Overdenture
Did you know that there are millions of adults in the United States that suffer from edentulism, or tooth loss? Traditional dentures are the most affordable option for replacing missing teeth. However, they come with some disadvantages.
If you have traditional dentures, you understand the difficulty that comes with them. Many patients report their dentures slipping and sliding around while they’re eating or speaking and maybe even falling out when laughing or sneezing. An overdenture can solve these problems.
An overdenture is a dental prosthetic that is supported by dental implants. The implants create a stable base and hold the prosthetic firmly in place. It allows you to eat, speak, laugh, and smile confidently- without having to worry about the dentures shifting.
An overdenture looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth, so it can ultimately improve your quality of life. At Wolf Schwartz Dentistry, we strive to help all of our patients by providing them with the information they need to make a decision on the best course of treatment for their dental problems.
Traditional Dentures versus Overdentures
While traditional dentures and overdentures are both used to replace missing teeth, that is where their similarities end. They are very different forms of dental prosthetics.
Traditional dentures are an affordable, quick solution for tooth loss. They are also the most budget-friendly of the tooth replacement options. The denture restores aesthetics and function and is used for patients who want to be able to eat comfortably. The denture plate is made to fit over the bony ridge but will loosen over time due to deterioration of the jawbone.
The lower jaw experiences the most bone reabsorption over time. This causes the denture to loosen and requires frequent relines and repairs. However, when implants are placed and the overdenture mounted, this creates a stable base for the denture and stimulates the bone, preventing reabsorption. This creates an overall satisfactory experience for the patient.
Since overdentures are mounted to the implants, they are permanent and don’t move around easily. This makes them more stable and provides increased comfort and confidence for the patient. This is a more expensive solution than traditional dentures, but is a great investment in your oral and overall health.
Overdentures minimize the deterioration of the jawbone and provide a more youthful appearance than traditional dentures.
Types of Overdentures
There are several types of overdentures available. At Wolf Schwartz Dentistry, we offer the following options:
Implant-Supported Overdenture
An implant-supported overdenture is a tooth replacement solution that uses 4 to 6 implants to hold the denture plate. The implants are placed into the jawbone to prevent deterioration- improving stability and providing patients with a more youthful appearance.
Typically, patients must undergo two surgical procedures for implant-supported overdentures. First, the implants will be placed. Later, after the jawbone has healed around the implants, you will need a second surgery to place the custom prosthetic.
Implant-supported overdentures can be removed by the patient for cleaning or for sleeping.
Permanent/Fixed
Partial Dentures
Some of our patients are only missing a few teeth and only need a partial. A partial overdenture is similar to a full denture in that it’s usually removable. However, it only replaces a few missing teeth and one of the primary disadvantages is that it puts pressure on your remaining natural teeth.
A partial overdenture does the same thing a complete implant-supported denture does. It uses dental implants to replace one or more teeth for the partial to clip to. An overdenture partial is more natural looking than a traditional partial.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Overdentures
Overdentures have many advantages. Many of our patients at Wolf Schwartz Dentistry in Boca Raton choose traditional dentures until they are able to afford overdentures or until they are healthy enough to undergo implant surgery.
Some of the most common advantages of overdentures include the following:
- Permanent solution for tooth loss
- Improved confidence when laughing, smiling, talking, and eating
- Preserves jawbone
- Provides a youthful appearance
- No risk of slipping and sliding around
- More natural appearance
The primary disadvantage of overdentures is the cost and the fact that you need a decent amount of bone density to improve your chances of implant success. If you do not have sufficient bone density, you may need to undergo an additional bone grafting procedure, which will increase the cost.
Steps to Getting Overdentures
The process of getting overdentures is similar to those of placing a single dental implant to replace one tooth. Dr. Schwartz will go over the steps with you so that you know what to expect.
Consultation
The first step in any dental procedure is to schedule your consultation. At that time, you will discuss your questions and concerns with the dental team. You will also want to discuss your budget. This will help us create a treatment plan that works for you.
Dr. Schwartz will perform a comprehensive dental exam and review your dental and medical history. We will also take impressions, x-rays, and photos to determine your jawbone height and determine if you will need to undergo additional surgeries such as sinus augmentation or bone grafts.
If you have dental anxiety, you’ll want to bring that up at this time so that we can be prepared with sedation when you come in for the surgery.
Placement of Implants
When you come in for your implants, Dr. Schwartz will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area and keep you from feeling pain. If you need to, we can provide you with a sedative to put you to sleep. At this time, implants will be screwed into the jawbone and stitches will be placed to facilitate healing.
Healing
Over the next 3 to 6 months, osseointegration will occur. This is when the jawbone heals around the implant and the implant becomes like a tooth root.
Healing Cap
After the healing period, Dr. Schwartz will expose your implants and place a healing cap to guide where the abutment and prosthetic will be attached.
Impression
At this time, we will take an impression of your mouth to help with fabricating your overdenture. We will send the impression to the lab for it to be made and this process usually takes more than one appointment.
Insertion of Overdenture
Once the overdenture is fabricated, you will come in to have it placed. If it fits properly, we will secure it in place. If not, we will make any necessary adjustments. Dr. Schwartz will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new overdentures.
Cost of Overdentures
Why Trust Wolf Schwartz Dentistry?
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are missing teeth and you are in or near Boca Raton, Florida, schedule your appointment today with Dr. Schwartz at Wolf Schwartz Dentistry. We are located on Southeast 5th Street in Boca Raton. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We look forward to serving you and your dental needs.
It is essential that you are staying on top of secure oral health to last for many years to come. As always, your dental care is our top priority! Contact us today to learn more!