The loss of natural teeth can be a distressing experience, impacting your confidence and daily life. But there’s one remarkable dental procedure—implant overdenture what you should know about this dental treatment option and ensure those empty spaces are a thing of the past.
Implant overdentures are removable dental prosthetics that anchor securely onto dental implants, providing a stable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. They combine the strength of implants with the convenience of traditional dentures.
What Is an Implant Overdenture?
To fully understand what an implant overdenture is, it’s important to first familiarize yourself with dental implants, given they’re interconnected. Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots crafted from metals like titanium or chrome. They are securely anchored within the jawbone, be it upper or lower.
While implants and dentures both offer great solutions for missing teeth, combining them can maximize efficiency. That’s where implant overdentures come into the picture – unlike ordinary dentures, they can be supported by teeth or implants, allowing them to be securely snapped into your jaw. Dentists often opt for these solutions when there’s potential to retain certain implants or natural teeth, as this solution maintains the jawbone’s integrity while also offering added stability in the mouth.
The Mechanics Behind Implant Overdentures
Serving either as a bridge or a standalone solution, an implant overdenture is a detachable prosthetic. It clicks into place on the implants, ensuring they remain steady and reliable during daily activities. Besides this added convenience, overdentures are much more efficient than other procedures, as they necessitate a maximum of two implants for the lower teeth and just four for the upper set.
Here’s a brief overview of a few common types of implant overdentures:
| Implant-retained with attachment | Simple and cost-efficient attachment model |
| Implant-retained with bars | Rods and balls connect the implants, and the overdenture is attached to these bars |
| Implant-retained with locators | Ball abutments protrude from the implant, and the overdenture is attached to them |
| Secured to telescopic implants | With an internal metal structure that is highly functional |
| Secured to implants with magnets | A system that allows easy removal and installation of the overdenture |
Advantages of Implant Overdentures
Loss of teeth can quickly erode self-confidence and mar one’s appearance. In such situations, implant overdentures emerge as a possible solution, promising both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Improved Stability and Comfort
Implant overdentures provide a secure fit, eliminating the common discomfort or instability associated with traditional dentures. You can eat, talk, or sneeze without having to worry about them slipping or falling out of your mouth.
Enhanced Functionality
One of the standout features of implant overdentures is the restored ability to chew and speak without hindrance. By mimicking natural tooth roots and providing a firm foundation, they offer an enhanced bite force.
Preservation of Bone Structure
A significant drawback of prolonged tooth loss is the gradual deterioration of the jawbone. Implant overdentures actively combat this concern. By stimulating the jawbone similarly to natural tooth roots, they foster bone retention and deter the process of bone resorption.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Beyond their functional benefits, implant overdentures are crafted to replicate the look of natural teeth. Their design aims at seamlessly blending with the individual’s dental anatomy, bestowing wearers with a radiant, natural-looking smile.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Implant Overdentures?
While versatile, implant overdentures have specific conditions to ensure their success and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions that make someone an ideal candidate:
- Candidates must be in good general health, as well as oral health,
- Candidates need to possess a sufficient amount of jawbone to support and anchor the implants,
- Candidates should miss a single tooth or several teeth.
How to Care For Your Implant Overdenture
One of the standout benefits of implant overdentures is their removability, which provides a thorough cleaning process. For safe removal, it’s crucial to lift both sides simultaneously and gently ease it out, avoiding excessive force or pressure.
Once you have your overdenture out, here are a few helpful cleaning tips:
- Opt for a toothpaste specifically formulated for dental implants to ensure gentle yet effective cleaning,
- Use interdental brushes for thorough cleaning,
- Use floss at the junction where the implant meets the gums,
- Submerge the overdenture at least once a week in water containing a special disinfectant tablet designed for overdentures,
- Clean the fixed components by brushing around their attachments with a medium-bristle brush.
Contact the Miami Cosmetic Smile Design Team if You Want Flawless Implant Overdenture
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer – reach out to the Miami Cosmetic Smile Design today and secure your appointment. It’s your first step towards a radiant future with a flawless smile.
References
- Miami Perfect Smile – Implant Overdenture – What You Should Know
- Sarasota Dentistry – What Are Implant Overdentures, and Are They Right for Me?
