Treatment plans for implant-supported dentures vary depending on many factors. One of these factors is whether the full-arch restoration targets the upper or lower jaw. You may be thinking: does it matter which dental arch the implants sit in? The answer is yes it does.
The upper and lower jaws have different qualities and anatomies. For this reason, dentists adjust full mouth dental restoration to cater to the needs of each jaw. Here is what you need to know about the differences between the upper and lower jaws.
The bottom half of a vice absorbs most of the downward pressure as a workman hammers or saws away. In some ways, the mouth works like a vice, with the lower jaw absorbing much of the crushing and grinding pressure of chewing. It makes sense that the lower jawbone is harder and tougher than the bone tissue in the upper jaw.
By design, the lower jaw has much higher bone density than the upper jawbone. High bone density translates into a rock-solid foundation for dental implants. In turn, a set of perfectly embedded implants provides solid support for dental restorations or prosthetics.
This means that a healthy lower jaw is versatile. It can secure dental implants such that the dentist can get away with using as few as three implants. The dentist could also choose to use as many implants as can offer maximum support to a set of dentures. Still, dentists try to limit the number of dental implants to a maximum of eight per arch. Four to six implants is the norm.
Each jaw has a network of supporting structures that contribute to its function and maintenance. These ‘structures’ include:
It is worth noting that the upper jaw has a lot more going on than just its own structures. For starters, there are a lot more nerves that sit near the upper jaw. These nerves serve the sinuses as well as other parts of the head and face. Placing implants in the upper jaw, especially at the back puts these nerves as well as the sinuses in play. This is where preparatory procedures like sinus lifts come in.
The lower jaw has a far less complex anatomy, which translates into a simpler treatment plan. To recap, not only does the lower jaw provide a more solid foundation for dental implants, it lacks the complexities of the upper jaw.
Removable dentures that sit on the lower teeth tend to come loose. This comes down to the fact that there is much less gum support for dentures on the lower jaw.
An alternative that stays in place with the aid of a few dental implants has some benefits. For one, implant-supported dentures improve the wearer’s quality of life. This means no slippage while talking or eating, which translates into a confidence boost and an improved diet. Better still, the dental implants maintain the mass and density of the jawbone.
Call us to set up an appointment with our dentist. They will use their experience in the installation of implant-supported dentures to create a custom treatment plan just for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreedentalashburn.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 945-1285 for an appointment in our Ashburn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Supported Dentures in Ashburn, VA.
Considering getting implant supported dentures to replace your missing teeth? This tooth replacement option offers benefits that other denture types cannot. Read on to learn more about the process.This denture choice is different from other dentures in that it uses dental implants in order to keep the dentures securely in place. This allows wearers to…
More people than ever before are choosing implant-supported dentures. With the advances in dentistry over the past few decades, many patients are finding that new technologies have striking advantages over traditional dentures. Dental implants are incredibly useful for replacing missing teeth with substitutes that look, feel, and work like the real thing.There are a number…
When many hear the word dentures, the first thing that comes into our minds is the removable dentures that are often a point of comic relief in movies, but there is another option: Implant Supported Dentures.These are dentures that are held securely in place with titanium implants that are attached to your jaw bone. That…
Dentures help some people regain their smiles without surgery. Breaking them in is important. It is the period of making your prosthesis a part of your life. Learning how to wear your dental prosthesis is important. If you want to find out how to maintain a secure and comfortable attachment for your dentures, here are…
Preventive dentistry aims to keep the mouth healthy by preventing problems rather than waiting to fill a cavity when the patient feels pain or only addressing enamel erosion after teeth become sensitive. These services may include a deep cleaning of the teeth and other treatments that can only be performed by a licensed dentist.Many patients…
Zirconia is quickly becoming a more common choice of material for dental restorations. Continue reading to learn more about zirconia crowns as they compare to other restoration materials. Zirconia has been used in medicine for more than half a century. Many people might be left wondering what makes zirconia crowns so unique. This article discusses…