What are the benefits of overdentures?
Dentures slipping during speech or loosening while laughing or sneezing are common problems for those who have some or all of their teeth missing. An overdenture mechanism is a dental prosthetic that solves the issues related with regular dentures.
It is a denture prosthesis that is held up by implants to remain in place and stable. It gives you a natural smile so you may smile, laugh and eat without worrying about the denture sliding around.
By behaving as natural teeth, an overdenture can ultimately revamp an individual’s quality of life.
5 Types of Overdentures
Depending on your needs and budget, overdenture implants can be set or detachable. Both varieties are far more comfortable and attractive than a traditional denture and help enhance a person's health by averting further bone loss and maintaining nutritional needs more easily than standard dentures.
Overdentures with Implants
Overdentures with four or six implants inserted into the mandibular and maxillary jawbones are known as implant-supported dentures. They help to keep your current bone from deteriorating further. This will help to increase bone stability and give you a young look.
An overdenture supported by implant normally involves two surgical procedures: one to insert the implant into the jawbone and another to uncover the implant and create a custom fabricated prosthetic. When it's time to sleep or when the patient has to clean the implant-supported overdenture, it can be removed easily.
Overdenture with fixed Implant Support
An overdenture supported a fixed implant resembles a removable one, but it is secured in place with screws and cannot be taken off by the patient. To remove the prosthetic, you'll need a dentist to gently unscrew it.
Fully removable implant denture
For the edentulous (lacking teeth) patient, this is the most stable alternative. It is, however, difficult to clean because it can only be removed by a dentist. As it requires four dental implants and make use of screws as abutments, it is generally the most expensive option.
Implant-Supported Overdentures with Bar Retention
An implant-supported overdenture with bar-retained retention features a bar linked to the implants so that the denture can be fasten. It permits the denture to hang on and off the implants as needed, but it also provides additional support than a usual denture. Generally, people will only detach the overdenture to wash and sleep.
Overdentures with a Ball Retention and Implant Support
Ball-retained implants are a great choice for the lower arch, where two or four implants are typically placed in the jawbone.
The abutment that attaches the implant to the denture is like a ball-shaped is known as a ball retained overdenture. When compared to traditional dentures, it gives more stability and usefulness.
Ball attachments also make cleaning and changing parts easier.
Partials of a Overdenture
A partial denture is sometimes required when only a few teeth are lost. It is normally removable, like a full denture, and has some disadvantages, such as putting pressure on adjacent teeth.
An overdenture partial works in the same way as a full implant-retained dentures does.
It uses one or more implants to replace tooth roots, allowing the partial to clip onto the implants.
In comparison to a typical partial denture, an overdenture partial has a more natural appearance.
Steps in the Overdenture Procedure
Your surgeon or dentist will assess and walk you through each step of the implant and overdenture procedure. The procedure is identical to that of placing a single implant to replace a single tooth.
1. Consultation
Discuss all of your requirement, concerns, and budget with your dentist.
Your dentist will conduct a complete examination and evaluate history of your medical and dental records. Photographs, imprints, and 3-D Cone Beam radiographs are commonly used to establish your bone heights and whether or not you require more surgeries such as grafting of bones or sinus augmentation.
2. Implant placement
A local anesthetic will be used by your dentist to numb you. A 3-D surgical guide can occasionally help your dentist in determining the best place for the implants. The jawbone is fastened with many titanium implants. Stitches are employed to assist in the healing process.
3. The healing procedure
Before your implants can be exposed, you must recuperate for three to six months. This process (osseointegration) takes time.
4. Healing cap
Once you've recovered, the dentist will expose the implants and apply a healing cap to guide the abutment and prosthetic into place.
5. Impression
The creation of your overdenture will be aided by scanning or traditional imprints. It will be forwarded to the lab for denture fabrication and teeth to be made artificially. This procedure may require multiple appointments.
6. Insertion
Your dentist will try the overdenture in and make any required adjustments after it is completed. The teeth are securely fixed in place if it fits properly. You will be given post-operative instructions on how to care for your new prosthetic.
Overdentures: Benefits and Drawbacks
An overdenture has numerous advantages. A conventional denture will be used by many people till the phase they can bear an overdenture or by the time their medical condition permits implant surgery.
The following are the most prevalent advantages:
An enduring replacement for missing teeth.
Eating, smiling, and laughing with more confidence.
Maintains a young appearance by maintaining the jaw bone.
It has no chance of ousting like a denture.
It gives appearance of a natural teeth .
The main disadvantage of an overdenture is its high price, and implant success requires a considerable volume of bone.
What Is the Cost of an Overdenture?
The cost of an overdenture varies depending on the type of dental professional (cosmetic dentist vs prosthodontist), the number of implants required, and the overdenture materials.
Alternative Treatment Options
Tooth loss is difficult, but if an overdenture is not a good fit for you, there are many other treatment methods:
Removable denture: If you are missing teeth, a full arch denture can help you feel more confident and comfortable. It has the potential to improve your oral health and function.
Denture partial: A partial denture keeps your neighboring teeth from moving. It is capable of restoring both function and appearance.
Dental bridge: A dental bridge is a good alternate for persons who desire a non-removable, permanent prosthetic. With a long-lasting dental treatment, a dental bridge can be used to restore function to lost teeth.