In the past, people who were missing many or all of their teeth turned to dentures for tooth replacement. Today, patients in need of prosthetic teeth have a choice. Overdentures are the go-to option for patients who want reliable, attractive, functional prosthetic teeth.
What Are Overdentures?
Overdentures are a prosthetic tooth option for individuals missing all of their upper or lower teeth. These artificial teeth are made with a resin base for a precise fit, then they’re secured in the mouth with implants attached to the jaw. Benefits of overdentures include:
- Will not slip out of place
- Look like natural teeth
- Chew food easily
- Stay in place while talking
Getting Fitted
If you’d like overdentures for your teeth, talk to your dentist at Weninger Dentistry. Getting overdentures installed is a process that can take several months, depending on the health of your jaw and other factors. While you’re waiting for the process to be completed, you’ll wear temporary dentures.
To get overdentures, your dentist will make impressions and images for temporary dentures. Next, you’ll have titanium implants placed in your mouth. Implants are installed over several sessions at the dentist’s office, with time for your mouth to heal between sessions.
Once your mouth is fully healed, the dentist will make new impressions for your final dentures, then the final dentures will be installed properly. Once the dentures are in place, the dentist will bring you in for follow-ups to ensure the fit is correct.
Are Overdentures My Best Choice?
From the outside, overdentures and traditional dentures look very similar. For the person wearing the prosthesis, the difference between overdentures and traditional dentures is dramatic.
- No adhesives. Traditional dentures are held in place with adhesives. Adhesives represent an ongoing cost and can also impact the taste of food. Overdentures require no adhesives to stay in place.
- Easier to eat and talk. Because overdentures can’t slip out of place, eating and talking are easier with overdentures. This means people who wear overdentures don’t have to deal with special diets or food restrictions.
- Less irritation. Traditional dentures can cause gum irritation when they rub and slip out of place. This doesn’t happen with overdentures.
In addition, overdentures prevent the bone structure that holds the dentures in place from shrinking or atrophying over time. Traditional dentures can’t prevent this from happening. Whenever possible, overdentures are the treatment of choice for patients and dentists who want to help patients maintain their oral health.
An Option That Can Make You Smile
They say that 35 million people in the US are missing their upper or lower teeth. Overdentures can restore your confidence and maintain the jaw structure that you’re accustomed to. Overdentures are healthy and effective for people who want to enjoy the appearance of natural teeth.
Are There Different Types of Overdentures?
Overdentures can be easily removed by the patient, or they can be fixed in place (removable by the dentist only). Your dentist can help you decide which type of overdentures are best for your needs.
You may also benefit from mini dental implants installed in the lower jaw. Mini implants are an option for patients who have lost jaw density for various reasons. Mini implants allow you to wear overdentures, even if your lower jaw lacks sufficient bone to install full-sized implants.
Making Sure Overdentures Are the Right Choice
Overdentures require surgery for installation. In order to install overdentures, you’ll need good oral health and sufficient bone quality for implants. To find out whether overdentures are a good option for you, schedule an examination with your dentist at Weninger Dentistry. Call today to make an appointment.