Overdentures refer to a denture treatment option in which partial or complete dentures are fixed in place with the use of dental implants. The implants take the place of a tooth’s natural root and fuse to the jaw bone, so the attached dentures sit closely against the gum and function like natural teeth. Overdentures can be placed on as few as two dental implants depending on the patient’s oral health and bone density.
Implants
Dental implant placement is a minimally-invasive procedure during which titanium posts are surgically embedded in place of the tooth’s root. The posts begin to integrate with the surrounding bone; over time, the implants invigorate and strengthen the mouth structure, encouraging bone growth. After the site has healed, a customized crown or set of dentures is fixed onto the implant using an abutment and the patient is able to regain full dental functionality.
Benefits
Overdentures offer many benefits, including:- Reliable bite – restores chewing and biting, helps people digest their food properly
- Designed to fit comfortably, less gum discomfort or irritation
- Don’t interfere with speaking or smiling
- Long-term investment – less gum disease, fewer repairs/replacements than traditional dentures, and overall less cost
- Existing dentures might be modified as overdentures
- Minimally-invasive treatment and rapid recovery
- Improves appearance of the smile, and boosts self-confidence.
Types of Overdentures
Overdentures can help people who are missing some or all of their permanent teeth. There are three types of overdentures available:- Implant-Retained, Gum-Supported: removable dentures that lay flush against the gums, retained by implants in the upper and/or lower jaw. The dentures are attached using a “snap” and socket design.
- Bar-Retained, Implant-Supported: these dentures are secured to a small metal bar which is attached to implants. The denture is connected directly to the bar using attachments and is removable for regular cleanings.
- Fixed, Implant-Supported: this denture combines the overdenture and the bar into a single piece that attaches to implants by using screws, to creates a permanent denture. Fixed, implant-supported overdentures cannot be removed by the patient and must be removed by a dental professional for regular cleanings.
Only a dentist is able to say for certain what type of denture is right for their patient, but implant technology has advanced so much since it first became available that more and more people qualify as candidates for the treatment.
If you have missing teeth or are in need of an extraction, please contact the Victoria dental office of Dr. Lisa Heinrich-Null to schedule an appointment to learn about your replacement options.
