Ben’s Smile Rebalanced — Fixing the Hidden Effects of Dentures

Background

Ben came to us with a full upper denture and a few remaining natural teeth on the lower jaw. Like many long-term denture wearers, he was beginning to experience a shift in his facial esthetics — his upper teeth were barely visible when he smiled, and his lower teeth had begun to super-erupt, meaning they had grown longer due to the lack of opposing pressure from upper teeth.

Challenge

Over time, wearing a denture without upper implants had led to jawbone resorption — a natural process where the bone shrinks and deteriorates without stimulation. As a result, Ben’s upper denture had settled upward, and his lower natural teeth became more prominent. This created an unbalanced smile where only the lower teeth were visible when he talked or smiled, making his face appear aged and collapsed.

Solution – All-on-4 on Upper and Lower Jaws

To restore harmony to Ben’s smile and bite, we performed the All-on-4 procedure on both arches. With dental implants placed in the upper and lower jaws, we were able to build fixed bridges that allowed us to reposition the teeth properly.

Most importantly, we could now restore the correct tooth display — bringing the upper teeth downward to show when smiling and speaking, and keeping the lower teeth in balance for a natural, youthful look.

Surgical Experience

Ben’s case required full-arch extractions and precise implant placement, particularly on the upper jaw where bone loss from wearing a denture had occurred. We utilized guided surgery to restore proper vertical dimension and tooth show. He was fully sedated and went home with upper and lower temporary bridges that immediately gave his face and smile structure again.

Outcome

Ben’s before-and-after photos speak for themselves. What was once a smile where only the bottom teeth were visible is now a confident, symmetrical smile that highlights both arches beautifully. Not only did his appearance improve, but the functional balance of his bite was restored, improving speech and comfort.

Key Takeaways

  • Wearing upper dentures with lower natural teeth leads to imbalances over time. Bone loss causes dentures to sink upward while lower teeth erupt downward — making smiles look reversed.

  • All-on-4 brings balance and proper esthetics. With implant-supported bridges, we were able to recreate a smile that looks natural and youthful, with ideal tooth visibility.

  • A complete solution means confidence restored. Ben no longer has to worry about hidden teeth or slipping dentures — his smile is strong, stable, and visible again.

Ben’s upper denture and lower natural teeth before All-on-4
Ben’s smile restored with proper tooth display post All-on-4

Schedule a consultation

At All-On-Four Dental Implants, we provide the highest quality dental care for our patients in the Tri-State area. With over 30 years of experience, our team is led by surgeons and doctors at the top of their field, so you know you are receiving the best care possible. Our office is a welcoming environment and we treat our staff and patients like family. We hope to see you soon for a free consultation.

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