Transforming a Long Standing Denture into a Fixed Dental Implant Supported Upper Arch Bridge
Meet our kind patient who had lived with a denture for many years. He relied on adhesive daily to keep his teeth in place, which affected comfort, confidence, and quality of life. After we previously restored his lower left molars with implant-supported crowns, he explored a fixed upper-arch solution to regain a secure, natural-feeling bite.
Case Overview:
- Initial issue: Long-standing complete upper denture requiring enhanced stability and aesthetics
- Previous treatment: Implant-supported crowns for the lower arch; need for a fixed upper solution
- Goal: Replace the upper denture with a full-arch, fixed bridge supported by dental implants
- Outcome: Successful transformation with a fixed, cleanable, implant-supported bridge
Treatment Plan and Timeline
Stage 1: Extraction, Implant Placement, and Provisional Bridge
- Remove the remaining upper teeth to prepare for a full-arch restoration
- Place 5 dental implants to support a provisional acrylic fixed bridge
- Perform a sinus graft to rebuild bone height for the left-side molar implant
- Outcome: On day one, the patient left with a fixed provisional bridge, eliminating the need for dentures
Stage 2: Healing and Osseointegration
- Sinus graft maturation: approximately 6 months to evolve into native bone
- A planned minor second surgery to place the upper left molar implant
Stage 3: Final Restoration
- After ~4 months of healing for the left molar implant, digital scans were used to design and manufacture a bespoke porcelain bridge
- Bridge features a robust metal substructure and a smooth, cleanable design to facilitate easy cleaning beneath the bridge
- Aesthetics and function were optimised to mimic natural dentition and bite
Outcome
- The patient achieved a secure, natural-looking upper arch replacement
- Fixed implant-supported bridge provides reliable function, better hygiene, and enhanced comfort
- The transformation significantly improves confidence and quality of life
Treatment Gallery
Before Treatment with Dentures
Before Treatment with Dentures
Before Treatment with Dentures
Pre-op X-Ray
Post-op X-Ray
Full Arch Dental Implant Bridge
Why Choose an Implant-Supported Full-Arch Bridge?
- Fixed stability: No daily denture adhesives; a secure bite during chewing and speaking
- Bone and tissue preservation: Implants help maintain jawbone height and gum contours
- Aesthetics and hygiene: Custom-designed bridge with a wipe-clean surface for easy cleaning
- Longevity: Durable materials and precise implant planning offer long-term reliability
Am I a Candidate?
If If you’re living with a denture and seeking a fixed, long-lasting solution, our experienced team can assess your suitability for an implant-supported full-arch restoration. We tailor treatment plans to your bite, bone health, and aesthetic goals, guiding you through every step from planning to final restoration.
