In this post I am specifically talking about overdentures, not fixed implant bridges.
Most commonly, a lower denture is supported with two to four implants underneath it. The more implants you have the more stable the denture is.
If I gave you a stool with two legs, could your sit on it? Yes you could! It would take some balance on your part, but you could sit on it. An overdenture with two implants, works like that. The denture is held in very strongly, but it can still move in the back.
In a two-implant overdenture, the implants are purposely placed in the front part of the jaw.
If you added a third leg to the stool, would that make it more stable?
Of course! Especially if the three legs were equally spaced away form each other.
The average denture has fourteen teeth on it. So the more implants, the better. Four implants are the best option for stability. It is a four-legged stool. The implants make the overdenture even more stable when a bar connects all the implants. This “splints” them together and creates strength in numbers.
Even two or three implants and be splinted together with a bar for added stability.
Five or more implants in the lower jaw is usually strong enough to replace the denture all together! Meaning the teeth would no longer come out. They can be fixed in place.
The upper jaw generally requires six implants to have a non-removable fixed bridge.
The basic theme is: the more stability you want, then the more implants are needed. Also, the more bone you have missing, requires more implants to be stable over time.
This concept is sometimes confusing. Please comment below if you have a question!
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Burbank, California
http://www.burbankdentalimplants.com
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Dear Sir, which option do you consider the best to fix to four implants on the top jaw.
A full denture
or a front bridge with dentures afixed to the back?
Please can you let me know of any pro’s and con’s to each option.
Thank you
What about using very powerful magnets to hold the dentures in place? Either located in the abutments or in the denture material or both if polarity is in proper alignment?
Hi Bryant,
Magnets were used many years ago as attachments for implants and dentures. They do not hold as well as the current line of attachments.
Also, If you needed to take an MRI, the magnets can cause a problem. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
My preference is the locator or a bar attachment. I have been doing this procedure for the last 11 years with great success.
Does this help?
Dr. Ramsey Amin
Hi Maria,
It depends on what your goals are. Do you have a problem with your dentures staying in? If so, the full overdenture may be a better option.
The front implants with a fixed bridge will always allow you to have your front teeth in place even when you sleep. You could transition to implants in the back and have a separate bridge in the back left and back right to supplement the front fixed bridge at a later date. The bone preservation of fixed dental implants is ideal.
Can you send your x-rays and photographs to me?
Dr. Ramsey Amin
Hello Doctor, my question pertains to two implants that I have in my lower jaw. I have had the denture for about three months now and have had use of the denture for the last two weeks and it doesn’t fit right yet. I have been back to the dentist that made the denture and put in the posts and caps more than seven times. The denture still rocks back to front. The last visit was Tues. the 15th.Also, my lower gums are jammed up into the cap holes and leaves me with aching gums at the end of the day. Is there something wrong here?
Should I go to another dentist? I don’t find any prosthodontists in the area I live. How do I go about finding a dentist that can examine the implants and denture and recommend a proper procedure. The work has already been paid for. Bob L
Hi Bob,
I think you should follow up with your dentist. Have them carefully adjust the bite. That is often the source of pain.
An overdenture with only two implants will generally still rock. The denture is held in, but it can still move in the back. Consider adding 1 -2 more implants.
A prosthodontist may or may not be the answer. Just be sure to see any dentist highly experienced to troubleshoot this if you have to go elsewhere.
Dear Doctor Amin, I am soeaking to a periodontist about a ‘permanent denture’- my dentist who is a Prothodontist will do my teeth. My problem is my two sides of my mouth are thin. I want a non-removable denture on the bottom as I am in the beauty business. My Periodontish says he can do 5 or 6 implants around my front to my first molar. This is not a cheap procedure at all. Will this secure this denture?? I have read above what you said. Bone grafts would be a hardship for me. Thank You so much!
Hi Diane,
Usually extensive bone grafting is not required for the lower jaw to have a non-removable option. The upper jaw usually does.
Err on the side of more than less implants, especially if you choose to “upgrade” your implants to fixed at a later date.
Are you local enough to come in for me to look at you?
Dr. Amin