What Are Overdentures, and Can They Restore My Smile?

Tooth loss has a serious impact on an individual’s quality of life. Choosing the right solution to replace missing teeth, therefore, is integral to restoring the appearance and function of your smile. 

Overdentures are one potential option, providing improved stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures by relying on dental implants for support. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work before deciding whether they’re right for you.

What are overdentures?

Overdentures are a restorative dentistry solution that replaces missing teeth with removable dentures that are anchored to dental implants, a quality that sets them apart from traditional dentures, which sit on the gums and don’t have the same solid foundation. 

In simpler terms, overdentures offer a mix of the stability of implants and the flexibility of traditional dentures. Using dental implants as a foundation prevents movement and slippage, which is common with conventional dentures, meaning patients enjoy a more natural-feeling experience and avoid the discomfort that comes with frequent abrasions.

Overdentures are also similar to other types of dentures in that they have an acrylic or composite base that provides a natural-looking appearance for the gums, and their base supports artificial teeth that can deliver a truly stunning smile.

How do overdentures work?

Overdentures are supported by two, or more dental implants, which are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Following that procedure, there is a waiting period of several months, wherein the implants integrate with the jawbone, before an overdenture attachment can take place.

The implants will have an intermediary attachment that, in addition to providing stability, allows for easy placement and removal of the overdentures. That differs from other types of implant-supported dentures, which aren’t meant to be removed by the wearer. 

Additionally, despite their easy-to-remove nature, overdentures hold up remarkably well during everyday use; you’ll be able to bite, chew, and speak without any concern of them moving or slipping around, and you can clean them much like traditional dentures. That, in turn, makes comprehensive oral hygiene easy compared to trying to brush and floss around fixed restorations.

Benefits of Overdentures

The primary benefit of overdentures compared to traditional dentures is their added stability. The support provided by dental implants prevents rocking, slipping, and rubbing that are incredibly common with conventional dentures. 

Function is also enhanced; you’ll be able to chew with your full bite force instead of struggling with traditional dentures, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of foods without hesitation. And because overdentures stay firmly anchored while speaking, speech is often improved as well.

Another key upside to this type of denture comes in the form of preventing jawbone deterioration, a condition that living with missing teeth leads to over time. As natural tooth roots are no longer there to stimulate the jawbone, it weakens, causing the individual’s face to take on a sunken-in look. Dental implants prevent that, providing the necessary stimulation to keep the jawbone strong.

Overdentures are also a better long-term investment than traditional dentures. You won’t need the frequent adjustments that traditional dentures require, and you won’t need to replace them after just a few years. The initial implant surgery does mean that there is a higher upfront cost to consider, but it’s well worth it in the long run, thanks to the increased lifespan overdentures have.

Are overdentures right for you?

Overdentures are a good choice for patients with missing teeth who want something more stable than traditional dentures. If you already have dentures and aren’t satisfied, then it’s worth asking your dentist about overdentures.

In particular, patients missing all of their teeth can rely on this type of denture to restore their smile without relying on fixed-implant-supported dentures; the former option achieves similar functionality in a wider range of cases where a fixed solution may not be right.

If you tend to prioritize the appearance of your smile, overdentures can deliver much more natural and realistic results. The same is also true for how they feel; they provide lasting comfort and let you go about your day without concerning yourself over slippage or movement.

One important factor to consider, however, is that dental implant surgery has certain requirements. You need a strong and healthy jawbone to support the implants, first and foremost, so if you’ve already experienced jawbone deterioration, then overdentures may not be right for you. In some cases, bone grafting can help augment the jawbone to prepare for implants.

Your lifestyle and overall health also play a role. If you have high-risk factors such as tobacco use or poor oral hygiene, then your dentist may require you to make some changes before moving forward.

Discover the Solution for Your Missing Teeth

With overdentures, you can get back to enjoying the full function, comfort, and confidence your smile should provide, all while also supporting your long-term oral health. The team at Farless Dental Group provides a variety of dental restorations and can find the right solution for you. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started!