Bar Attachment Dentures

What Is a Bar Attachment Denture?

As the name suggests, a bar attachment denture attaches to your jaw via metal attachments. It gives you a full dental bridge using only four dental attachments to connect to your denture. 

The bar is made of a strong metal, such as titanium, and the attachment process is typically done in two stages. First, the implants are placed into your jawbone. Once they have healed, the bar is attached to the implants, and your new replacement teeth are placed. The bar gives the denture stability, making it more comfortable and secure than other types of removable full  dentures.

The number of implants required will depend on the individual patient and the strength of your jawbone. Typically, four to six implants are placed on the top and four on the bottom. However, more dental implants may be required.

If you are interested in learning more about bar attachment dentures or our other services, please contact us at (303) 444-2255 to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions.

Traditional vs. Bar Attachment Dentures

There are some differences between traditional and implant-supported dentures (bar attachment dentures). Implant-supported dentures are more expensive than their traditional counterpart, but they offer many advantages.

1. Bar attachment dentures are more secure because they are attached to your jawbone via dental implants. This provides strong and sturdy support for the denture and makes it more comfortable as it transitions chewing pressure from the gingival soft tissue underlying the denture to dental implants that are anchored in the jaw bone. 
2. They are much more comfortable than standard dentures, as they don’t slip or move around in your mouth. This can help prevent the development of painful ulcers.
3. They can help to preserve your jawbone and prevent it from shrinking over time.
4. You can brush and clean them just like you would for natural teeth without needing to remove them at night. 

Traditional dentures will need to be replaced every 5-7 years because your jawbone changes shape as you age, which can cause the fit of the denture to change. In comparison, bar attachment dentures can last much longer with proper care.  Bar attachment overdentures will require periodic maintenance by your general dentist due to normal wear and tear. 

Consultation

Since bar attachment dentures are a personalized treatment, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our office. During the consultation, we will take x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a customized treatment plan.

We will go over the different types of attachments available and help you to choose the best option for your needs. We will also answer any questions you may have, such as:

• How much does it cost?
• What is the treatment process?
• How long does it take to get the denture?
• What are the risks and complications associated with the procedure?

After the consultation, you will be given a quote for the treatment. If you decide to proceed, we will schedule a date for your surgery.

Procedure

We will discuss anesthesia options if you decide to proceed with the treatment. The surgery can be performed using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, I.V moderate sedation, or I.V deep sedation. 

Local anesthesia numbs the treatment area, while I.V moderate sedation will make you feel relaxed but still awake. I.V deep sedation is similar to moderate sedation except that you will not be conscious and will not have any significant recall of the surgery. The type of anesthesia used will depend on your preferences and the complexity of the surgery.

On the day of surgery, the implants will be placed into your jawbone. A temporary set of teeth will be fabricated before this appointment and placed on the same day of surgery. This temporary denture will allow you to lead a normal life until your implants have healed and your bar attachment denture can be placed.

After the surgery, you will be given instructions on how to care for the surgical sites. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid infection while your mouth heals.

Please refer to the Dental Implant Surgery surgical instructions. 

As the surgical sites heal, you may experience some discomfort and swelling. This is normal and will resolve on its own within a few days. Taking some over-the-counter pain medication during this time can help.

We also advise using a denture toothbrush to clean your denture daily and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. This toothbrush will help to remove any plaque or bacteria that could cause infection without damaging the denture.

Complete healing of the implants usually takes 6 months. Once completely healed, you will return to the office to have your bar attachment denture permanently placed.  

Success Rates for Bar Attachment Denture

Like any investment, you want to know that what you are getting is worth your money. The good news is bar attachment dentures have a high success rate of over 95%. This means there is a very low chance that the implant will fail or need to be removed. Compared to other teeth replacement options, bar attachment dentures are one of the most successful, which makes them an excellent choice for those who want a long-lasting solution.

Risks

Since surgery is involved, there are some risks associated with bar attachment dentures. Some of these risks are:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Damage to surrounding teeth
• Allergic reaction to the implant material

Any risks you may be concerned about will be discussed before the surgery so that you can make an informed decision. The most common risks can be avoided by following the post-operative instructions carefully.

Don’t let any potential risks stop you. Bar attachment dentures are a great way to replace missing teeth and regain your confidence. Talk to our staff at Foley and Le today about whether this treatment is right for you.

Care and Maintenance

Since bar attachment dentures act like regular teeth, you can maintain them just like your natural teeth. This is a huge benefit compared to traditional dentures requiring special care and cleaning, like removing them to soak them in a denture cleanser overnight, needing to use adhesives to keep them in place, or having to worry about them breaking or chipping.

To keep your bar attachment dentures clean, brush them twice a day with toothpaste and floss once daily. You should also visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Doing all this will help keep your denture in good condition and prevent any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions