What Is An Overdenture, and How Is It Supported?
Dentures are cost-effective and popular tooth replacement solutions for individuals with missing teeth. Unfortunately, traditional dentures can sometimes be uncomfortable and unstable, slipping or causing difficulties when speaking or eating.
Overdentures near you are an excellent alternative to traditional dentures if you want improved stability and support. Unlike traditional dentures that are supported by adhesive or natural suction, overdentures are secured by natural teeth or dental implants placed in the jawbone. Keep reading to learn more about overdentures, how they’re supported, and their benefits.
What are Overdentures?
Overdentures are types of dentures that are secured in place by dental implants or remaining healthy teeth. They can replace teeth on both the lower and upper jaw. Compared to traditional dentures, overdentures provide increased stability, strength, and retention, offering better functionality, aesthetics, and comfort. Visit our dentist near you for overdentures.
How are Overdentures Supported?
Overdentures can either be supported by your natural teeth or dental implants:
- Overdentures on your natural teeth
If you have only lost several teeth, you can use your remaining teeth to support your denture or artificial teeth. This approach is sometimes referred to as tooth-supported overdentures.
Before the procedure, the dentist will thoroughly examine the condition of your remaining teeth to determine whether they can sufficiently support an overdenture. If there are existing issues like decay or damage, the denture will address them before the overdenture is fabricated.
If eligible, the dentist will take impressions and other records of your teeth and mouth. These and other records are sent to a dental laboratory to create your customized overdenture.
Based on your needs and preferences, the overdenture is anchored to your natural teeth using attachments, which can be studs, clasps, or other connectors. These attachments provide secure support for your denture for excellent stability, aesthetics, comfort, and functionality.
- Overdenture on dental implants
Your dentist can recommend an implant-supported overdenture if you don’t have healthy teeth to support your overdentures. The overdenture is anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone.
Your dentist will inspect your oral health, including the jawbone, to determine whether you’re eligible for implant-supported overdentures. A healthy and sufficient jawbone is crucial to creating a solid dental implant foundation.
If you’re eligible, the dentist will insert the implant posts into the jawbone through surgery. The procedure is completed under local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Once inserted, the implants fuse and bond with the surrounding bone in the process of osseointegration. This process takes 3 to 6 months.
Once osseointegration is complete, the dentist will attach abutments which act like a connector between the overdenture and the implants. Then, the dentist will take impressions, images, and other records of your mouth to prepare a custom-made overdenture.
Once the gums heal, the overdenture is placed over the abutments and implants. The dentist will carefully inspect and adjust the overdenture to ensure a proper fit, comfort, and appearance.
Benefits of Overdentures
Below are the key benefits of getting overdentures over traditional dentures:
- Better stability. Overdentures are supported by natural teeth or dental implants, offering a more solid foundation for your artificial teeth. They are unlikely to move or slip when eating or speaking.
- Better bite function. Overdentures have better stability, allowing you to chew tougher foods easier and comfortably without moving or sleeping.
- Preserves the jawbone. Implants used to support overdentures restore jawbone stimulation, preventing bone loss which often occurs gradually after tooth loss. A healthy bone structure helps support facial muscles and prevent wrinkles and sunken cheeks.
- Preserve the remaining teeth. The overdenture supports your natural teeth and distributes chewing forces evenly, reducing further tooth damage or loss.
- Better appearance and confidence. Natural teeth and implants provide a solid foundation for overdentures, offering better aesthetics and function. With improved stability and appearance, you can speak, chew, laugh, and smile confidently without worrying about your denture moving or slipping.
Are You Interested in Overdentures Near You?
For more information about overdentures and other tooth replacement options, contact We Care Dental to book your appointment with our dentist in Phoenix, AZ.