Implant Supported Overdentures [Quick Patient Guide]
Implant supported overdentures is a type of removable denture connected to dental implants. The implants are fitted with a special mechanism that clicks with the dentures to lock them securely. It is different from traditional dentures, which sit directly on the gum tissues. Normally, regular dentures are enough, but implant supported overdentures can provide increased comfort, function and confidence.
Type of overdenture treatment
Overdentures were created to help patients with complete or partial teeth loss regain dental functionality. The three types of overdentures include:
Implant-retained, gum-supported overdentures
With this option, the overdenture sits on the gums and is held by the implants inserted into the upper or lower jaw. The removable overdenture is securely attached to the implant with a retentive attachment built into the denture. This type of overdenture is the minimum standard for patients with complete teeth loss.
Bar-retained, implant supported overdentures
This type of overdenture uses a retentive attachment on a metal bar attached to the implants inserted into the jaw. The overdenture is fixed to the metal bar via the attachments built directly into the denture. These overdentures are removable.
Fixed implant supported overdentures
Fixed implant-supported overdentures are built such that the overdenture and the bar is a single framework attached with screws to the implants placed inside the upper or lower jaws. Only a professional dentist can remove the overdenture, and the fitting is like natural teeth because it does not have flanges nor sit on the gums.
Getting implant supported overdentures
Only a dentist can decide if this type of overdenture is the best option for restoring missing teeth. Advancements in dental implant technology and techniques have made more patients eligible for implant-supported overdenture. One basic requirement is that patients have excellent oral health. If there are any oral health issues, the dentist will provide treatment before going on with the procedure.
During the initial consultation, the dentist will evaluate different factors to determine the most suitable type of implant-retained overdenture. Usually, they can provide a set of temporary teeth on the day of implant surgery. The temporary set of teeth will let the patient live a normal life until the jaw heals around the implants. After healing, the dentist will place the dentures.
Benefits of overdentures
The following are advantages of choosing implant-supported overdentures:
Aids digestion
Regular dentures are usually held with adhesives. Overdentures use dental implants, which means they provide more stability than adhesives. This better stability allows patients to chew food thoroughly to allow the stomach to process food more efficiently.
Inhibits bone loss
The stimulation provided by the tooth root keeps the jawbones healthy. Once the tooth is lost, bone resorption starts, which is why dentures become loose in the mouth. The implants inserted into the jawbone provides that stimulation when eating or chewing to stop bone resorption process. Bone resorption can make the face appear sunken.
Final note
Implant supported overdentures are effective for patients who are missing all their teeth on the upper or lower dental arch. They aid in a better quality of life by restoring dental functionality. If you would like to know more about the procedure, book an appointment with the dentist for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com or call Preferred Dental Center at (210) 822-8500 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
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