Implant Overdentures

What is an Implant Overdenture?

An implant overdenture fits over your own remaining natural teeth roots or dental implants that have been installed by your oral surgeon or other dental specialist. The retained root or implant provides you with excellent stability and support for your denture implants.

How are implant overdentures or denture implants different from regular dentures?

Unlike traditional dentures, root-supported or implant-supported overdentures or implant dentures are held in place by dental attachments which provide the retentive strength that you desire. An attachment retained implant overdenture will provide maximum retention, increase in function, and added health benefits. Implant overdenture attachments are composed of two working components; the root post which is cemented into your root or an implant abutment that is threaded into your implant, and the denture cap which is retained in the underside of your denture.

The most important consideration in your decision to choose an implant overdenture or denture implant is the limited retention and stability of a traditional denture which relies on suction alone. Over time, retention only worsens due to continual bone loss (atrophy) of your dental arches from the lack of teeth. When a tooth loses bone support through the years, its root can be saved and used to anchor an implant overdenture. The significant concerns regarding function, retention, stability, mastication (chewing), and speaking can be overcome by maintaining the level of bone present in the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). These issues can be successfully accomplished by keeping your own roots, or if you are edentulous (without teeth) having dental implants placed by your oral surgeon may be an option.