What Are Overdentures? Exploring Implant-Supported Smiles

Losing teeth can be a real downer. It affects how you chew, how you talk, and let’s be real – it can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Traditional dentures have been around forever, but many people find them uncomfortable and insecure. 

So, what are overdentures, and are they a good solution for you?

Overdentures, sometimes called “snap-on dentures,” are a bit like a modern twist on traditional dentures. Unlike regular dentures that just rest on your gums, overdentures attach to either dental implants or your remaining natural teeth. These dental prostheses provide a more secure and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures.

What Are Overdentures?

Overdentures are a type of removable denture designed to rest over natural teeth, tooth roots, or dental implants for support. Unlike traditional dentures that rely solely on suction or adhesives to stay in place, overdentures gain stability from these underlying structures, providing a more secure and natural-feeling fit.

This innovative dental solution is ideal for individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth but still have healthy tooth roots or are candidates for dental implants. The support provided by these structures helps overdentures maintain their position during daily activities like eating and speaking, reducing common issues like slippage or discomfort.

In essence, overdentures bridge the gap between traditional dentures and permanent dental implants, offering a middle ground that balances functionality, comfort, and affordability.

How Do Overdentures Work?

Imagine snapping your dentures into place, feeling them click, and knowing they’re not going anywhere. That’s the beauty of overdentures. This secure fit boosts your confidence and makes eating and speaking easier. But how do they actually work?

Overdentures achieve their remarkable stability through a clever system of attachments. These attachments act like anchors, connecting the denture to the supporting teeth or implants.

1. The Foundation: Implants or Natural Teeth

The key difference between overdentures and regular dentures lies in the foundation. While traditional dentures rely solely on suction and adhesives, overdentures have a more stable base.

This base can be either:

• Dental Implants: Tiny, screw-like posts are surgically implanted into your jawbone, acting like artificial tooth roots that fuse with your jaw over time. These implants provide incredibly strong anchors for the overdenture.
• Natural Teeth: If you have some healthy natural teeth remaining, your dentist might be able to modify them to help support the overdenture.

2. The Attachment System

Once you have the foundation in place, a special attachment system connects your overdenture to the implants or natural teeth. The two main types of attachments are:

• Ball Attachments (Stud Attachments): As the name suggests, these involve a ball-shaped part on the implant or tooth and a socket on the denture that snaps onto the ball.
• Bar Attachments: In this system, a thin metal bar connects to the implants, and the denture clips onto this bar, providing even more stability than ball attachments.

3. A Secure Fit You Can Trust

Whichever attachment system you choose, the result is the same — a set of dentures that fit snugly and securely in your mouth. You’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile with more confidence than you thought possible.

Types of Overdentures

Overdentures come in two primary forms, each tailored to different dental needs: implant-supported and tooth-supported. Understanding these types can help determine the best option for restoring your smile.

Implant-Supported Overdentures: A Rock-Solid Choice

These are the gold standard for stability and comfort, especially if you have significant bone loss. Because dental implants fuse with your jawbone, implant-supported overdentures provide exceptional support.

Implant-supported overdentures rely on dental implants as their foundation. Small titanium posts are surgically embedded into the jawbone, serving as sturdy anchors for the denture. This method is known for its exceptional stability, as the implants fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration.

These overdentures often use a few strategically placed implants to hold the denture in place. They can be removable for cleaning or fixed, depending on the patient’s preference. Implant-supported overdentures are celebrated for their durability, enhanced chewing efficiency, and the ability to preserve jawbone density by stimulating the bone, mimicking natural tooth roots.

Tooth-Supported Overdentures: Making the Most of Remaining Teeth

If you have a few strong natural teeth remaining, tooth-supported dentures can be an option. Your dentist will assess the health of these teeth and determine if this type of overdenture is right for you. Tooth-supported overdentures offer a more affordable alternative to implant-supported options while still providing enhanced stability compared to traditional dentures.

Tooth-supported overdentures utilize healthy, existing tooth roots to provide support. These teeth are often reshaped and fitted with attachments like metal caps or ball-shaped anchors that connect to the denture base.

This option is particularly beneficial for individuals with a few remaining natural teeth that are in good condition. By retaining these roots, tooth-supported overdentures help maintain the natural structure of the jaw and improve overall stability. However, they may not be as durable or long-lasting as their implant-supported counterparts, as they depend on the health of the natural teeth for support.

Each type offers unique advantages, making it important to consult with a dental professional to determine the most suitable option based on your oral health and lifestyle.

Maxillary (Upper Jaw) and Mandibular (Lower Jaw) Overdentures: The Perfect Fit for Your Needs

Overdentures aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution; you’ll find them designed for both the upper and lower jaw.

• Maxillary Overdentures: Typically supported by four implants, they provide a strong and stable base for replacing missing upper teeth. The upper jaw overdenture helps prevent the denture from slipping, which is a common issue with traditional upper dentures.
• Mandibular Overdentures: These overdentures often use two to four implants and play a crucial role in restoring functionality to the lower jaw. The lower jaw overdenture provides stability, allowing you to chew and speak with ease.

Why Overdentures? 

