When full arch dental restorations are done well, they can truly change someone’s life. When they are not properly planned, the result can be years of discomfort, frustration, and feeling like something is just not right. This is the story of C.C., a patient who came to iHeart Dental after living with a full arch restoration that never felt comfortable or natural.
This is NOT iHeart Dental’s original work. This case involves correcting and redesigning treatment completed at another dental office.
C.C.’s experience reminds us why careful planning, listening to patients, and treating the whole person matter just as much as placing implants.
Who Is C.C. and What Went Wrong With Her Full Arch Restoration?
C.C. is a 44-year-old blind patient who came to our office feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and exhausted. Even though she could not see her smile, she could feel that something was wrong. For over a year, she had been unable to close her mouth comfortably. Her bite felt off, her teeth felt bulky, and nothing felt natural.
She told us that she did not like her final upper restoration from the very beginning. It chipped, cracked, irritated her tongue, and even cut her lips. She found herself constantly pushing her jaw forward, the way someone might with a loose denture, just trying to feel stable.
Her story is an important reminder that patients know their bodies. When something does not feel right, it usually is not.
Dental History Before Finding iHeart Dental
Before coming to iHeart Dental, C.C. had all of her upper teeth removed in 2022. She wore a denture for about a year, which she never liked. In December 2023, implants were placed by an oral surgeon at another office, and a fixed prosthesis was later attached.
According to C.C., the prosthesis was made by a dentist and then delivered to the oral surgeon to be screwed into place. Even after adjustments, her bite never felt correct. Over time, the restoration began to break down, causing discomfort and constant irritation.
She had already spent around $30,000 on treatment, and emotionally, she felt stuck. She knew something was wrong, but she did not know where to turn next or whether anything could be fixed.
C.C.’s Initial Photos Before iHeart Dental
Important Disclaimer: This Was Not Our Work
We want to be very clear and transparent.
The original full arch restoration was not completed by iHeart Dental. We did not place the implants or design the original prosthesis. Our role was to correct and redesign treatment that had already been done elsewhere.
Why Full Arch Restorations Fail Without Proper Planning
Full arch restorations are complex. They require much more than placing implants and attaching teeth. Without careful planning, things like bite position, implant placement, bone reduction, and prosthetic design can work against each other.
Even when specialists are involved, problems can occur if the treatment plan is not fully coordinated. When implants are placed in less-than-ideal positions or the prosthesis is designed too large for the patient’s mouth, the result can be discomfort, poor function, and long-term complications.
Unfortunately, we see this more often than patients realize.
Challenges We Identified During C.C.’s Evaluation
When C.C. came to our office, there were many unknowns and challenges we had to carefully work through.
- We did not know how well the existing implants were integrated
- Her gums were inflamed, puffy, and bleeding
- She had mouth sores and advanced periodontal disease in her lower teeth
- Oral hygiene had become very difficult with the existing prosthesis
- The restoration was simply too large for her mouth
- There was excessive gum display and areas where implants were exposed
- Her lower jaw and teeth were protrusive, which affected her bite
- She was emotionally drained and worried about cost
There was also a real risk that removing the prosthesis could cause implant loss. We talked through every possibility with her before moving forward.
Understanding Hybrid Dentures vs. Full Zirconia Bridges
The prosthesis C.C. had was an implant-supported hybrid denture. These restorations combine false teeth and gums with a metal bar underneath for support. They require a lot of space in the mouth and are more prone to fracture, especially where zirconia meets metal.
Years ago, hybrid dentures were commonly used to complete All-on-4 style restorations. Today, we know there are better options.
At iHeart Dental, we use full zirconia bridges that are milled as one solid unit. They are stronger, more precise, and allow for a more natural fit, especially for patients with smaller mouths or higher esthetic needs.
How iHeart Dental Plans Full Arch Restorations Differently
For C.C., our focus was on listening first. She had already been through a lot, both physically and emotionally.
We started with detailed photos, digital scans, panoramic X-rays, and CBCT imaging to understand exactly what we were working with. From there, we designed a PMMA trial smile that allowed us to test how everything felt before moving to a final zirconia restoration.
This step is critical. It gives patients the chance to experience their new bite, speech, and comfort level before anything permanent is made.
Our goal was to keep the process as predictable, gentle, and affordable as possible while respecting the investment she had already made.
The Removal and Redesign Process
Before removing the existing prosthesis, we prepared carefully. We created a temporary PMMA bridge and a backup denture in case dental implants were lost during removal.
Thankfully, the implants remained stable and fully integrated. Once the prosthesis was removed, it became clear that her natural gummy smile had not been properly accounted for in the original treatment. There simply was not enough space created for a well-balanced restoration.
Close-up images of the prosthesis removed show why a redesign was necessary.
The Result: Restoring Comfort, Function, and Confidence
When C.C. tried her redesigned smile, the difference was immediate. Even though she could not see it, she told us it finally felt like teeth again.
Her bite felt natural. Her jaw muscles relaxed. Daily irritation faded. Oral hygiene became easier. Most importantly, she felt relief and confidence again.
This is why we do what we do. Success is not about perfect photos. It is about how a patient feels living their everyday life.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Before
After
What Patients Should Know Before Choosing a Full Arch Provider
If you are considering a full arch restoration, ask to see before-and-after photos and ask questions. Ask how planning is done. Ask how bite, bone levels, and esthetics are evaluated. Ask whether trial smiles are used and how complications are handled.
You deserve to understand your treatment and to feel confident in the team providing it. Full arch dentistry can be life-changing when it is done thoughtfully and with the patient at the center of every decision.
Why Listening to Patients Matters in Full Arch Care
At iHeart Dental, we believe every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and comfortable. Correcting a failed full arch restoration takes experience, patience, and trust, especially when someone has already been through a difficult journey.
If you are struggling with a full arch dental restoration that does not feel right, iHeart Dental in Rincon, GA is here to help. Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you feel comfortable, confident, and at ease again.
Misty M. Seale, DMD
Dr. Misty M. Seale, DMD, a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, specializes in general, preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry and is the proud owner of iHeart Dental. Her practice emphasizes comfort, convenience, and personalized patient care, providing a cozy environment that feels like a home away from home. Outside of her passion for dentistry, Dr. Seale enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and Jeeping.
A Smile is the Key to Everybody’s Heart
We are dedicated to providing the highest-level dental care in a comfortable and relaxed setting while giving love, compassion, and respect for our patients and their dental needs leading to a healthier smile.