Full-Arch dental Replacements: New Smiles in One Day
A patient who is missing an entire row of teeth is in a unique position: a chance to start fresh with a full-arch restoration! While there are other options for treating a full row of missing teeth such as single implants and dentures, patients these days are expressing a desire for a solution that is more affordable, quick, and convenient.
A Revolution in Missing Teeth
The demand for immediate replacement teeth has led to a revolution in how we deal with missing teeth: full-arch restoration. Also known as “implant-supported dentures”, this innovative treatment allows Dr. Romanow and Dr. Wentworth to combine implant technology with dentures to give our patients a new smile and a renewed outlook on life, all in one day!
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Dentures and Implants: Working Together
Traditional dentures can be inconvenient, painful, and unstable. While dental implants are an excellent choice for single tooth replacements, on the scale of a full arch, they can be expensive and complicated. However, putting these two treatments together yields a solution that works for nearly everyone: implant-supported overdentures. During this treatment, four dental implants are placed in the jaw and a full dental bridge is attached to them, giving you a full row of teeth in just one appointment.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
- Cost: Because this treatment requires just four implants per arch, it is much more affordable than placing an entire row of implants.
- Convenience: Replacement teeth can typically be placed during the same appointment as the implants.
- Bone Graft-Free: Two of the four implants are placed at special angles in the back of the jaw to make the best use of the available jawbone. This often eliminates the need for bone grafting.
- Faster Healing: Less time in the chair and less time healing round out the benefits of full arch restorations.
Full Arch Replacement Procedure
As with other dental implant procedures, you will be anesthetized for comfort during the surgery and thus won’t feel a thing. Post-operation soreness is typically manageable with over-the-counter medications, and any necessary prescriptions will be discussed at your appointment.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Your Options
Ball Attachment Denture
Two implants are placed in the lower jaw, onto which a denture snaps into place. This option is more stable than traditional, removable dentures; however, there will still be some movement. Sore spots can develop if food is caught underneath. Periodic appointments ensure proper adjustment.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed 
3. Denture Attached Bar Attachment Denture
Referred to above as “overdentures”, this process involves the placing of four to six implants in the lower jaw. A custom support bar connects the implants, and a denture with internal retention clips is attached to the support bar. This option is very popular as the denture is more stable than with ball attachments, yet it is still removable for cleaning.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed 
3. Denture Attached Hybrid Half-Denture/Half-Fixed
Also known as a screw-retained denture, this option offers maximum stability. Placed on five or more implants and secured by screws or clasps, the denture is permanent and only removed by us at maintenance visits. The denture does not contact gum tissue, allowing you to clean under it without removal.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed 
3. Denture Attached Individual Implants
Of course, there is always the option to have each missing tooth replaced by an individual dental implant. The benefits of this are increased stability, preservation of the jawbone, and a natural look. However, the process is the most costly and time-consuming.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed 
3. Healing Completed Upper Arch Replacements
The treatment options for the upper arch are the same as those mentioned above, however additional implants are sometimes needed to compensate for softer bone.
Implant Retained Upper Denture
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Individual Upper Implants
If you want a restoration that is similar to your natural teeth and therefore not removable, you probably will need eight to ten individual implants placed. This is followed after healing by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.
For more information on dental implants, please visit our FAQ page.
If you are fed up with dentures and are looking for a better, more permanent solution, please call us to find out more about the life-changing transformations that full arch restorations are giving patients in our office.