Why Support Lower Dentures with Implants?

Why Support Lower Dentures with Implants?

Most people experience little to no issues with an upper denture; however, those with lower dentures have an entirely different experience. Lower dentures are often much less comfortable and far less stable than their upper counterparts. This is due to the bones that support our teeth.

When a tooth (or multiple teeth) are lost, the bone continues to experience loss over time. The lower jaw is estimated to experience up to four times the amount of loss as the upper jaw, with most loss occurring within the first year of a lost tooth. Because of this, patients who obtain a lower denture experience the need to make ongoing appointments to continually adjust their denture. The inconvenience of having to regularly adjust a denture alone is enough to drive a patient crazy and urge them to seek a more reliable alternative, which is often how the implant supported lower denture conversation starts.

While there are numerous implant options for patients considering an implant-supported lower denture, the approach you take will be dependent upon your anatomical structures, as well as recommendations from experienced implant dentist Dr. Wernick of Wernick Family Dentistry in Virginia Beach.

Common Reasons Patients Seek Implant Supported Dentures
● Discomfort and/or inability to properly fit traditional dentures
● Continued bone loss, resulting in loose dentures
● Inability to properly eat and/or digest food

Types of Implant Supported Lower Dentures

Ball Attachment Denture

A ball attachment denture involves placing two dental implants in the lower jaw. A denture is then made, which will attach to the implants. This treatment option provides increased stability and improved digestion, though patients may still experience discomfort should food get lodged between the denture and floor of the mouth or gumline. Additionally, ongoing denture adjustments will be needed to maintain the highest level of comfort.

Bar Attachment Denture (including All-On-4)

Similar to ball attachment dentures, bar attachment dentures improve the stability of the lower denture when eating, allowing you to chew food with ease. Dissimilar from ball attachment dentures, bar attachment dentures have four to six dental implants securing the denture to the jaw. The number of implants placed will depend upon the layout of your jaw. This denture is made to snap onto a custom support bar that affixes to the implants, allowing the denture to easily be removed when needed. Because of the added support from multiple implants, bar attachment dentures tend to be more comfortable and cause less rubbing.

Screw-Retained Denture

Screw-retained dentures are a bigger commitment than both bar and ball attached dentures because they are only removed during maintenance visits. Ideal for patients wanting a permanent solution to missing lower teeth, screw-retained dentures are held in by screws secured to the implant. One common question when discussing this treatment option is oral hygiene. It’s important to note that this denture doesn’t rest on the gumline, so you are still able to clean underneath the denture.

At Wernick Family Dentistry, we are happy to provide additional information regarding implant supported lower dentures. Should you have any questions regarding this treatment option, please feel free to contact us.