Dentures are a restorative treatment option for patients who need to replace a significant number of teeth or an entire arch. A partial denture is used to restore function to one area missing a few teeth. A full denture does the same but for either one or both arches. With modern dental technology, dentures have come a long way and are much more comfortable and natural looking.
Types of Dentures
There are a few different types of dentures that you may consider: a traditional denture, an implant supported denture, and an implant retained overdenture.
A traditional denture fits over the gums of an entire arch. Traditional dentures are held in place using retention and suction, and when needed, denture adhesive for extra security. The drawback of a traditional denture is that it does not support bone health like implant dentures. Our tooth roots help stimulate bone regeneration when we chew and without that stimulation, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. Patients with a traditional denture often need to have their denture adjusted as the bone resorbs, causing the denture to become ill-fitting. Over time, the denture will eventually need to be replaced altogether.
Dental implants are essentially an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed directly into the jaw bone. Implants work to stimulate bone regeneration and support the overall structure and health of your jaw bone, preventing deterioration and resorption.
Implant Retained Overdenture
An implant retained overdenture is a full denture supported by a bar which is fixed onto dental implants. This type of denture can be taken out by the patient which is convenient for maintenance and oral hygiene. 4 to 6 implants are placed throughout the arch and a metal bar is screwed down onto the implants. The overdenture has clips that allow it to be held securely in place on the bar. This option is usually more comfortable for the patient and easy to care for.
Implant Supported Overdenture
An implant supported overdenture is much the same as the implant retained overdenture except the denture is secured directly onto the implants without the use of a support bar. Implants are placed just the same and the overdenture is screwed onto the implants. Access holes are drilled into the teeth that coincide with the location of the implants so your dentist is able to screw the overdenture into each implant. The access hole is then covered with composite material to protect the screw.
An overdenture is a great way to restore your smile while simultaneously protecting the health of your jaw bone. If you are missing a significant number of teeth, you may be a candidate for an overdenture. Some patients who do not have enough bone structure to provide proper support for dental implants may require a bone graft before implants can be placed. Patients who are otherwise healthy and can endure implant placement surgery have a great option with implant overdentures. Your dentist can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants with an overdenture and can help you decide which type will best suit your individual needs.