Overdentures offer a range of benefits over traditional dentures, making them a compelling option for individuals with missing teeth. Here are some key advantages:

1. Improved Chewing Efficiency

Traditional dentures can limit your food choices, with many people experiencing difficulty eating foods like apples or steak. Since overdentures are anchored to implants or remaining natural teeth, they offer better chewing efficiency. Imagine comfortably biting into that crunchy apple again — that’s the difference overdentures can make. In fact, implant-retained removable partial dentures are a popular way to increase chewing force.

2. Boosted Confidence: A Smile You’ll Love to Share

Say goodbye to the worry of dentures slipping or clicking. Because they are held so firmly in place, overdentures allow you to speak, eat, and laugh with confidence. You can enjoy social situations without the self-consciousness that often accompanies ill-fitting dentures.

3. Facial Structure Support: A More Youthful Appearance

Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which often causes the face to sag. Even one or two missing teeth can cause your face to change shape. Overdentures, especially implant-supported ones, stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and helping you maintain a fuller, more youthful facial structure. This stimulation helps preserve the integrity of your jawbone and prevents further tooth loss.

4. Enhanced Oral Health: A Healthier Mouth, a Healthier You

Since they are designed for better hygiene than traditional dentures, overdentures can contribute to improved oral health. They are easier to clean and don’t cover the entire palate, allowing for better airflow and reducing the risk of gum irritation. This can lead to a healthier mouth and a reduced risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.

5. Durability: Built to Last

With good care, dental implants can last for many years, and overdentures generally have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. Of course, this will depend on your individual circumstances and how well you maintain them. Overdentures provide a long-term solution for tooth loss, restoring your oral health and quality of life.

What to Expect on Your Overdenture Journey

While overdentures offer a transformative solution for those with missing teeth, understanding the journey involved helps in making informed decisions.

1. Initial Consultation

During your first appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss your medical and dental history. This evaluation helps them determine if you are a suitable candidate for overdentures. They will address any concerns you have and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and preferences.

2. Dental Implant Placement (If Required)

If you choose implant-supported overdentures and don’t already have implants, the next step involves placing the implants into your jawbone. It sounds more intimidating than it actually is. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. After the implants are placed, they are left to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

3. Healing and Osseointegration

After the implants are placed, a healing period is crucial to allow your jawbone to fuse with the implants. This process is called “osseointegration” and generally takes several months. You might be given a temporary denture to wear during this healing time. It could take up to about six months to wear your overdentures. Dental implants often require two surgeries.

4. Overdenture Impressions and Fabrication

Once your implants are fully integrated, the next step is to take impressions of your gums and remaining teeth to ensure a custom fit. These impressions will be sent to a dental lab that creates your overdenture, taking the utmost care to match the shape, color, and size of your existing teeth for a natural appearance. The lab will create a denture that fits snugly and comfortably over your implants or remaining teeth.

5. Fitting and Adjustments

The exciting moment. You’ll get to try on your new overdentures. Your dentist will make sure they fit comfortably and securely. Don’t be shy about mentioning any sore spots; minor adjustments can easily be made. Your dentist wants to ensure that your overdentures feel comfortable and function properly, allowing you to confidently eat, speak, and smile.

Overdentures: Not Without Their Considerations

Now, I want to give you a balanced view. Here are some factors to keep in mind. While overdentures offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of the following considerations:

Cost Considerations

It’s important to understand the investment involved. A typical overdenture procedure can cost between $7,500 – $13,000. Check with your insurance provider to see if any part of the procedure is covered. Factors that can influence the cost include the number of implants needed, the type of overdenture chosen, and the geographic location of the dental practice.

Suitability

Overdentures are a fantastic option, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes may not be good candidates for dental implants due to concerns about infection and healing. Similarly, if you have certain medical conditions or lifestyle habits such as smoking (smoking can increase implant failure), overdentures may not be suitable. Your dentist will evaluate your overall health and dental history to determine if overdentures are the right choice for you.

Lifestyle Factors

Proper maintenance of your overdentures is vital for their longevity. This includes daily removal and cleaning and regular check-ups with your dentist. The survival rate for overdentures varied from 91% to 100% between 1 to 10 years. Are you willing to commit to this routine? Your dentist will provide instructions on how to properly care for your overdentures.

Rediscover Your Smile with Overdentures

Overdentures offer a remarkable solution for those seeking to restore their smiles and oral function after tooth loss. By combining stability, comfort, and a natural appearance, overdentures empower you to confidently eat, speak, and laugh. Whether you opt for implant-supported or tooth-supported overdentures, this innovative dental solution can significantly enhance your quality of life.

If you’re considering overdentures, consult your dentist to determine the best option for your needs.  With proper care and maintenance, overdentures can provide you with a long-lasting, beautiful smile that you’ll be proud to share with the world.

Explore Overdentures with Image Dental

If you’re intrigued by the possibilities of overdentures and want to learn more, the team at Image Dental is here to help. We specialize in providing personalized denture solutions, including overdentures, to restore your smile and confidence.

Our experienced dentists will assess your oral health, discuss your needs, and guide you through the process of finding the perfect overdenture solution for you.

Book now for a consultation at Image Dental and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile. Call us at (209) 955-1500 to schedule your appointment.