Is Full-Arch Implant Denture Uncomfortable?

Lee Jang-wook, Chief Director

Hello.

A place that does its best

for a healthy smile

This is Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic.

Today’s story is a little special. Reading a letter of thanks handed to me by someone in their early 70s made me feel deeply moved as well. “Thanks to you, Doctor, I can now smile confidently even in front of my grandchildren. The habit of covering my mouth every time I ate is gone now.” Please join me in feeling the changes in daily life that were regained after escaping the discomfort of full-arch implant dentures.

We take responsibility for your oral health.

The happiness of everyday life regained, comfortable meals and a bright smile

It was the day Ms. Choi Sun-ja, in her early 70s, visited with her daughter. She was covering her mouth with her hand even in the waiting room, and she did the same when she came into the treatment room. Her daughter said:

“Doctor, my mother hardly speaks at home these days...”

Ms. Choi had been using her existing prosthesis for nearly 15 years. At first it was fine, but as the jawbone gradually resorbed over time, the prosthesis kept becoming loose. Even with adhesive, it moved during meals, and she could not open her mouth wide when laughing because she was afraid it might come out.

“If my kids suggest eating out... I make up an excuse that I want to eat at home. I’m so afraid of eating in front of other people.”

Hearing her speak in a choked voice, I felt heartbroken thinking about how long she must have endured this alone. As removing and putting in the prosthesis became part of her daily life, she gradually lost confidence and became reluctant to meet people.

“If I run into someone I know at the market, I just say hello briefly and avoid them. If I talk and it moves... I’m afraid the other person will notice.”

Gaining hope

Through our conversation, I carefully explained the process that could resolve the discomfort of full-arch implant dentures. I told her that this method restores an entire arch using 4 to 6 implants, and that in some cases it may also be possible to place a temporary prosthesis.

“But Doctor... is it still okay at my age? I wondered if it might already be too late..."

Hearing that made me feel even more pained. There are so many people who postpone their happiness because of age.

“Mother, at 70 you still have 20 or 30 more years ahead of you. You should spend that time comfortably and happily.”

Her daughter held her mother’s hand tightly and said, “Mom, let’s do it. I want to see you smiling freely too.”

Only then did Ms. Choi slowly nod.

A returned smile and confidence

On the day we proceeded with the change to full-arch implant dentures, her daughter and son-in-law came along as well. While the family waited in the waiting room, we placed the implants as planned using 3D navigation. In some cases, a flapless approach is used, and the recovery process may vary depending on the individual’s condition.

Then came the moment when the temporary prosthesis was placed.

“Doctor... is this really my mouth?”

It was the moment she looked into the mirror. She kept shaking her head while touching her mouth with her hand.

Her daughter, who had been waiting outside, was also shocked the moment she saw her mother. Seeing her mother smiling without covering her mouth for the first time in 15 years brought tears to both her daughter’s and son-in-law’s eyes.

Changed daily life

When she came back a week later for a follow-up, she felt like a completely different person. She had put on makeup and even came wearing new clothes.

“Doctor, I had dinner with my family yesterday. For the first time in a long while, I comfortably ate meat too.”

It was so nice to see her clapping and laughing. She said she had also started dining out with her family and contacting friends first.

On the day she came in a month later for the final prosthesis, her daughter handed me a letter.

“To the Doctor. My mother looks in the mirror and smiles every morning these days. She has started hiking with her friends again and resumed volunteer work at church. As her daughter, I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Reading that letter made my eyes sting as well.

About three months later, she visited us unexpectedly. She showed me a photo taken with her church friends and said, “Now I even smile with my mouth wide open when taking pictures. My friends keep asking why I look so pretty these days.”

Seeing the confidence and happiness on her face made me truly proud.

Another patient’s experience

Around the same time, Ms. Park Mi-sook in her late 50s also visited. She said that her existing prosthesis made her lose confidence every time she spoke. She had always felt anxious when giving presentations at work or speaking in front of others.

“Once, it moved during an important meeting... I honestly wanted to disappear into the ground.”

About three months after switching to full-arch implant dentures, she came back with a bright face and shared this story. Her daughter had set a wedding date, and now she felt she would be able to greet the guests confidently.

“Thanks to you, Doctor, I think I’ll be able to smile freely at my daughter’s wedding. I want to take lots of photos too.”

To those of you reading this now

Have you given up on things because of your existing prosthesis? The foods you loved, enjoyable gatherings, your confident smile... you can regain all of that.

Many of the patients I have met say, “I wish I had done this sooner.” Of course, I understand the fear and worry very well. But beyond that fear, the happiness of everyday life you can regain is waiting.

The recovery period may vary depending on the individual’s condition and circumstances, and regular maintenance is required. If you receive regular checkups every six months and care for it like a natural tooth, you can use it healthily for a long time.

Many patients are experiencing positive changes in daily life through this approach. They feel less discomfort while eating than before and feel more comfortable taking part in hobbies and family events.

If there were times when you struggled because of the discomfort of full-arch implant dentures, you can now set that burden down. In the everyday life you have regained, you will realize how precious each small thing is.

When you wake up in the morning, you can start your day with the excitement of asking, “What should I eat today?” When your grandchild says, “Let’s eat together,” you can answer without hesitation, “Sure, let’s go.” You can laugh and talk freely at gatherings with friends.

You too can meet those happy moments again. It is never too late. This very moment can be the starting point of change. How about beginning that journey together? We cheer on your bright smile.

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