Implant-retained dentures – Case Study
This patient’s case involved a staged implant-retained denture rehabilitation, with the lower arch completed first and the upper arch treated one year later following successful adaptation and healing.
Patient age: 70
Lower Arch:
Patient Concerns
Lower arch had bone loss, mobile teeth & gross caries- poor prognosis
Uncomfortable lower denture, recommended full clearance due to poor prognosis
Referred to Dr Andy Sharpe for consult for implant retained denture or all-on-4s
Timeline
March 2024
Consult with Dr Andy Sharpe after being recommended full lower clearance due to bone loss and mobile teeth with poor prognosis
July 2024
Added teeth to be extracted onto current denture to ensure function.
Full clearance & 3 implants placed.
Current denture (with new additions) used whilst implants are healing in the bone
December 2024
Healed & new denture fitted
Timeframe from consult to finish: 6 months
Upper Arch:
Patient concerns
Happy with the lower denture but now noticing upper teeth are more mobile & denture is loose
The patient wished to replicate her natural anatomy of having a midline gap.
Timeline
August 2025
Consult with Dr Andy Sharpe - same plan as the lowers
October 2025
Added teeth to be extracted onto current denture to ensure function.
Full clearance & 4 implants placed.
Current denture (with new additions) used whilst implants are healing in the bone
March 2026
Healed & new denture fitted
Timeframe from consult to finish: 7 months
What’s the difference between implant-retained denture and all-on-4s?
Implant-retained denture:
An implant-retained denture is where the denture attaches to the implants using clips.
Benefits:
As they are removable, it is easier to clean and maintain.
Cheaper alternative
Most people can have this option
Maintains jaw bone- when teeth are removed, the bone levels decrease due to lack of stimulation that teeth provide. By having implants, it continues to stimulate the jaw bone, helping to maintain bone level and facial structure
Drawbacks:
Needs time for healing so new denture cannot be fitted straight away, so temporary denture would be needed
Needs to be removed at night for cleaning and to allow soft tissues to breathe
Cost:
Implant retained dentures start from £8,000 for a lower arch and from £12,000 for an upper arch
Time:
Implant retained dentures take approximately 6-8 months from consult to completion
All-on-4s:
All-on-4s are where the denture is fixed onto the implants.
Benefits:
Fixed option so doesn’t need to be removed
In some cases, all-on-4s can be completed in one day, so no need for a temporary denture whilst the implants are healing.
Maintains jaw bone- when teeth are removed, the bone levels decrease due to lack of stimulation that teeth provide. By having implants, it continues to stimulate the jaw bone, helping to maintain bone level and facial structure
Drawbacks:
Less patients may be suitable for this option due to bone levels and where implants would need to be placed.
More expensive option
Can be more difficult to clean
Cost:
All-on-4s cost approximately £17,000 per arch
Time:
All-on-4s can be done the same day or over 6 months depending on the case
If you’re looking for a dentist near you in Essex, our Chelmsford dentists at Dental Smiles Chelmsford can help. Contact us on info@dentalsmileschelmsford.co.uk or 01245 251198
