If you require a complete set of dentures, you can choose to go for fixed implant dentures. They have proven to be the most popular and best option worldwide for patients that have all their teeth missing. If you are a patient in Encino, you can call Encino Dental Implant dental clinic and schedule a consultation to know how non-removable dentures may help to restore the confidence in your smile. Our dentists use modern technology in their surgical and treatment procedure, which makes a patient feel comfortable in the process. This article focuses on everything you need to know about fixed implant dentures, including the placement procedure, treatment cost, and benefits.

What are Non-Removable Implant Dentures?

We have several reasons why a person may lose his/her teeth. These reasons include gum disease and other teeth complications. Before dental implants were invented, dentures depended on a small bit of suction to remain in place. For the patients that needed more material to hold the dentures, messy special creams or adhesives would be used. But, regardless of what method was used, shifting and movement caused pain and disappointments.

After the invention of dental implants and years of refinement, dentists can now attach titanium or zirconium prosthetic dentures to the implants, allowing a patient to have restored function, aesthetics, and comfort.

Non-removable implant dentures are similar to implant overdenture, with the primary difference being that you can’t remove them. However, your dentist can remove the implant dentures if they need to be replaced or adjusted.

Fixed implant dentures are also referred to as all-on-four since four or more implants hold the denture into position.  The all-on-four implants work in a manner that does not require any bone grafting since the dentist can place the implants in the available natural jawbone. And, usually, you can get the replacement teeth on the same day you did the implants.

Benefits of Non-Removable Implant Dentures

Logically thinking, before deciding on going for implant dentures, you could guess their advantages. However, there are others of which you might not have had in mind. They include:

Fixed Implant Dentures Improve the Appearance and Preserve your Jawbone

One main reason non-removable implant dentures are an excellent choice is that they play a role in helping you to preserve your jawbone. They also prevent further deterioration of the bone. Apart from this being healthy for the teeth and mouth, it also improves the structure of your face.

If you are missing several teeth or the teeth aren’t in good shape, then there is less in your jaw that will quicken bone growth. The reason for this is that your body is capable of sensing if your jaw does not need to support the teeth anymore, so it’ll start to pull the tissues from your mouth to use somewhere else.

Missing even a single tooth without replacing it may result in wrinkly skin, and deformed chin and lips.

They Boost Confidence and Self-esteem

Since after placing fixed implant dentures, you will look much better and have a healthier mouth and jawbone, you will also most probably feel better both physically and mentally. Also, it is most likely that you will feel much better about yourself, and your self-confidence will increase.

They Provide a High Quality of Life

After you have your missing teeth replaced, you will be more confident and comfortable and have a generally better quality of life. If you have your teeth intact, speaking will become more relaxed, smiling a joy, and you will bite and chew without any difficulty.

Fixed denture implants are beneficial, especially since you do not need to deal with ugly clasps or messy adhesives. Other benefits include:

  • Non-removable implant dentures closely resemble the natural teeth both in feel and contour.
  • Opting for fixed implant dentures allows you to enjoy a complete set of teeth naturally without anxiety or self-consciousness.
  • These dentures are screwed in and will never come out.

How They Work

Dental implants are small, screw-shaped posts that serve as replacement tooth roots. Like natural tooth roots, they are housed in the jawbone underneath the gum. These implants are made of titanium. The reason is that titanium boasts a unique capability of fusing to the jawbone in a process known as Osseo-integration. This feature is what makes dental implants sturdy and reliable.

Today’s advanced implant systems make it possible for fewer implants to hold several teeth in position. This means even as few as four dental implants may be utilized to anchor a complete arch (lower or upper jawbone) of fixed replacement teeth. Also, it means that it’s possible to achieve the replacement procedure in just a single day.

Fixed implant dentures provide a more cost-effective and efficient strategy for permanent replacement of teeth compared to using one implant for each missing tooth. Using one implant for each missing tooth is not practical, and dentists do not recommend it, especially where bone loss has taken place. To regain the natural gums and teeth proportions using less bone, your dentist will need to make a replacement containing both gums and teeth. Failure to which permanent replacement teeth would be overly long.

Fixed implant dentures are natural-like sets of false teeth. They are complete sets with prosthetic gum tissues and stay in one’s mouth at all times. They are comfortably and securely supported by multiple dental implants, which become a part of one’s bone after they are inserted in the course of a slight surgical procedure conducted in a dental clinic.

Non-removable implant dentures are an ideal option for patients that have had bone and gum deterioration, which is an effect of losing teeth. Bone refers to a living tissue that requires continuous stimulation for maintenance of its density and volume. The stimulus usually originates from one’s teeth. When it’s lost, the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth begins breaking down. If this continues, facial features may start to sag, giving a person an aged appearance. Putting on removable dentures accelerates the process. However, wearing fixed dentures stops it by reinstating the necessary support to one’s facial features (lips and cheeks) that your bone structure provided. This makes a person look younger.

