What Is An Overdenture?

In the case of tooth loss, dentists typically use dentures that can effectively restore the smile and act as a replacement for the teeth in question. However, if the patient that suffers from tooth loss doesn’t get the dentures quickly enough, chances are that the jawbone will shrink and change its original shape due to the lack of teeth. When this happens, dentists need to attach the denture to the remaining teeth in the jaw with a special appliance called an overdenture.

What Are Overdentures?

As mentioned, an overdenture differs from typical dentures in the sense that it has to be attached to natural teeth for better support and stabilization. Overdentures can be:

• Implant-retained and gum-supported
• Bar-retained and implant-supported
• Fixed and implant-supported

Implant Overdentures

The most common type of overdentures is implant overdenture. This is the best solution for people who are suffering from severe tooth loss. Essentially, the overdenture is fixed to the jaw, supported by gums, and secured through the integrated retentive attachments.

Bar Overdentures

As the name suggests, bar-retained overdenture utilizes a metal bar that is fixed to the implants. The attachments are screwed into the denture for further security and stability.

Fixed Overdentures

Fixed overdenture cannot be removed unless you go to a professional to do so. The appliance combines the denture and bar that are fixed together. This combined structure is then secured to the implants with screws. Due to the lack of flanges and no needed support from the gums, this particular type of overdentures acts much like the patient’s natural teeth.

Benefits of Overdentures

Overdentures can make one’s life a lot easier and improve the quality of lifestyle overall. For starters, they’re the ideal solution when it comes to the prevention of jawbone shrinkage due to tooth loss. Essentially, overdentures are a good option for people suffering from severe tooth loss such as oligodontia, as well as other conditions like cleidocranial dysostosis or cleft palate. Even patients that fear dentist visits and pain can relax for this procedure thanks to the available sedation dental care.

When it comes to bettering one’s dental function, overdentures are superior to traditional dentures as the latter ones often turn weak and unstable after a while. What’s more, overdentures are known to protect the surrounding bone.

Other Overdenture Advantages

The positive effect that overdentures can have on one’s mental and physical well-being shouldn’t be ignored. Not only does this appliance recovers the confidence of a beautiful smile, but it also improves the function of chewing and speaking. You’ll be able to:

• Eat your favorite food
• Experience improved digestion
• Forget about the hassle of adhesive
• Enjoy a confidence boost
• Keep bone loss at bay
• Get more comfortable with a free palate
• Maintain your facial look and expressions

Caring for Your Overdenture

Maintaining proper oral hygiene on a regular basis is crucial for everyone, especially individuals with overdentures. With the right routine, you’ll be able to maintain your good oral health and avoid cavities and/or gum disease. What’s more, you can use your own healthy habits and family dental care to encourage better oral hygiene for your entire family.

If you have removable overdentures, it would be best to remove them before bed so that you can clean the inside of your mouth, around the attachments as well as your overdentures thoroughly. Make sure to follow your dentist’s advice to a tee as they will provide you with the best tips for your particular condition and the type of overdentures you have.

In case you have concerns about your oral health or are in need of dentist specialists don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Gables Sedation Dentistry. We use the latest equipment and innovative technology to treat our patients. Our priority is to make sure that our patients are comfortable, relaxed, and well-taken care of.