Fixed denture solutions, removable dentures without a palate
On our site, we aim to clarify the stabilization of removable dentures using dental implants. Before you continue reading, we would like to direct your attention to our professional materials that discuss implant-supported crowns and bridge prosthetics.
While the dental prosthetics detailed below are stable yet removable for the patient, implant-supported crowns and bridges are fixed solutions, meaning they cannot be removed by the patient.
Fixed denture or implant-supported denture
A removable full denture often causes discomfort for the wearer in cases of complete tooth loss. They may shift from their position during speaking, eating, or laughing, creating unpleasant situations for the owner.
However, this can be easily avoided with a simple procedure. By using dental implants to provide fixed anchoring points for the denture, it prevents movement. Thus, a traditional removable denture can be transformed into a fixed denture.
What does an implant-supported fixed denture mean?
An implant-supported full denture is a type of denture where part of the chewing force is borne by implants. In cases of tooth loss, traditional dentures rely solely on the mucous membrane for support (vacuum dentures).
This can result in insufficient stability, causing the denture to wobble or shift from the mucous membrane during eating or speaking, which can only be managed with uncomfortable denture adhesives.
In cases of complete tooth loss, dental implants can also serve to stabilize the denture, significantly enhancing the stability of the prosthetic. This increases comfort and restores healthy chewing function. Therefore, a fixed denture is a type of removable prosthesis that is stabilized with dental implants, yet remains removable by the patient.
Conditions for creating a fixed denture
Implant-supported denture can be used when the patient has lost all their teeth in a given jaw and the required number and size of implants can be placed into the jawbone, ensuring adequate bone volume. If sufficient bone is not available, bone grafting can be performed, which falls under the domain of oral surgery.
How can a fixed denture be secured to the implanted implants?
The fixed denture features specialized components and attachments that securely snap onto the implants. These elements can vary, and the optimal solution depends on the patient's anatomical characteristics.
Certainly, implant-supported fixed dentures can be made for both arches. Thus, a lower jaw denture with implant support can be created just like its upper jaw counterpart. If the upper denture is made with implant support, a removable denture without a palate can be designed after placing the appropriate number of implants.
How can the connection between dental implants and a full denture be achieved?
The connection between removable prosthetics and dental implants can be achieved through various technical options. When selecting these options, the patient's anatomy is individually assessed, influencing the treatment as follows:
- the size of the jaws
- the degree of alveolar ridge resorption
- anatomy of occlusion
- the nature of antagonist prosthesis
- the number of insertable dental implants
During the consultation, our highly experienced prosthodontic specialists will evaluate the above factors and discuss with you the most recommended options. Subsequently, a treatment plan is prepared, outlining the steps of the procedures and their costs, including a summary of the total price of the implant-supported denture.
The most commonly used retention elements in the fabrication of a fixed denture are the locator system and the bar-retention system.
Locator denture
The most commonly used stable system for restoring missing teeth is the locator denture. In this case, after the healing period following the implant placement, so-called locator elements are screwed into the artificial root. This will be the male component of the system as part of the locator denture.
The corresponding component, the female part, is embedded in the removable denture. The female element of the locator denture is made of plastic and can be replaced if necessary. Different colored plastic rings are available, providing varying levels of retention strength.
When inserting the locator denture, the two components snap together, stabilizing the removable dental prosthesis. Ideally, four locators are used per jaw. The system is suitable not only for full removable dentures but can also be used in special cases for partial removable dentures.
The advantage of a locator denture is that it requires minimal space, allowing it to be made with a low vertical height. Another favorable characteristic is that the system continues to function if an implant is lost, as the artificial roots are not interconnected. The inconvenience of a locator denture is that it only tolerates tilting forces properly if the implanted screws are placed in an optimal position.
Bar retained denture
Removable prostheses can be secured using dental implants with both the locator solution and a bar attachment. When creating a bar denture, the artificial roots are connected by a metal reinforcing bar, which is linked to plastic U-shaped retainers fixed in a metal base within the denture. Therefore, the retention is ensured by the bar and the corresponding plastic components.
The advantage of a bar denture is that it effectively compensates for tilting forces in the mouth. Its production requires significant space, so it can only be made if there is sufficient vertical height available, which is an inconvenience of the bar denture. Additionally, in the event of implant loss, it may occasionally be necessary to remake the entire system.
Removable denture without a palate
With an adequate number of implants (minimum of 4) placed in the upper jaw, it is possible to reduce the palate portion of the removable prosthesis, resulting in a removable denture without a palate. This solution completely leaves the palate free, meaning a denture without a palate.
Advantages of a denture without a palate:
- Uninterrupted palate taste sensation
- Can be used in patients with strong gag reflex or nausea
- More comfortable to wear due to reduced size
A denture without a palate can be achieved with both locator and bar denture systems, as it is not the type of retention but the strength (number of implants) that determines its fabrication.
The overall cost of a full upper denture without a palate is higher, as it requires the fabrication of a metal plate to ensure proper stabilization of the denture.
Fix denture prices
The cost of a fixed denture can also be categorized based on its price. Factors affecting the price include the material of the denture or prosthesis (plastic denture, metal-plate denture), its type, extent, and the technological background of its fabrication. The total cost of the treatment is also influenced by the number and type of dental implants placed.
There is no significant difference in price between a bar denture and a locator denture. The cost of fixed dentures can be affected by the need for bone augmentation (sinus lift). Prices for different types of fixed dentures can be found at the bottom of the page or on the dental pricing page.
If you are troubled by an unstable denture that cannot be stabilized with adhesive, visit us for a dental consultation appointment so we can promptly address your chewing issues. Our team, specializing in prosthetics, is here to help. Call 053 930 1323 to schedule an appointment! Helvetic Clinics offers fixed denture solutions where we will find the most ideal solution for you.
FAQ - Common questions about fixed dentures
How many implants are needed for a denture?
For anchoring a denture with implants, we generally recommend 2 to 4 implants per jaw.
What method is used to secure the denture to the implanted implants?
There are several systems suitable for securing a removable denture to implants. We prefer the locator prosthesis, but a bar solution can also be used.
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