.
To discuss your dental implant needs, get in touch with our friendly team on 07 5446 1616.