Full-Arch Dental Implants in Denver, CO
When a road is full of cracks and potholes, patching a few spots here and there might help for a while, but eventually, the entire surface needs to be redone. That’s when a full resurface makes more sense than repeated quick fixes. Replacing the full stretch gives you a road that’s safer and stronger for the long haul. Your smile works like this, too. If your teeth are severely damaged, already missing, or likely to be lost, replacing them one at a time isn’t practical. Full-arch dental implants offer a better long-term solution. To restore your smile this way, Dr. Rice places several implants throughout your upper or lower jaw. These implants act as anchors for a full set of replacement teeth, restoring your smile from end to end.
What Are Full-Arch Dental Implants?
When we talk about full-arch dental implants, we mean placing dental implants throughout the top or bottom jaw to support a full-arch restoration. It’s a great option when you need to replace an entire row of teeth and want to avoid the drawbacks of traditional dentures or upgrade your current dentures.
To be a candidate for this approach, you’ll need to have enough space in your jawbone to accommodate the implants. During your free dental implant consultation, Dr. Rice will take a 3D CBCT scan, which shows detailed images of your bone structure. With these images, he can determine the best placement for the implants and whether you need any preparatory procedures, like bone grafting or sinus lifts, to create more space before treatment.
Some people may not be eligible for traditional implants if they have experienced bone loss, have certain health conditions, or are unable to undergo a more invasive surgical procedure.
At our practice, Dr. Rice offers both traditional and mini dental implants so that more patients can enjoy the comfort and confidence of a secure, implant-supported smile.
The Benefits of Mini Dental Implants for Full-Arch Tooth Replacement
Mini dental implants are a minimally invasive alternative to traditional implants. Dr. Rice can use a gentler technique to place them because of their slim diameter. While conventional implants average 5 mm wide, mini implants are less than 3 mm. That means most people have space in their jawbones to accommodate them.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Mini implants are also:
- Less painful: Because Dr. Rice uses a minimally invasive technique to place mini implants, you’ll experience less discomfort during and after the procedure. Most patients report only mild soreness and can resume their normal routines quickly, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- Less time-consuming: Since mini implants are smaller and don’t require major surgery, you’ll spend much less time in the dental chair. They also heal faster than traditional implants, which means you don’t have to wait several months before receiving your final restoration. In fact, mini implants heal so quickly that Dr. Rice can generally secure your final restoration in a matter of weeks.
- Less expensive: Mini dental implants are more cost-effective than traditional implants due to their simplified procedure and fewer required components. This makes them a more budget-friendly option for patients seeking stable, long-term tooth replacement.
As a diplomate of the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants (IAMDI), Dr. Rice has completed advanced training and demonstrated a high level of skill in using mini implants for tooth replacement. This distinction reflects his commitment to using the latest techniques to provide safe, predictable outcomes and personalized care.
What Restoration Connects to Full-Arch Dental Implants?
Full-arch dental implants serve as stable anchors for different types of restorations, depending on your needs, goals, and oral health. At our practice, Dr. Rice offers several full-arch options, each designed to strengthen your bite and restore your smile.
Snap-In Overdenture (Removable)
This option attaches to 4-8 mini dental implants using small rubber O-rings that allow the denture to snap on and off. It’s removable, so you can take it out at night for cleaning. However, it stays secure during the day while you eat, speak, and smile.
Snap-in dentures are ideal for patients who want a more secure fit than regular dentures without the higher cost of fixed implant options.
Semi-Permanent Roundhouse Bridge (Semi-Removable)
This fixed option, sometimes called Fix-on-Six®, is supported by 6-10 mini implants (usually 8 for most patients). It’s called semi-permanent because you won’t remove it at home. Only Dr. Rice will take it off during routine checkups for cleaning and maintenance. This type of dental bridge is typically made of zirconia for its durability and natural appearance. It offers greater chewing power and comfort than a removable denture. Because the restoration is sleeker, it feels more like your natural teeth.
Permanent Roundhouse Bridge (Non-Removable)
For patients who want the most secure and natural-feeling option, a permanent roundhouse bridge may be the best fit. Dr. Rice permanently cements this restoration over 10-12 mini implants, so it’s not removable. It provides the highest level of stability and chewing strength, functioning as close to your original teeth as we can get! Made from durable zirconia, it’s designed to last for many years with proper care.
Each implant denture option offers its own benefits, and during your consultation, Dr. Rice will help you determine which is the best fit for your lifestyle and oral health.
Rebuild Your Smile With Full-Arch Dental Implants
Just like a freshly resurfaced road gives you a smoother, stronger path forward, full-arch dental implants offer a stable, long-lasting solution when your smile needs a complete reset. Instead of replacing teeth one by one, this approach rebuilds your entire upper or lower arch using a series of dental implants. With options like snap-in dentures, semi-permanent bridges, and cemented restorations, you can choose the level of comfort and stability that works best for you.
If you’re ready to restore your smile from end to end, schedule a free dental implant consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do! To help you stay relaxed and comfortable during your procedure, we offer oral conscious sedation in the form of a pill you take before your appointment. The sedative helps you feel calm and at ease throughout the visit while still being able to respond to instructions. Many patients don’t even remember much of the procedure afterward, which helps take the stress out of getting dental implants.
If you’re nervous about dental work or have a sensitive gag reflex, sedation can make your experience much smoother. We’ll talk through all the details with you beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
For snap-in dentures:
Since the denture is removable, you’ll take it out each night and clean it with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Be sure to gently brush your gums, tongue, and the implants themselves to remove any buildup. This routine helps keep your mouth fresh and your implants healthy.
For fixed roundhouse bridges:
A fixed bridge stays in place, so you’ll care for it much like natural teeth, but with a few added steps. Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. To clean underneath the bridge, we recommend using floss threaders, a water flosser, or an interdental brush. We’ll walk you through the cleaning routine and help you find the tools that work best for you.
During your regular checkups, Dr. Rice will also give your bridge a professional cleaning to make sure everything stays in top shape.
The cost of full-arch dental implants depends on how many implants you need and the type of restoration you choose. For example, a removable snap-in denture supported by mini implants will generally cost less than a non-removable zirconia bridge supported by traditional implants.
Mini implants often make treatment more affordable because they involve a simpler placement process and fewer parts. We’ll go over all your options at your free consultation, including transparent pricing and flexible financing plans.
Our goal at Donald Rice, DDS, is to help you get the care you need without surprises. We’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your smile and your budget.