There are many reasons for using implants to support and retain an upper or lower full denture or plate.

The most common reason is the looseness of a lower denture which can move as much as 1/2 an inch both horizontally and vertically during functions of eating and speaking. Studies have shown that as many as 60% of denture wearers take their lower denture out when eating in a non-social environment.

Denture wearers who have an implant supported lower denture often opt to have the upper denture done with implants due to the dramatic improvement in the stability of the lower one.

The forces of chewing are redirected onto the implants, which are better prepared to handle the stress than the narrow ridges of bone underneath a denture. This results in less bone loss and more stability for the denture.

There are a variety of methods that attach the denture to the implants. When placed properly, the implants can be combined with other implants to form a fixed or non-removable bridge, which replaces the denture. This type can only be removed by a dentist. Another commonly used method is when the implants are connected by titanium bars, called a mesio bar, which forms a frame. The denture seats firmly onto this frame and can be removed daily by the patient to allow for easier cleaning.

The images below show these two common designs.