Dental implant supported dentures are just one option for restorative dentistry.

If you are missing more than one tooth and are looking into restorative dentistry options, dental implant supported dentures may be a tooth-replacement solution for you. The team at Farless Dental Group in Greensboro, North Carolina, can explain your options for restorative dentistry and advise you on the best choice for your situation.

What types of dentures are available to me?

There are many different types of dentures out there, and each type of denture has its own benefits. If you are looking into dentures as an option, start with a consultation with the team at Farless Dental Group who can help you make a choice that is right for you.

Traditional dentures are the type of dentures you may be most familiar with. Traditional dentures are used to replace an arch of teeth, that is, more than one or two missing teeth. Traditional dentures are secured in the mouth with adhesive, so they are removable at night or when you need to give your dentures a thorough clean.

Dental implants are ideal when just a single tooth is missing. A dental implant is an individually crafted tooth that is secured into place with a titanium implant that acts as a replacement tooth root. Dental implants are a permanent solution when just one tooth is missing.

Overdentures, also known as dental implant supported dentures, are an alternative for those who need to have an entire arch of teeth replaced. Overdentures are anchored into place with dental implants that are placed into the jaw. Overdentures are permanently placed in the mouth and look and feel like your normal teeth.

When are overdentures an option?

Overdentures are an option for people who have had substantial tooth loss. Overdentures are considered an upgrade from traditional dentures because overdentures are a permanent fixture in your mouth and are more realistic looking than traditional dentures. 

Your dentist can assess the health of your jaw bone, and ensure you have an adequate amount of jaw bone to support your dental implants to ensure your overdenture is securely placed. If you have suffered jaw bone deterioration, a bone graft may be required to ensure you have enough healthy bone to anchor your implants. Additionally, some medications can affect the success of your implants, so it’s important to talk to your dentist about this.

Why choose overdentures?

If you are looking into restorative dentistry to fix your smile, overdentures are a choice you will make with your dental professional, as not everyone will be a candidate for them.

However, if you are a candidate for overdentures, there are many reasons why they make a great option for those suffering from tooth loss compared with traditional dentures.

Secure placement

One of the main reasons people choose overdentures instead of traditional dentures is because of their permanency. Since overdentures are anchored into the jaw with dental implants, they aren’t removable like traditional dentures are. Traditional dentures are only held in place with an adhesive, so there is the chance that traditional dentures can shift out of place.

Easy care

Overdentures are also easy to maintain because they are just like your normal teeth. Thanks to modern technology, overdentures are custom designed to fit your mouth, making them look and feel like real teeth. That also makes overdentures easy to care for, meaning you brush and floss them like normal teeth. Overdentures are usually made of acrylic or metal, which are materials that can stand the test of time. The base of the overdenture is also pink in color to match your gum line

Enjoy your favorite foods

The other advantage of overdentures is the ability to still eat your favorite foods. Because the overdenture is anchored into your mouth, you can even bite into corn on the cob or ribs without worrying about your dentures slipping out of place.

Restored speech patterns

Overdenture wearers also say their speech pattern is not affected by the overdenture. Because of the way traditional dentures sit above the gums, it can change the way you speak, especially your inflection. More overdenture wearers report no issues with the way they speak once their implants have healed.

Is restorative dentistry right for you?

If you have significant tooth loss and are looking into restorative dentistry to fix your smile, contact the team at Farless Dental Group to make an appointment today. Our knowledgeable team will perform a dental evaluation and discuss what type of restorative dentistry options are available to you, and which type of restorative dentistry you could benefit from. Get started on the path to a fully functioning and beautiful smile today.