An arch is a curved, symmetrical structure that spans an opening of some kind. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, for example, is an arch over 160 ft. tall that towers over a courtyard, allowing tourists from all over the world to walk beneath it. In our own Alabama, just over 5 hours from Foley, a natural arch formation called the High Falls Arch sits in DeKalb County. This arch rests in front of a waterfall, framing the water beautifully between its curved structure. But how on earth could a full arch of dental implants resemble these elegant and historical sights? If you need to replace your entire smile, full-arch dental implants may be just the solution you’ve been looking for.
What Are Full-Arch Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal screws made of titanium that secure in your jaw to replace missing teeth. Or, more accurately, these implants replace missing tooth roots, as they embed in your jawbone to secure your smile and stimulate your jaw. Once they’re stable in your bone, these implants provide a strong foundation for restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures!
However, for those experiencing total tooth loss, we can use implants to replace a full arch of missing teeth. Unlike a standard implant denture, a full-arch replacement is typically sleeker. Thanks to the many implants this prosthetic uses for support, we can eliminate most of its bulky denture base.
We place dental implants in an arch, following the natural curve of your jawbone while leaving an opening for your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Unlike traditional dentures, full-arch restorations don’t cover your upper palate, allowing you to taste your food to the fullest extent.
By strategically placing implants in your jawbone, we provide you with a natural-looking, incredibly strong solution!
The Full-Arch Dental Implant Process
The full-arch dental implant process at Riviera Dental Care is simple. Rather than using conventional implants, we typically use mini dental implants to restore your smile.
These titanium posts are the smaller and less invasive version of conventional dental implants. Their size not only allows us to use a simpler placement technique, but also to place more implants for added security!
Unlike conventional implants, which require incisions and stitches, we place mini implants using a minimally invasive procedure. First, we’ll make a small pilot hole in your gums and bone. Then, we’ll gently screw your implants in place, where they immediately begin to stabilize in your bone.
Afterward, we’ll secure a full-arch restoration called a roundhouse bridge on top! These dentures look incredibly natural, as we remove most of the bulky denture base. Roundhouse bridges resemble a row of connected teeth that form an arch, fitting perfectly into your smile. Each bridge is custom-made to the contours of your mouth, providing an incredibly comfortable fit.
With a full arch of dental implants in your jaw, you can restore your ability to eat and speak confidently!
Our Full-Arch Solutions
At Riviera Dental Care, we offer two types of full-arch restorations supported by dental implants.
- Semi-removable roundhouse bridges: With 6 to 10 mini implants in your jawbone, patients like you can enjoy a stable smile. Semi-removable dentures stay secure on your implants but are removed twice a year during routine dental visits for a professional cleaning. At these appointments, we’ll carefully remove your roundhouse bridge to ensure that your gums and implants are in good condition. Otherwise, your smile will stay in place to provide a strong bite.
Non-removable roundhouse bridges: For those looking to get their artificial smile as close to natural as possible, we recommend a non-removable roundhouse bridge. This denture is cemented on 10 to 12 mini implants that line your jaw in an arch. With these implants for support, a non-removable bridge is as secure as a smile can get! Additionally, they eliminate the need for a denture base, creating a natural-looking smile that secures directly on your implants. This restoration will never come out, mimicking the strength and durability of your natural teeth.
To learn which of these full-arch dental implant restorations is right for your smile, visit us for a free consultation!
Restore Your Entire Smile in Foley, AL
Like a structural arch, a roundhouse bridge follows the natural curve of your smile. Full-arch dental implants restore your smile by supporting artificial teeth that emulate the strength and appearance of your natural smile. Book a free implant consultation at Riviera Dental Care to learn if you’re eligible for full-arch dental implants!
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