The problem with conventional dentures
Anyone who wears a full denture knows the routine: fixative in the morning, caution at every meal, a quiet dread of corn on the cob and crusty bread. A lower denture in particular has almost nothing to grip — it floats on the gum and moves when you chew or speak. And underneath, the jawbone keeps shrinking year on year, which is why dentures that fitted once gradually stop fitting.
Implants solve the two problems dentures can't: grip and bone loss. The implants anchor the teeth firmly, and they stimulate the bone the way tooth roots do, helping to preserve it.
Two ways to secure a full arch
- An implant-retained denture — usually two to four implants with attachments that your denture clips onto. It snaps firmly into place for eating and talking, and comes out for cleaning. This is often the most accessible full-arch option, and it transforms a loose lower denture in particular.
- A fixed full-arch bridge — more implants (commonly four to six) supporting a complete row of teeth that is screwed to the implants and stays in your mouth permanently. You clean it like natural teeth; only a dentist can remove it. The closest thing to having your own teeth back.
Which suits you depends on your bone, your budget and your preference — some patients love the simplicity of a clip-in denture; others want nothing removable, full stop. Jon will show you both options against your own scan, with honest pros, cons and costs for each.
What treatment involves
- £90 consultation with CBCT scan — a 3D map of your jaw shows how much bone you have and where implants can sit. You'll get a written plan and fixed quote for the options open to you.
- Placement — the implants are placed under local anaesthetic. If any remaining teeth need removing, this is coordinated so you're never left without teeth: you'll wear a well-fitted temporary denture while everything heals.
- Integration — a few months while the implants fuse with the bone.
- Your new teeth — the final denture or bridge is crafted, tried in, adjusted and fitted. Then: regular check-ups, like anyone else.
What it costs
Full-arch treatment is the most individual treatment we offer — the number of implants, whether anything needs extracting, bone grafting, and the choice between clip-in and fixed all change the price substantially. So pricing is confirmed individually after assessment, as a written plan with a fixed quote and everything itemised. The cost page explains what's always included. Patient finance through Tabeo is available on treatment plans of £3,000 or more, which full-arch plans typically exceed — so the cost can usually be spread. [CONFIRM: Tabeo representative example and FCA wording]
Full-arch implant treatment is significant dentistry, and it isn't suitable for everyone — general health, gum health and bone volume all matter, and they're assessed properly before anything is recommended. What we can say: for the right patient, it's the most life-changing treatment in dentistry.
