Overdentures are removable dentures that snap or clip onto two to four dental implants in the jaw. They provide significantly better stability than conventional dentures, reduce the bone loss that follows tooth removal, and expand the range of foods patients can eat. They’re still taken out for cleaning but don’t slip during use.
Key Takeaways
Overdentures attach to implants for dramatically better stability than conventional dentures. They’re removable for cleaning but firmly in place while you’re wearing them.
For patients who’ve struggled with conventional dentures that slip or restrict their diet, overdentures represent a meaningful upgrade.
Overdentures vs Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures rely on suction and the shape of the gum ridge to stay in place. They work reasonably well at first, but the fit degrades over time as the jawbone shrinks beneath them. Many patients end up using adhesive and still find the denture shifts when chewing.
Overdentures are held by implants. The implants act as anchors. The denture snaps or clips onto them and stays firmly positioned during eating and speaking. No adhesive. No slipping. And because the implants stimulate the jawbone the way tooth roots do, the bone loss that causes conventional dentures to loosen over time is significantly slowed.
How Are Overdentures Attached?
Most overdentures use a ball-and-socket attachment. A small metal ball sits on top of each implant, and the underside of the denture has corresponding receptor sockets. The denture snaps down onto the balls and holds securely. Another common system uses a metal bar connecting two or more implants, with clips on the underside of the denture that grip the bar.
Both systems allow the patient to remove the denture at night for cleaning and to give the gum tissue a rest. The attachment mechanisms are durable and designed to be replaced if they wear over time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Overdentures?
Most patients who need full tooth replacement and have adequate jawbone to support implants are candidates. Patients currently wearing conventional dentures who are unhappy with stability, dietary restrictions, or the constant need for adhesive are the most common group.
A clinical evaluation and bone density assessment determine whether the jaw has sufficient volume for implant placement. Patients who’ve been wearing conventional dentures for years and have experienced significant bone loss may need a bone graft before implants can be placed. Your dentist reviews all of this at the consultation.
What the Process Looks Like
Overdentures are placed in two stages. First, the implants are placed in the jaw under local anesthetic. Healing takes two to four months as the implants integrate with the bone. Second, once integration is confirmed, the overdenture is connected to the implants.
Some patients wear a temporary conventional denture during the healing period. The full process takes several months, but the stability difference at the end is significant.
Image Dental places and restores overdentures in-house. No outside referral needed. If you’re dealing with dentures that slip or want to explore what implant-supported options look like for your situation, schedule a consultation at Image Dental in Stockton.
