May be considered if
- Most or all teeth in an arch are missing or can’t be saved
- A denture is loose, uncomfortable or limits what you eat
- You want fixed teeth rather than removable ones
- Your general health allows a surgical procedure
Full arch implants, explained properly
A full arch bridge replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. It is supported by a small number of dental implants — usually four to six — and is fixed in place, so you don’t take it out at night or use adhesive, and there’s no plate over the roof of your mouth.
How a full arch bridge is held in place
Implants are small titanium fixtures placed into the jawbone. Once they have integrated with the bone, they act as anchors for a bridge of teeth made in one piece. The bridge is screwed to the implants: you can’t remove it yourself, but your clinician can when maintenance is needed.
Placing the back implants at an angle can make better use of the bone you already have and, for some people, reduce the need for bone grafting. Whether this approach suits you, and how many implants you need, is decided after a full assessment.
- a
Bridge — your new teeth, made in one piece
- b
Abutments — connectors that let angled implants support a level bridge
- c
Implants — usually four to six per arch, the back ones often angled
- d
Jawbone — assessed in 3D before planning
Who it may suit
May need more planning if
- You smoke
- You have diabetes that isn’t well controlled
- You take medicines that affect bone or bleeding
- You have had radiotherapy to the head or neck
- There has been significant bone loss in the jaw
None of these automatically rules treatment in or out. Suitability is decided after an examination and imaging.
Your treatment journeyStep by step, from assessment to ongoing care.
Options comparedFull arch bridges, overdentures, individual implants and dentures.
Outcomes, risks and recoveryWhat the research shows and what to expect.
Bone loss and complex casesWhen standard implants aren’t straightforward.
Fees and paymentHow costs are worked out and quoted.
Want to understand your own situation?
At an assessment, a clinician examines you, reviews imaging where indicated and talks through your options, likely timeline and costs.