Your options, side by side
Each option suits different people. The right choice depends on your health, your bone, your priorities and your budget. This is a general comparison; your clinician will discuss what fits your situation.
| Compared on | Full arch bridge on implants | Implant-retained overdenture | Individual implants and bridges | Conventional denture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed or removable | Fixed; removed only by your clinician | Removable; clips onto implants | Fixed | Removable |
| Implants involved | Usually four to six per arch | Usually two to four per arch | Varies with the number of teeth replaced | None |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes (usually less extensive) | Yes | No (extractions may be needed) |
| Teeth during healing | Fixed provisional bridge where clinically appropriate | Usually your existing or a temporary denture | Varies | Immediate denture may be possible |
| Covers the roof of the mouth | No | Often not (upper designs vary) | No | Upper dentures usually do |
| Daily care | Clean around the bridge and implants with brushes and floss aids | Remove and clean; clean the attachments | Brush and floss like natural teeth | Remove and clean |
| Ongoing maintenance | Regular reviews; bridge repairs are common over time | Regular reviews; clips and inserts wear and need replacing | Regular reviews | Relines and replacement over time |
| Relative cost | Highest | Moderate | Varies widely | Lowest |
General comparison only. Implant-supported options have been associated with greater improvements in oral health-related quality of life than conventional dentures, but both fixed and removable implant options can work well and the best choice depends on the individual R9R10.
Questions that can help you decide
- Is having teeth that don’t come out important to me?
- How do I feel about surgery and the healing period?
- Am I able to keep up daily cleaning and regular reviews?
- What would I prefer to spend now, and over the long term?
- Would I like a second opinion?
Not sure which option fits?
That’s what an assessment is for. We’ll explain which options are realistic for you and why.