Is it normal for dental implants to be shorter than normal teeth? (photo)

Question

I recently got three implants in my lower left jaw. I got the teeth a couple days ago and a followup session is scheduled in two weeks to make sure all is OK. My concern is that when I chew something I feel like the grip is not 100%. And as seen from the picture I've attached the upper and lower teeth don't quite sit on each other. Chewing large pieces of food seems fine but as the pieces of food get smaller, I have to use my other side to be able to completely chew the food!

Edward Lowe, BSc, DMD · Answer

Hi there,
Your implants and crowns are there for 2 reasons...esthetics and function. You have to be able to chew on the implant crowns. The implant crowns should lightly touch the teeth in the opposing upper jaw. 
I would have your dentist check it. You should be able to bite and hold the thickness of a piece of paper on all your teeth with the bite slightly lighter on the implant crowns as there is no periodontal ligament around the implant to absorb shock. 
In the photo, it appears that the bite is so open that you cannot grab a piece of cardboard. 
Have your dentist balance your bite so you do not overload the function on your other teeth.
Best regards,
Dr. Ed Lowe

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

now a days many dentists do this, just to prevent lateral forces on implant for long life of implant. but it is not advisable and that results in undesirable forces in TMJ. perfect ideal occlusion is must.

Majid Jamali, DMD · Answer

You must have an excellent occlusion no matter what. Your teeth must touch otherwise you may develope TMJ problems

Is it normal for dental implants to be shorter than normal teeth? (photo)

Answers (3)