The Cost of Fixed Implant Dentures

Generally, the fewer the implants one needs, the cheaper the general cost. But, this comes with reduced stability in the denture. It is up to the patient and his/her dentist to know the ideal balance of affordability and quality.

Luckily implant dentures are comparable to the traditional dentures in price. Usually, implants last longer, often for one’s entire life. Therefore, the money the patient spends upfront is worth it.

The cost of non-removable dentures varies significantly depending on the doctor’s training, region, type of implant, type of material used for the ultimate restoration, and the number of implants. The overall cost of treatment in Encino ranges from $20000 to $35000.

Remember that patients vary from one to another, and every mouth isn’t also identical. One patient’s customized treatment is quite different compared to another patient’s. Thus, the price tag will be different.

Fixed Implant Dentures vs. Removable Implant Dentures

These terms may be confusing for certain people since the difference is minute.  However, it is probably critical to know what differentiates fixed implant dentures from removable implant dentures and vice versa. Let's look at their differences.

1. Non-Removable Implant Dentures

Fixed implant dentures take the whole force of a bite; absorb it through the implants and into the jaw. This provides the most effective and natural bite for a patient.

However, the treatment for this kind of dentures is usually quite expensive because several implants are needed, and generally, mini dental implants won’t be ideal for treatment. Non-removable implant dentures also require high-quality jawbone, which isn’t always available. A few patients won’t agree to go through additional procedures like soft tissue and bone generation, which could be mandatory to make sure the treatment is a success and will guarantee an excellent aesthetic outcome. When this happens, removable implant dentures may be the best choice for these patients.

2. Removable Implant Dentures

With removable implant dentures, your gums absorb much of the force from biting.  Only a few implants are needed, so the treatment is cost-effective compared to fixed implant dentures. Additionally, the use of mini-dental implants might be possible.

Dental implants may frequently be positioned to maximize the use of available jaw in places where it’s naturally stronger and thicker, eliminating or diminishing the necessity of bone grafts. Whereas removable implant dentures help in restoring your ability to eat comfortably and talk confidently, they don’t resemble a natural bite fully. Also, as the name suggests, they have to be removed for cleaning and at night.

Factors that influence a person’s treatment option or their clinician’s recommendation are lifestyle, cost, diet choices, and health.

Again, it is crucial to keep in mind that one patient is different from the other, and each will need his/her implant dentures customized to him/her. Meeting and talking to your dentist is the ideal way to know the best implant denture option for which you can go.

The Implant Procedure

Usually, the implants are attached to the jaw at the front part of the mouth. This is because there is generally much bone in your front part of the jawbone compared to the back. That is the case even if you have had missing teeth for a given time. After you lose your teeth, you will start to lose the bone in that area. Additionally, the front jawbone does not have several nerves and any other structure that can hinder the implant placement.

The time frame to finish the implant process is based on several aspects. The shortest period is approximately five months for the lower jawbone and seven for the upper bone. This time frame includes the time for surgeries as well as denture placement. But, the process could last for one year or even more, particularly if the patient needs bone grafting or any other additional procedures.

Usually, the procedure for fixed implant denture placement requires two surgeries. The first surgical procedure is to insert the dental implants in the jaw underneath the gums. On the other hand, the second procedure is to expose the implant tops. The second surgical procedure happens between three and six months after the initial one.

Sometimes, a single-stage procedure can be possible. Here, your dentist may fix the implants plus the supporting bars in a single step. The rate of success for this process is also high.

The First Consultation

Before the treatment process begins, you will need to visit a dental expert (general dentist or prosthodontist). Dental specialists have advanced training when it comes to restoration and placement of implants.

In the course of the examination, the dentist reviews your dental and medical histories, performs an x-ray, and makes impressions of the gums and teeth so that he/she can create models. In other cases, your dentist may need you to undergo a CT (Computed Tomography) scan of the mouth. The scan indicates where your nerves and sinuses are. It permits your dentist to ensure the placement of the implants won’t affect them. Also, a computed tomography scan can be done so the dentist can see the amount of available bone and to decide on the best position to place the implants.

In case you aren’t already putting on a full denture for replacement of the missing teeth, the dentist will create one for you. You’ll use these temporary dentures until the fixed implant dentures are placed. It takes approximately four visits, distributed over several weeks for the dentures to be completed. By creating the temporary dentures, your dentist will be capable of determining the ideal location for teeth placement in the final denture. Also, the temporary dentures can be used as the final dentures to lower general costs. If this is the case, your dentist will have to add attachments to these dentures so they can securely fit on the implants.

After the dentist finishes on the temporary dentures, the surgeon uses its copy as a guide to assist him/her in placing the dental implants in ideal positions. Holes are made in the copy of the dentures, so the surgeon may see the exact location the implants need to be put.

