Overdentures

An overdenture is a removable denture that is anchored to either natural teeth or dental implants. The term is mainly used for implant-supported structures, but an overdenture may also be attached to remaining teeth / teeth roots with the help of complex anchoring systems. It has an incomparably better stability and offers superior comfort to traditional removable dentures. Moreover, it gives our denture wearing patients the so much needed confidence in use. It is mainly because of these undisputed advantages and more, that most patients who suffer from total tooth loss choose this prosthetic solution over others.

What types of overdentures are there?

Mostly, overdentures are used for patients who are missing all their upper or lower teeth. In these cases, our dental surgeons will usually place 4 or more dental implants that will attach to the prosthesis in a solid, secure connection through a special anchoring system.

This means we have a few options depending on the quality of jaw bone and soft tissue, patient preference and last but not least, their financial possibilities. We will make a thorough analysis of all factors involved and with the help of a CT scan, we will be able to predict how many implants can be placed securely. After everything is established, we will recommend one of the following:

• Bar-retained, implant-supported removable overdenture;
• Implant-retained, gum-supported removable overdenture;
• Fixed implant-supported overdenture.

A removable overdenture normally needs 4 implants, but in very rare cases, when jaw bone is extremely scarce, it can be anchored to only 2. The prosthesis will stay in place without the help of adhesives, patients can use overdentures without worry of them moving around when they eat, speak or smile. We can also achieve great aesthetic results with this type of prosthesis. This is mainly because implants keep the bone structure at a healthy size and this will in turn keep the soft tissues of the face (like cheeks and lips) in proper form. Even more advantageous is the fact that they are smaller in size than traditional dentures, so there is basically little to no risk of oral irritation or gag reflex.

A fixed overdenture also needs at least 4 implants, but for greater security and comfort we usually recommend placing 6 or 8.  The denture is fixed in place with screws and cannot be removed by the patient at home, only by the dentist in the dental office with the help of special tools. Having more implants means a fixed solution is possible. This will give the patient a better feeling of natural teeth because the jaw bone is stimulated in use every day. The structure is projected as a whole in the dental lab and can be made of a combination of metal and ceramic (just like a metal-ceramic crown or bridge) or it can be made entirely out of zirconia. The latter offers superior aesthetic results and a lighter feeling in the mouth. Sometimes in practice and depending on how many implants are used, the fixed overdentures are called All-on-4 or All-on-6.   

Here are the main steps to getting an overdenture:

• Schedule an appointment at our clinic for an examination. A CT scan and a panoramic X-ray will help with planning and choosing the right number of implants for you. Everything about the procedures and costs will be explained and clarified by our doctors. A suitable type of overdenture for your particular case will be recommended.
• A session for placing the implants. (itt linkelni kell az implant oldalra)
• A healing period, during which the implants become integrated inside the bone. We will recommend a temporary solution until the overdenture is ready.
• Uncovering the implants and taking the first impressions of the arches.
• A healing period in which gum tissue forms around the healing caps and stabilizes into a final optimal shape.
• A session for taking the work impressions and registering the intermaxillary relationship. We will also take pictures that help with planning and designing the overdenture at the laboratory.
• The resistance structure together with the anchoring systems are sent from the dental laboratory. They are tried in and checked for precision.
• The overdenture mock-up will be checked for adaptation, aesthetics and bite relations. In this session, together with our patients we will note the necessary adjustments and wishes. The overdenture is sent back to the lab for finishing.
• In the last session the overdenture is ready. Our doctors will explain how it should be cared for. A proper oral hygiene ensures the longevity of the new teeth.

Caring for an overdenture

Caring for a removable overdenture is similar to traditional removable dentures:

• Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft brush before inserting your overdentures and in the evening after removing them. This will also stimulate blood circulation and keep the gums healthy. Use a non-abrasive mild liquid soap or gum paste for cleaning. Pay special attention to brushing the implant abutments and anchoring systems.
• Like natural teeth, overdentures will retain food particles and plaque, therefore they should be brushed regularly. However, they should not be cleaned with toothpaste, but with a non-abrasive detergent (for example with a liquid dishwasher detergent or a denture paste) and a simple brush, so as not to scratch its surfaces.
• When not wearing the overdentures, put them in a safe place, covered with clean water to prevent them from deforming. You will need to keep them in this container overnight, as it is not recommended to sleep with gum-supported removable dentures. During this time, the gums and bone will take a break from the pressure exerted by the prosthesis during the day and allow it to recover and heal, thus slowing down the shrinking of the bone. However, if the overdenture is only bar- or implant-supported, patients may, in some cases, keep them on during sleep. The problem is that in this time salivary secretion decreases and the danger of oral irritation and bad breath might occur, so they need to be very careful with oral hygiene.

Caring for a fixed overdenture is similar to caring for a dental bridge:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and evening) and clean under the structure with a waterpik every day.
• Use the oral care products recommended by our doctors to ensure that they meet the appropriate safety and efficacy standards for your particular case.
• As with natural teeth, it is advisable to avoid extremely hard foods, chew ice or other hard objects, such as pencils or fruit kernels.
• Be sure to schedule for regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings at our clinic.