A Remarkable Implant Journey: 65 Years Old, Congenital Underbite, and Severe Tooth Loss

More than restoring teeth fulfilling a lifelong wish for a “normal bite”

This is not a miracle. It is the result of dedication, deep implant expertise, and advanced technology applied by Dr. Duong Minh Tung (MSc, DDS).

The story began one September day when Ms. Thoa (66, from Vung Tau) reached out to Dr. Tung with a simple yet deeply meaningful wish: “I just want teeth like normal people.”

Something many take for granted but for Ms. Thoa, it had been out of reach her entire life. Born with a congenital skeletal underbite, she lived with an abnormal bite for decades. Over time, the complications of reverse occlusion caused progressive tooth loss. Eventually, she had to rely on removable dentures.

Chewing was already difficult due to the underbite. With missing teeth and removable dentures, it became even more challenging to the point where she shared that she had avoided social gatherings and parties for many years.

Initial Assessment: A Highly Complex Implant Case

At Platinum Dental, Dr. Tung’s examination revealed a particularly challenging condition:

• Congenital skeletal underbite with reverse occlusion
• Near-total tooth loss, with remaining teeth affected by periodontal disease
• Dependence on removable dentures

A Long-Term, Strategic Implant Plan

With nearly 20 years of experience in orthognathic surgery and implant dentistry, Dr. Tung approached the case with a comprehensive, long-term vision not only to replace missing teeth, but to rebuild a functional, “normal” bite, exactly as Ms. Thoa had hoped.

The treatment plan included:

• Removal of remaining misaligned and compromised teeth
• Placement of 4 implants in the upper jaw and 4 implants in the lower jaw, carefully positioned based on bone anatomy and final prosthetic planning
• Immediate temporary teeth after implant placement, ensuring no period without teeth
• Fixed provisional teeth after 2 days, worn during the 4–6 month bone integration period

Precision Through Digital Technology

To ensure every step was executed accurately, comprehensive diagnostic data was collected from the start including CBCT imaging, digital intraoral scans, and facial scans.

Dr. Tung planned and performed the surgery using Navident dynamic navigation, allowing implants to be placed precisely, safely, and efficiently. The full implant surgery was completed in approximately 3 hours.

Rebuilding a Bite and a Life

By establishing a new bite with a full set of teeth, Ms. Thoa began to experience something she had long dreamed of: chewing comfortably like everyone else.

Early results showed immediate facial improvement, fast recovery, minimal discomfort, and  for the first time the sensation of having a functional bite without underbite. A goal she had carried for decades was finally becoming reality.

Once osseointegration is complete, the final fixed porcelain restorations will fully restore both function and aesthetics, completing her transformation.

More Than Implants A Comprehensive Life Restoration

Full-arch implant treatment for patients with skeletal underbite is not simply about placing implants. It is about rebuilding facial support, restoring proper occlusion, and improving overall quality of life.

Ms. Thoa’s case is a clear example that with accurate diagnosis, comprehensive planning, and precise execution, even the most complex challenges can be successfully resolved.

At Platinum Dental, we routinely treat complex cases including skeletal underbite, skeletal protrusion, and full-mouth tooth loss with safe, stable, and predictable outcomes.

Through the expertise of Dr. Duong Minh Tung and continuous investment in advanced technology, we are committed to delivering safe, effective, and life-changing implant solutions for every patient.