Overdentures offer a modern approach to tooth replacement, providing increased stability and comfort compared to traditional removable dentures. This dental prosthesis aims to offer a more secure fit, enhancing both function and confidence.
Understanding Overdentures
Overdentures derive support from underlying structures within the mouth, such as natural teeth or dental implants. Unlike conventional full dentures, which rely primarily on suction and the contours of the gums for stability, overdentures connect to specific anchors.
They are a suitable option for those who have lost most or all of their teeth. By engaging with natural tooth roots or implants, overdentures offer a more natural feeling in the mouth and can significantly improve chewing efficiency.
A benefit of overdentures, especially those supported by implants, is their role in preserving the jawbone. When teeth are lost, the jawbone can begin to resorb or shrink over time. Overdentures, particularly implant-supported ones, stimulate the jawbone, which helps to maintain bone density and prevent facial changes that can occur with bone loss.
How Overdentures Stay in Place
Overdentures attach to specific anchoring points, most commonly dental implants. Dental implants are small, screw-like posts, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for the overdenture to snap or clip onto.
Various types of attachments are used to connect the overdenture to the implants. Ball attachments feature a ball-shaped abutment on the implant that fits into a corresponding socket in the denture, offering a secure yet resilient connection. Bar attachments involve a metal bar that connects two or more implants, with the overdenture clipping onto this bar, providing strong retention and stability. Locator attachments are another widely used system, designed with a self-aligning feature that allows the overdenture to pivot and easily snap into place, even if the implants have some angular divergence.
While implant support is common, overdentures can also be supported by healthy, remaining natural tooth roots. In such cases, the natural teeth are often modified, sometimes undergoing root canal treatment and shaping, to serve as abutments. Custom attachments, such as metal clasps or precision systems, are then used to connect the overdenture to these prepared tooth roots.
The Journey to Overdentures
The process of receiving overdentures begins with a comprehensive initial consultation and examination. During this visit, a dental professional evaluates the patient’s oral health, reviews their medical history, and often utilizes imaging techniques like X-rays or 3D CT scans. This assessment helps determine suitability for overdentures and identifies the most appropriate type, whether implant-supported or tooth-supported.
If implant-supported overdentures are chosen, the next phase involves the surgical placement of the dental implants into the jawbone. This procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. A healing period, often ranging from three to six months, follows to allow the implants to fuse with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration.
Once the implants have integrated, abutments, which are connectors, are attached to the implants. Impressions of the mouth are then taken to create custom models for fabricating the overdenture. The denture is designed to fit precisely and attach securely to the abutments. A try-in appointment allows for adjustments to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and aesthetics before the final placement of the overdenture.
Caring for Your Overdentures
Maintaining overdentures involves a consistent daily cleaning routine. It is important to remove and rinse overdentures after each meal to clear food debris. Daily cleaning should involve using a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive cleanser specifically designed for dentures, as regular toothpaste can scratch the material.
Beyond cleaning the overdenture itself, attention must be given to the underlying gums and implant sites. Gently brushing the gums, tongue, and the implant abutments with a soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent plaque buildup and irritation. Soaking removable overdentures in a cleaning solution overnight is also recommended to keep them disinfected and fresh, while avoiding hot water which can warp them.
Regular dental check-ups are important for professional assessment and maintenance. During these appointments, the dentist checks the fit of the overdentures, monitors the health of the gums and implants, and inspects for any wear or damage to the attachment components. Components like retention inserts may need periodic replacement, sometimes every six months to a few years.