What You Should Know about Overdentures - What to Know

An overdenture is a great dental innovation that is considered to be one of the most practical means used for preventive dentistry. It is a removable dental prosthesis which covers and rests on remaining natural teeth, the roots of natural teeth, and dental implants. It can either be tooth-supported or implant-supported.

Keep on reading to learn more about the use of an overdenture.

Overdentures overview

Some individuals wear removable dental appliances called dentures as replacements for missing teeth. When individuals lose their teeth, their jawbone deforms and shrinks over time, making the dentures hard to fit. Now, dentists have discovered a way to attach a denture to either the remaining teeth in the mouth or to dental implants for oral stability. This is where the use of overdenture comes into play.

Benefits of overdentures

Using an overdenture is beneficial to the oral structure. A study in the Journal of Oral Research and Review confirmed how overdentures helps sustain the stability and improve the oral structure of a patient. Below are some of the benefits of overdentures:

• Overdentures reduce the shrinkage of the jawbone. This happens when the overdenture redirects forces and pressure in the mouth, helping the dentures stay stable.

• Overdentures benefit patients who have dental-related conditions. These conditions include cleft palate, oligodontia (absence of more than six teeth in primary, permanent or both types of teeth), cleidocranial dysostosis (abnormal development of bones in the skull and clavicle area) and Class III occlusion.

• Overdentures improve oral function and retention among patients. They are better compared to conventional dentures, which may become unstable over time or require refitting. This is because overdentures maintain the surrounding bone and ensure that patients have an appliance that will last longer.

Tooth-supported versus implant-supported overdentures

As mentioned previously, overdentures can be installed over the retained teeth or dental implants. Below are the differences between tooth-supported and implant-supported overdentures:

• Tooth-supported: Overdentures are a good option if the patient has teeth present. With this, the appliances may not require teeth extraction as patients can retain some of their natural teeth. The most common type is an overdenture supported by canine teeth. The teeth will undergo root canal treatment, after which they are connected with a metal bar that fits into the base of the overdenture. This can be done for both the upper and lower jaws.

• Implant-supported: Upper or lower denture can be converted to overdentures supported by dental implants. Some dentists believe using dental implants to support overdentures (instead of two natural teeth) can be more practical and cost-effective. With this, the dentist will install implants in the area where the canine teeth used to be. Then, the implants will be connected with a metal bar that fits into the overdenture.

Getting overdentures can be a viable solution for your teeth replacement and oral stability. When getting your first set of dentures, discuss the options with your dentist first. When using one, make sure to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine to avoid developing cavities and gum diseases. Also, visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional hygiene appointments.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Ypsilanti, Michigan to help you with your overdentures, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!