IDEAL SOLUTIONS WHEN ALL TEETH ARE MISSING

Before dental implants were perfected, there were no fixed (in to the jaw) solutions available for people who lost all their teeth to decay, damage, wear and gum disease. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw, with dental implants in combination with a Fixed Bridge or Fixed Hybrid Denture, that results in a long lasting and aesthetic solution.

#1: Fixed (implant anchored, screw retained) Nano-ceramic Bridge 

When all teeth are in such condition that they need to be removed and replaced, a Fixed Nano-ceramic Bridge  anchored to six dental implants is the BEST permanent solution!

#2: Fixed (implant anchored, screw retained) Hybrid Denture
When all teeth are missing or all the teeth need to be removed and there is excessive bone loss in the jaws, a fixed hybrid denture anchored to six dental implants is a great solution!

Benefits of a Fixed Nano-ceramic Bridge or Fixed Hybrid Denture

• Lets you eat and function like having natural teeth
• No need for you to remove from your mouth
• A solid, stable solution that will serve you for life
• Preserves your facial appearance
• Upper does NOT cover the roof of your mouth and alter taste and speech
• Prevents permanent bone loss of your jaws

COURSE OF TREATMENT

Treatment:
The treatment procedure and number of visits is largely dependent on the specific conditions in your mouth. If you choose a Fixed Bridge or Fixed Hybrid Denture anchored by implants, be assured that most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.

INSTALLING THE FIXED BRIDGE– STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Please consult with Dr. Schuck or Dr. Flack to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1: Before the procedure The doctors and assistants will collect the necessary 3D jaw scan, digital impressions and records need to devise a treatment plan. The doctor will provide a consultation discussing the recommended treatment options, procedures, cost and treatment sequence.	2: Installing the implants The first step is installing dental implants to replace the lost tooth roots. In this case, five implants are used. Temporary teeth are attached that enable you to eat and function like normal while waiting for healing and the implants to osseo-integrate with your jaw.

3: Attaching the bridge Once the implants have become part of your jaw, the final fixed bridge is securely installed on top of the implants which fully anchor the prosthesis. This full jaw replacement is considered a permanent solution and home care instructions will be thoroughly explained to you.	4: End result Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural – both for you and others. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience. Life changing!

 
LESS IDEAL ALTERNATIVES TO A FIXED NANO-CERAMIC BRIDGE OR FIXED HYBRID DENTURE

	Removable (implant stabilized and tissue supported) Locator Over-denture A removable full denture, which is stabilized on two to four implants but is also touching the gums so it is considered tissue supported. As time passes, tissue and bone support can change which may indicate the need for re-lining, changing implant and prosthetic parts or eventually a new Over-denture.
	Removable (implant/bar stabilized, tissue supported) Bar Over-denture A removable full denture that is stabilized on a bar attached to two to six implants but is also tissue supported.   The implants and bar help keep the denture in place and provide better function and comfort than other removable options. Increased stability is usually the reason why this solution is sometimes chosen over a Locator Over-denture. It does have more cost involved and unfortunately similar downfalls as the Locator Over-denture option.
	Removable Complete (full) Denture A removable, full denture is a large, acrylic prosthesis that is loosely fitted on top of the gum tissue of your jaw where the teeth used be. Full dentures have no real advantages compared to fixed options other than they can be fabricated with less cost. Upper dentures can sometimes obtain adequate suction to help keep it from falling out of your mouth. The disadvantages are many: discomfort in eating, fair aesthetics, affected speech, and sore gums from denture shifting, movement and impingement. A full denture placed in the upper jaw severely reduces the sense of taste since it covers your entire palate or roof of your mouth. A full denture placed in the lower jaw rarely stays in place since after teeth are removed, lower jaw bone tends to recede, providing diminishing structure for a prosthesis to rest on. Also, interference from the tongue often creates a shifting or displacement problem.