Successful implant treatment in a 79-year-old patient: from tooth loss to a radiant smile
Imagine: 40 years without teeth. No more biting into an apple, no more smiling carefree at family gatherings. A nightmare for many, but for a 79-year-old woman, it's now a thing of the past. Thanks to careful implant treatment and two high-quality dentures, she has regained her chewing function and confidence. In this blog post, I explain step by step how this transformation came about – and why age should never be an obstacle to a beautiful smile.
The Challenge: 40 Years of Tooth Loss
Being toothless means being completely toothless. In this patient's case, that was forty years ago. This not only leads to practical problems (eating, speaking), but also significantly impacts self-confidence. Fortunately, there's now a solution: implants with removable dentures on locators. And the best part: in Belgium, health insurance covers part of the cost.
Step 1: Placement of two implants in the lower jaw
Two implants were placed in the lower jaw. Why only two?
Because it provides sufficient stability for a fully removable denture, without the need for a full bridge or additional implants.
Important detail:
The procedure was performed with the support of the health insurance company. This means that a large portion of the costs were covered – a huge relief for many patients.
Step 2: Two high-quality full dentures
After the implants had healed, the dentures were placed:
- Lower denture: A denture on locators (snaps). These small "snaps" snap onto the implants and prevent the denture from moving while chewing or speaking.
- Upper denture: No implants required! Thanks to the perfect fit on the palate, this denture provides natural retention. No adhesive, no loosening – just comfort and security.
Both dentures are made of high-quality acrylic with composite teeth. This means:
- Durable and durable
- Natural appearance (no denture look)
- Comfortable for daily use
The result: chewing, laughing and living
After the treatment, the results were spectacular:
- Masticatory function fully restored – from soft bread to hearty steak
- Maximum aesthetic result – a natural-looking smile
- No more moving dentures – thanks to locators and a perfect fit
- Confidence restored – after a 40-year absence
"I can finally eat what I want and I dare to smile in photos again."
– Patient testimonial
Why this story is important
Age is no reason to forgo dental care. Even at 79, implants and dentures can make a life-changing difference. And thanks to health insurance, this treatment is more accessible than ever.
Also, would you like to know about your implants?
Have you been wearing a loose denture for years? Or do you know someone with no teeth who's hesitant about getting implants? Book a free consultation today. We help you – at any age – to regain a smile you'll be proud of.