Dentures, Implants,Overdentures-Crystal Lake Dentist

New hope for denture wearers

Denture wearers now have options to improve retention with snap attachments to dental implants and mini dental implants.

Some of the more popular methods to convert an ill fitting lower dentures are:

1. A bar connecting 2 or more implants called a hader bar or a bar with individual snaps
2. Independent regular implants snaps to retain a denture
3. Mini implants that  can snap over an o-rings in a  metal housing held in the denture.

Details

I have worked with all three of these snap-on systems and each has its particular advantages and disadvantages. I will cover them in more detail below.

The hader bar

The hader bar consists of 2 or more implants and a custom cast metal bar connecting the implants. The denture houses one or more metal retainers and plastic clips.

The advantages of this system are:

1.     The implants do not have to be placed parallel (which is challenging to do and not always possible).

2.     The retention is good and depending on the configuration, one or several retentive clips can be placed increasing retention.

3.     If the bar has implants placed in both the back and front areas of the jaws, there is almost no movement of the denture during use.

4.     Can be used for upper and lower dentures.

5.     Implants can be loaded immediately if planned and a computer generated surgical guide system with CT scan is utilized. The implants are splinted with the  computer milled titanium bar

.

The disadvantages are:

1. Full sized implants must be placed.
2. The cast bar increases the cost.
3. The casting steps to the process
4. Due to the height needed some patients may not have enough vertical space available for this type if retention system unless the bite is opened or the bone is surgically lowered.
5. The cost is highest due to the type of implants needed, the lab procedures for the cast bar, and additional appointments.

Cast bar with ERA or Locator attachments

This type of system utilizes a cast bar and has 2 to several retentive clips soldered onto it. The 2 most common brands of clips are Locator and ERA.

 The advantages of this system are:

1.     The implants do not have to be parallel (which is challenging to do and not always possible).

2.     The retention can be increased with multiple clips.

3.     If the bar has implants placed in both the back and front areas of the jaws, there is almost no movement of the denture during use.

4.     Can be used for upper and lower dentures.

The disadvantages are:

1.   Full sized implants must be placed.

2. The cast bar increases the .
3. The casting adds steps to the process.
4. Due to the height needed some patients may not have enough vertical space without modification.
5. The cost is highest due to the type of implants needed, the lab procedures for the cast bar, and additional appointments.

Locator clip or ERA clip

The Locator/ERA type clip can be directly attached to 2 or more regular sized implants and provide good retention.

The advantages of these systems are:

1.     Lower cost than the bar system.

2.     Less time involved in fabricating as it is done chairside.

3.     Less vertical clearance is needed verses a bar system.

4.     Can be used for upper and lower dentures.

Mini Implant system

The Mini implant system consists of 4 or more implants placed in the across the front of the lower jaw and housings placed in the lowe3r denture with o-rings for retention.

The advantages are:

1.     Immediate loading of the implants (the entire process from implant placement to denture housing and loading of the housings can be done in about 1 hour

2.     Lowest cost of all. Lower cost of the mini implants (about ½ the cost of conventional implants each).

3.     Less bone is required for placement in atrophic jaws

4.     Fast healing as no tissue flaps are needed in most cases to view the site

5.     Less discomfort due to the smaller size and simple placement technique

6.     Do not have to be perfectly parallel with each other

Disadvantages  are:

1.     Can only be placed in lower jaw due to lower density of the bone in the upper jaw.

2.     May not be able eliminate some slight denture movement in the back when chewing (usually not a problem)

3.     Cannot be mixed with regular implants very easily.

 Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about  implants, dentures, and overdentures  at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Phillip C. Neal DDS
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

                                    815 459 2202                  

www.DrNeal.com