Exploring Your Lower Teeth Replacement Choices
Often, for people who wear traditional dentures after having undergone both upper and lower teeth replacement, it’s not the upper denture that’s the problem. Conventional lower dentures can be challenging to keep in place, no matter how much adhesive is used. But, over the years, dental implant advancements for securing lower dentures have solved this dilemma.
There are several options available that make secure, non-slip lower teeth replacement solutions possible for the overwhelming majority of dental patients missing lower teeth. The Advanced Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants in the Chicago area takes a closer look at the ways that resolve the old problem with conventional lower dentures, allowing for a boost in quality of life for countless dental patients.
Lower Teeth Replacement Methods
Implant Assisted Ball Attachment Dentures. This method uses two implants that are put in place within the lower jaw. The denture for lower teeth replacement simply snaps into place, secured by the implant ball mounts. This technique offers better stability for the lower denture so there is less concern when eating or socializing. But it’s important to understand that you will still feel movement with a ball attachment denture.
Too, you will still need to be aware that there still remains the risk of developing sore spots due to small bits of food, like seeds, getting lodged beneath the denture. And, of course, regularly scheduled appointments with your dental professional to keep your dentures properly adjusted will still be needed.
Implant Assisted Bar Attachment Dentures. Also called an “overdenture,” this method offers a better way to secure your lower teeth replacement denture. Utilizing 4 to 6 implant screws (according to your jaw’s shape and size), a dental-grade metal support bar is fitted into place. The lower denture that fits onto this bar has specialized retaining clips that fit onto the bar, snapping the denture firmly in place.
Stability is the primary advantage of the bar attachment denture over the ball attachment method. The wearer experiences much less denture movement, but the denture can still be removed, cleaned and maintained just like a conventional lower denture.
Implant Assisted Screw Retained Denture. One of the most popular options for lower teeth replacement is the screw retained denture. This is a permanently affixed type of denture that is secured by 5 or more screws or clasps (again, depending on the size and shape of your lower jaw) that secure the denture to the support posts or bar.
The screw retained denture does not touch the natural gum tissues, allowing for the cleaning of the denture without any need to remove it. The screw retained denture replaces all missing lower teeth. Removal of the denture is only done during scheduled appointments with your dental professional.
Daily cleaning beneath the denture may take a bit longer than that needed by conventional dentures. Nevertheless, this is a popular lower teeth replacement option for people who feel that the more secure feel of a permanent denture is far worth it.
Individual Implants for Lower Teeth Replacement. Many people choose full replacement of missing lower teeth with implants rather than opting for either conventional or implant assisted dentures. For them, the exceptionally natural look and feel of individual implants is far and away the better solution.
This method will generally require 8 or more implants, depending on the jaw’s size and shape. A supporting post for each implant is made, along with a crown for every missing tooth. As you might expect, individual implants for lower teeth replacement is more costly choice of the options outlined. This is because it involves more implant placement and the creation of each individual artificial tooth. But the ability to restore mouth function to its original, natural state, from chewing to talking to the same oral hygiene as natural teeth, plus the possibility of the implants lasting a lifetime with regular care, makes this option a highly attractive and popular one.
Missing Your Upper Teeth, Too?
Lower teeth replacement isn’t the only way that dental implants can make a difference for those in need of options. Just as implant assisted dentures or individual implants make an improved quality of life possible for people who are missing lower teeth, these same methods can be used for upper teeth replacement.
It’s important, though, to keep in mind that the bone tissue of the upper jaw isn’t as hard as that of the lower. Because of that, additional implants are usually needed for supporting the replacement teeth. Below are the two most effective and popular options for upper teeth replacement through implants.
Implant Retained Upper Denture. If the size and shape of your upper mouth and bone allow, it might not be a need to cover your mouth’s roof with a full denture. In these cases, the taste of food will be better and you’ll be able to retain a more natural sensation of hot and cold.
With less material needed, the denture will also have a much more natural feel within the mouth. As with a conventional denture, the upper denture can still be removed. This allows for ease in cleaning both the support bar and the denture.
Individual Upper Implants. As with individual implants for lower teeth replacement, having upper teeth replacement through individual implants is a popular choice. The natural look, feel, stability, ease of care and lifelong potential of individual implants make them a highly sought after option.
The procedure is very similar to implants for lower teeth replacement although, for upper teeth replacement, 8 to 10 implants will be needed. Once these are in place and the mouth has healed from the procedure, individual crowns are set in place.
Upper And Lower Teeth Replacement At Advanced Center For Oral Surgery And Dental Implants
Dr. Spiro Karras specializes in implant and reconstructive dental surgery at the Advanced Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants in the Chicago area. Providing patients with the highest quality oral and maxillofacial surgical care in a skillful, compassionate and patient centered manner isn’t just a philosophy at Advanced Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants: it’s a way of life and career.
Dr. Karras, Dr. Haupt and their staff strive to cultivate a lasting, trustful relationship with patients that lets them know, very simply, that they care. Call the Advanced Center For Oral Surgery And Dental Implants at (847) 677-6647 to arrange a consultation for your upper or lower teeth replacement, or use our Contact Page.
