Service of removable dentures on implants

The new generation of implant-supported dentures are manufactured using a digital process and cut from a prefabricated block. This so-called monolithic prosthesis has excellent physical properties including excellent resistance to breakage.

The prosthesis is stabilized in place with 4 implants when the patient’s bone volume allows it and no longer requires covering the palate. The clearing of the palate not only makes the prosthesis more comfortable, but also allows the patient to taste food better.

The attachment between the implants and the prosthesis is done with a snap system with a concept similar to a pants button. Unlike the wearable attachment, the prosthesis attachment is made of titanium with a carbon surface and uses a very strong PEEK (very strong acrylic often used in aeronautics) gasket.  This system used with four implants immobilizes the prosthesis in place and allows for excellent mastication.

This system also allows to remove it for a quick daily cleaning by pulling hard on the prosthesis. The system allows you to choose the desired strength with the help of different inserts offering the desired level of retention. 

The implant placement process is gentle and minimally invasive through a small 3-4mm hole in the gum. This process is precise and fast and is computer planned and assisted by a 3D printed guide.

Does implant placement hurt?

Patients describe the experience of placing the implants as quick and painless.  In fact, due to the fully guided placement technology the procedure takes about 5 minutes per implant and due to the local anesthesia there is no pain felt. Since the entire treatment is performed through a small hole in the gum, there are no stitches that can be disturbing or that need to be removed.

As for healing, patients tell us that with this minimally invasive method they have taken their Tylenol painkillers for one to two days.  

When we asked our patients to compare the experience of having their teeth put in to their tooth extraction they seemed to agree that it was around 10-20% of what they experienced with the extraction and said that the experience was far less unpleasant than they expected. 

How long do dentures and implants last?

When properly cared for, implants can last for decades and often for a lifetime. Harmful habits such as cigarette smoking or certain diseases such as gum disease or diabetes can significantly shorten their lifespan.

The prosthesis is made of a reinforced monolithic material with excellent physical properties. However, it remains an acrylic that will wear out over time, especially since it is fixed on implants. It is recommended to replace these prostheses every 5 to 7 years.

The fittings that attach the implants to the prosthesis are the latest generation Novaloc (Switzerland) and made of PEEK. Replacement is simple, inexpensive and is recommended every year or two.

What brand of implants, prostheses and attachments are used?

The implants are Straumann (Switzerland), the attachments Straumann Novaloc (Switzerland) and the prostheses Ivoclar (Switzerland)

Is the entire treatment done in one place?

Yes, from the planning and placement of the implants to the final prosthesis, everything is done at our offices by our team. The treatment is supervised by a dentist with over 13 years of experience in implantology.

If my dentures are relatively new, can you use them and attach them to implants to avoid making a new pair?

 Yes, this is possible if after evaluation your dentures are considered in good condition. It is even possible in some cases to convert your old dentures and remove the part covering the palate once attached to the implants.

What are the steps of the procedure if I currently have full dentures?

The implants are placed during an appointment. The lower denture can be attached to the implants immediately. The upper denture is attached to the implants after 1-4 months of waiting. During this time you can wear your old denture.

What are the steps of the procedure if I have end-stage (non-restorable) teeth?

For the lower denture, everything is done in one appointment. The extraction of the remaining teeth, the placement of the implants and the attachment of the new prosthesis. Once the gums have healed completely, the denture can be adjusted or a new one made, depending on the situation.

For the upper denture, we generally prefer to place the implants in strategic locations. If there are teeth in these strategic locations, they are removed at this stage and temporarily replaced by a temporary fixed bridge or removable prosthesis depending on the situation. Once the implants have healed, during an appointment the remaining teeth are removed and the new prosthesis is placed attached to the implants. After the gums have healed (1-3 months), the denture is adjusted or a new one is made.

What are the steps of the procedure if I have terminal (non-restorable) teeth?

For the lower denture, everything is done in one appointment. The extraction of the remaining teeth, the placement of the implants and the attachment of the new prosthesis. Once the gums have healed completely, the denture can be adjusted or a new one made, depending on the situation.

For the upper denture, we generally prefer to place the implants in strategic locations. If there are teeth in these strategic locations, they are removed at this stage and temporarily replaced by a temporary fixed bridge or removable prosthesis depending on the situation. Once the implants have healed, during an appointment the remaining teeth are removed and the new prosthesis is placed attached to the implants. After the gums have healed (1-3 months), the denture is adjusted or a new one is made.

What are the steps of the procedure if I have partial dentures at the moment?

For the lower denture, everything is done in one appointment. The extraction of the remaining teeth, the placement of the implants and the attachment of the new denture. Once the gums have healed completely, the denture can be adjusted or a new one made, depending on the situation.

For the upper denture, we generally prefer to place the implants in strategic locations and modify your partial denture so that you keep it in place during the healing time of the implants (1-4 months in the maxilla). Once the implants have healed, during an appointment we remove the remaining teeth and place the new denture attached to the implants. After the gums have healed (1-3 months), the prosthesis is adjusted or a new prosthesis is made.

Do you offer a guarantee?

Straumann implants come with a lifetime warranty offered by the manufacturer that covers the cost of implant replacement (surgery and parts) anywhere in the world. However, this warranty does not apply if the bone around the implant resorbs due to gum disease, which is often a consequence of poor hygiene around the implant. 

The Novaloc attachment (excluding the filling) has a 10 year warranty offered by Straumann.