Overdentures: Expert Tips for Optimal Restoration

An overdenture is a dental restoration solution and a significant advancement in modern dentistry. As a dentist, you understand the challenge of balancing stability, aesthetics, and convenience for patients with complete tooth loss.

With the perfect combination of implant stability and the flexibility of removable dentures, overdentures offer superior results and provide an opportunity to enhance the patient experience. This article provides an overview of overdentures, helping dentists optimize treatment outcomes.

What is an Overdenture?

An overdenture is a type of denture supported by implants, offering an advanced restorative solution for patients with full or near-complete tooth loss. Unlike traditional dentures, overdentures are stabilized by implant posts embedded into the jawbone, providing exceptional stability and aesthetics.

This structure consists of:

• Denture Base: Fabricated from acrylic or nylon (Valplast®), incorporating artificial teeth and gum-like material in a single piece.
• Retention System: Utilizes implants integrated with the jawbone and specialized abutments (such as Locator® Abutments) to anchor the denture securely, preventing movement during use.

Overdentures are not merely a restorative solution but also significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Studies have shown that the chewing efficiency of overdenture users reaches up to 79%, closely matching that of natural teeth (90%) and far exceeding traditional full dentures, which achieve only 59%.

Additionally, with the support of implants, overdentures stimulate jawbone growth and minimize bone resorption, a common issue in long-term edentulous patients. With proper care, overdentures can maintain consistent functionality for 5 to 10 years or longer, making them an optimal choice for functionality and aesthetics.

Advantages

• Improved Chewing Efficiency: Overdentures provide up to 79% of the chewing efficiency of natural teeth, significantly surpassing traditional full dentures.
• Prevention of Jawbone Resorption: Implant posts stimulate the jawbone, preserving bone density and minimizing bone resorption, a common issue in long-term edentulous patients.
• Enhanced Aesthetics and Functionality: Overdentures restore facial contours, provide a natural appearance, and ensure stable chewing functionality.
• Comfort and Ease of Cleaning: Removable overdentures are easy for patients to clean daily, while fixed options offer a sensation similar to natural teeth.
• Flexibility and Variety: A range of overdenture types is available to suit individual patients’ specific needs and budgets.

Disadvantages

• Higher Cost: Compared to traditional dentures, overdentures involve a higher initial investment, especially when multiple implant posts are required.
• Complex Procedure: The placement of implants involves surgical intervention and requires time for osseointegration, demanding patience from the patient.
• Maintenance and Care: Regular cleaning and routine check-ups are necessary to ensure long-term functionality and durability.
• Not Suitable for All Patients: Patients with insufficient jawbone density or significant health conditions may not be ideal candidates for this treatment.

Types of overdenture

Removable implant-supported dentures

These dentures are secured to implant posts in the jawbone using a snap-on mechanism that allows easy attachment and removal. With this flexibility, patients can clean their dentures daily without difficulty. This option is ideal for individuals seeking a balance between stability and usability.

Removable implant-supported dentures

Fixed implant-supported dentures

Fixed implant-supported Dentures are also known as hybrid dentures; these are permanently attached to implant posts and cannot be removed at home. Fixed overdentures typically use 4–6 implant posts following the All-on-4 or All-on-6 principles. This solution provides optimal stability, making it a preferred choice for patients who want a near-natural tooth experience.

Fixed implant-supported dentures

Bar-retained implant-supported overdentures

These overdentures utilize a metal bar that is securely attached to implant posts. The denture is designed to clip or snap onto the bar for a secure fit. Although firmly anchored, the bar allows easy cleaning or nighttime wear removal.

Bar-retained implant-supported overdentures

Ball-retained implant-supported overdentures

This type uses ball-shaped attachments between the implants and dentures, providing a firm yet flexible connection. The ball-retention mechanism simplifies cleaning and allows for convenient replacement of components when needed.

Ball-retained implant-supported overdentures

Implant-retained removable partial dentures

Combining natural teeth and implant posts, this type overcomes the limitations of traditional removable dentures. Designed without clasps, particularly in the aesthetic region, these dentures restore a natural appearance. The base (flange) can also be customized to recreate facial structure and support soft tissues lost due to bone resorption.

Implant-retained removable partial dentures

Conclusion

Understanding the key features of overdentures is essential for dentists to optimize patient consultations and deliver exceptional outcomes. If you’re looking for a dental lab offering a wide range of high-quality prosthetics, contact us today for a detailed consultation.