The above diagram demonstrates multiple single implants being used to help support and retain a denture.  Typically the portion which would cover the palate (roof of the mouth) is able to be removed when 4 implants are used on the upper jaw.

The above diagram demonstrates multiple implants connected by a bar, being used to help support and retain a denture.  This particular design is used less commonly due to the advances with our present implant technology, however, it is still sometimes indicated for compromised situations.

The above depicts a typical clinical situation where 2 implants are being used to support and retain a lower denture.  This is the minimal treatment that is recommended for a lower denture, due to much higher patient satisfaction, as opposed to using no implants.  Some slight movement of the prosthesis is to be expected with this scenerio, given that the back portion is still borne by gum tissue.  Metal reinforcement in the base of the prosthesis is required for added strength due to the patient's ability to generate higher biting forces, in lieu of the implants.

The above depicts a typical clinical situation where 4 implants are being used to support and retain a lower denture.  This prosthesis will be retained even more rigidly than the previous example which uses only 2 implants.  Some slght movement should be expected towards the back portion, although less than the previous example.  Metal reinforcement in the base of the prosthesis is required for added strength due to the patient's ability to generate higher biting forces, in lieu of the implants.

The above depiction illustrates a typical clinical scenerio where 4 single implant are used to support an retain an upper denture prosthesis.  When 4-6 implants are used, the palate portion can be removed.  This offers a huge benefit, in that the patient will be able to experience more taste and temperature dfferences of the food they eat.

The photographs above demontrate an upper removable implant prosthesis that is supported and retained by a bar connected to 5 implants.  A bar was indicated for this particular situation because the implants were placed into bone that had been grafted.  Grafted bone is softer than a patient's native bone, and in this particular case could not be predictably managed without the use of a bar to connect all of the implants together.  Use of a bar does provide more support than the use of individual implants, and provide the highest level of function for the patient.

The above photographs demonstrate the differences beween an upper implant prosthesis (left) and a conventional denture (right).  Because the implant prosthesis does not cover the palate (roof of the mouth) the patient will experience more satisfaction when they eat, due to increased taste and temperature sensations, as opposed to the conventional denture.  Additionally, the implant prosthesis will also allow the patient to chew much more like their natural teeth would.

The above photographs demonstrate a "denture-like" implant prosthesis that is not removable, by the patient, but is removable by the dentist if needed for maintenance purposes.  The prosthesis is secured to the implants with screws, and the holes are filled with tooth colored material (as seen in the photo on the left).  This particular design is only indicated for certain situations, where all of the esthetic and functional goals are able to be met, while still allowing for adaquate hygiene underneath, because it is not removable by the patient; rarely do we recommend use of this style on the upper arch.