First Surgery

The first surgery takes one month to complete in case no dentures are required, and two months if denture creation is necessary.  This surgical procedure involves putting implants in the jaw. During this procedure, the dentist makes incisions in your gum, at which place he/she will position the implants. The dentist then creates holes in the jawbone, fits the implants into the holes, and then stitches closed the incisions.

Once the first surgery ends, you have to avoid putting much force on the fixed implants. With temporary dentures, they can be created in a way that direct force is exerted in other places other than the implants. Also, they may be given a soft new lining close to the gums to assist in reducing the force on the gums.

Once the first surgical procedure is complete, the dentist waits three to four months for the lower jawbone and five to six months for the upper bone, before he/she can schedule the second procedure. During this waiting period, the implants and the jawbone integrate.

Second Surgery

The second surgery takes four to five months to complete if no dentures need to be created and five to six months if dentures have to be formed. After the fixed implants have fused entirely with the jawbone, your dentist schedules the second surgical procedure. First, your dentist confirms whether the implants are ready to undergo the process by taking X-rays. The second surgical process isn’t complicated compared to the first. Here, a slight incision will be made in the gum to uncover the implant tops.

After that, a collar (healing cap) will be put on top of every implant once they are exposed. The caps guide the gum tissues to heal correctly. A collar refers to a round metal piece that holds gums away from the implant head. This collar is placed for ten to fourteen days. Your dentist will adjust the temporary denture once more, and it might be given a second soft reline. The material of the reline secures the denture onto the healing abutments.

Approximately two weeks upon the completion of the second procedure, the collars are substituted with the regular abutments. By now, your gums ought to be healed. They should be ready for the dentist to create an impression of the abutments and gum tissues. The dentist uses the impression to build a model of your jawbone and abutments. The model is then used to create the teeth and denture framework.

Denture Try-Ins  and Insertions

Denture try-ins and insertions take five to six months to complete in case no denture needs to be created and six to seven months when denture needs to be created. Here, the metal bars will be put on your abutments. You’ll have the initial trying in of the new denture structure to find out whether or not it fits correctly.

After the denture framework and the metal bars are properly fitted together, the teeth will temporarily be attached to the structure using wax. Then, the entire denture is tried to find out whether it fits in the mouth. Should everything work right, the teeth will permanently be attached to the denture structure. The ball and bar attachments are also secured.

You’ll need to revisit the dentist so he/she can insert the completed denture. After the denture insertion, it’s snapped on the ball attachments or clipped on the bar.  During this point, the temporary dentures are given another new reline, which allows them to be utilized as backup dentures if you break or lose your new denture. If you’re using temporary dentures as permanent dentures, the ball or bar attachments will be put in those dentures.

How to Care for Fixed Implant Dentures

Your dentures will require similar care as natural teeth. This includes daily brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings and regular checkups. With thorough oral hygiene, fixed implant dentures may last a lifetime.

Possible Complications

Apart from the risk of undergoing surgical procedures and implants failing, bar-retained dentures carry risks of their own as well. Bar-retained dentures require adequate space on the framework of the dentures for those special attachments that are fixed to the bars. This implies that there’s little space on the dentures frameworks for the dentures to be inserted. Due to this, sometimes the dentures can loosen from their base. This issue can easily be fixed.

Additionally, when the bars are being fixed to the dental implants, the bars must be balanced on the implants. Dentists refer to this as a passive fit. In case the fit isn’t passive, the further strain on these bars can lead to the screws loosening. If you clench or grind your teeth, denture parts might break, or the implants will loosen.

What X-Rays Will Show?

X-rays show implants in the jawbone plus any other components attached. The dentist will perform x-rays multiple times in the course of the procedure. These x-rays assist the dentists in finding out whether the abutments, attachments, and implants are correctly placed.

What to Expect From Fixed Implant Dentures

Your non-removable implant dentures are more stable compared to regular dentures. With these in your mouth, it’s easier to talk, and you need not be worried about the dentures falling out from your mouth or loosening. Generally, you will be capable of eating foods you couldn’t eat before. But, you won’t be capable of chewing sticky or hard foods since they could damage the dentures.

Should you have fixed implant dentures in the upper bone, it could cover little of your palate compared to regular dentures. This is because the dental implants are supporting them rather than the suction formed between the palate and full denture.

Consult a Dental Implant Dentist Near Me Who Specializes in Fixed Implant Dentures

If you have a dental problem, for instance, you have missing teeth; you will want to look for a solution that lasts. Fixed implant dentures are one of these solutions. As we have seen in our discussion, once you have these in your mouth, you will bite, chew, and even talk comfortably. This is because these replacement teeth resemble and function just like your natural teeth. However, you need an experienced dentist to carry out the denture replacement procedure, lest it becomes unsuccessful. If you are in Encino, CA, you can contact the Encino Dental Implant office at 818-810-7535. Thanks to our advanced tools of operation, our dentists offer high-quality and efficient services, and at the same time making patients feel as comfortable as possible.