Full dentures, which are used in cases of edentulism, often pose a problem for patients because they hold poorly (instability when speaking, falling out when eating). There are various ways of attaching a full denture to implants. The most popular are three of them:
This solution is possible for 2–6 implants. It consists of screwing a specially digitally milled bar to the implants, to which a prosthesis is attached using clasps. This is the safest and most stable method of fixing the prosthesis and is recommended if more than two implants can be inserted. Sometimes it is the only choice (in cases of severe tissue atrophy in the oral cavity). It offers excellent aesthetics and facilitates oral hygiene and the prosthesis itself, as it can be easily removed by the patient despite its excellent "hold".
4 IMPLANTS + BAR - THE BEST STABILIZATION
2 IMPLANTS + BEAM - INDIRECT STABILIZATION
4 IMPLANTS + CLASPS (GOOD STABILITY)
2 IMPLANTS + CLASPS (MEDIUM STABILIZATION)
No - such prostheses can be extended, modified or replaced by fixed dentures, even after many years. Implants are modular - they can be combined, one and the same implant can be used for a crown, a bridge or a prosthesis. It all depends on the patient's anatomy.
Not necessarily. If the current prosthesis is esthetically optimal and has been fabricated correctly, there is a chance that it can continue to be used successfully after modification (insertion of implant abutments).
Normally this is not necessary. Dentures fit tightly and there is no risk of them loosening, choking, etc. In some cases, however, it is advisable to remove the denture overnight to protect the soft tissue (gums). Please consult your dentist for more detailed information.
A lower prosthesis on a bar is nothing more than inserting implants into the jawbone and attaching a stabilizing structure to the prosthesis in the form of a bar. The upper prosthesis on a bar is based on the same technique - an implant is inserted into the jawbone. A prosthesis that imitates real human teeth - both visually and in terms of use - is later placed on top of these beams. Most wearers of bar dentures find that they are so stable that they do not differ in function from normal teeth. The "new teeth" adhere well without the need to use adhesives (which is particularly important for people who cannot use such preparations at all for reasons of taste or allergy).
Implant-supported beam dentures - both in the upper and lower jaw - have a number of advantages. Firstly, it is much cheaper than other methods of treating edentulous teeth and, in many cases, less invasive. In addition, the hygiene of such a prosthesis is extremely simple, as removing and cleaning it is painless and does not cause any problems - all you have to do is release the removable part from the clasps. This is particularly important for older people with limited manual dexterity. The area around permanently implanted implants in the mouth is also easy to clean. Toothpastes and liquids, which are generally available in pharmacies and drugstores, can be used for daily hygiene, as well as products that have been specially developed for dentures.
