Dentures are the first thing that pops into most people’s minds when considering the options for replacing all of the teeth in the mouth. One of the additional options that can accompany a full set of dentures is what is called an overdenture. An overdenture is an implant-supported replacement that locks or snaps the denture into place. To be a candidate for an implant-supported denture, there must be enough bone for the implants to be retained in the jawbone. Dr. Farahmand, DMD of OF Dental Care has provided exceptional implant-quality care to the community for over twenty years. If you are considering dentures, your local dentist in Arcadia, is extending free complimentary consultations to discuss your options and treatment plan.
Not quite sure if an overdenture is right for you? Here is an often asked question:
Why not just get a regular denture and save the money that implants would cost?
Great question! Traditional dentures are fabricated and molded to the “current” shape and size of the gums and bone in the mouth. This matters because once all of the teeth have been extracted, the alveolar bone (jawbone) loses its stimulation and circulation in the mouth and, over time, begins to shrink and resorb. So while the gums are shrinking, the denture stays the same size it was the day it was made. Hence, many have to use denture adhesives to keep their teeth from moving around and becoming loose while talking and eating. This means a regular denture has to be replaced, relined, and maintained a lot more than realized.
On the other hand, if enough healthy bone remains in the mouth, an implant can be placed in the jawbone that “acts” like an anchor and essentially locks and holds a denture into place. An overdenture is still molded to the gum tissue in certain areas, but because there are denture bars and abutments, the denture attaches to those more than the gums. Even for patients with significant bone loss already due to gum disease or rampant tooth decay, other options are available to help build up bone levels by having bone grafting or synthetic bone tissue placement. Some other great benefits to an overdenture supported by implants are the following.
- Implant-supported dentures help retain bone levels and prevent bone loss because the implant continually stimulates the gum tissues.
- The adjustment period after surgery is much less and looks more natural.
- There are much fewer limitations on food and eating with an overdenture.
- An upper overdenture does not need the hard palate, so it generally feels more natural while retaining taste, diction, and eating habits as usual.
If you think that you might be a good candidate for an overdenture please contact OF Dental Care today to schedule an appointment with the highly reputable and experienced dentist in Arcadia Dr. Farahmand, DMD at 310.273.3650 or visit www.OFDentalCare.com to learn more.
