Full Arch Dental Implants (Removable Prosthetics - Implant Retained)
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Implant retained dentures generally consist of two dental implants that act as anchors to prevent dentures as moving. They are classified as Implant retained because the denture is still supported by the soft tissue (gums). The two implants can retain the dentures with different attachments.
1. A small bar with clips
2. Ball and o-rings
3. Clips that snap directly onto the implants
Full Arch Dental Implants (Removable Prosthetics - Implant Supported)
Implant supported dentures sit on 4 or more implants. They are classified as implant supported because the denture sits entirely on the dental implant fixtures, and only lightly touch the soft tissue (gums). The implants hold the denture in place, as well as preventing it from hitting the gums. The added advantage is that there is less bone atrophy and more stability for the denture when more implants are placed.
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Advantages of Removable Dental Implant Prosthetic
There are several advantages to removable prosthetics. The most important advantage is that the implants and dentures are much easier to keep clean than non removable options. They are less expensive and easier to repair when they break.
Full Arch Dental Implants (Semi-Removable Prosthetics)
Semi removable prosthetics means that the prosthesis (the teeth) are non removable by the patient, but can be removed by the dentist if necessary. If this involves an entire arch then usually at least 6 implants are necessary to be able to support the teeth. Biting causes a lot of pressure, and overloading the implants by not having enough of them may cause them to all fail.
There are various materials that can be used when this option is selected. Some options include an acrylic denture with acrylic teeth, or mental reinforced porcelain gums with porcelain teeth. With porcelain there is a lot more pressure created with biting and so more implants will be needed to support the prosthesis (teeth). The semi removable option is often used when there is a lot of bone loss and extensive areas of the gums are replaced in addition to the teeth.
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Advantages of Semi-Removable Dental Implant Prosthetic
The advantage of semi removable options is obvious. The teeth are non removable so they fell like natural teeth but if something needs to be repaired then they are easily removed and repaired by the dentist.
Full Arch Dental Implants (Non-Removable)
Full dental arch implants that are non removable are the ultimate permanent replacement option. However this cannot always be achieved. There needs to be enough bone and there needs to be enough implants to support the prosthetics (teeth). Usually each replaced tooth has an implant and crown. Bridges can also be done where some teeth are attached to the adjacent implant teeth and therefore fewer implants are required. However, decreasing the number of implants will place a greater strain on the remaining dental implants and may cause overload. The restoring dentist will advise the patient when and where bridging may be possible. There are many factors that influence a successful result. Including but not limited to: bone quality and quantity, bite, opposing dentition and habits such as bruxism. (grinding one's teeth).
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Non-Removable Dental Implant Prosthetics Procedure
For a full arch tooth replacement with dental implants there are various methods that will create a superior result. When there is bone loss and we wish to have this tissue back we can incorporate the tissue replacement with pink areas attached to the dental implant crowns. These "pink" areas will replace the missing tissue, support the lips, and provide a much better esthetic result.
