How Is an Overdenture Different From a Denture?
The biggest difference between an overdenture and a regular denture is that overdentures are supported by dental implants, while dentures are not. Traditional dentures are supported by the suction between your gums and the denture, which can make them feel loose and unstable. Alternatively, they can be glued on with an adhesive, which can be messy and cause irritation to your gums.
Overdentures are much more stable because they’re supported by dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed in your jawbone and act as artificial teeth roots. Once the dental implants have healed, your overdenture will be attached to them. This gives you a much more secure fit, so you don’t have to worry about your overdenture slipping or moving around in your mouth.
What If You Have Some Natural Teeth Left?
If you still have some natural teeth left, you can still get an overdenture. In fact, many people choose to get overdentures because they don’t want to lose their natural teeth. Your teeth can act as abutments for the overdenture, as long as they’re strong enough to support it and the crowns are removed. Talk to your dentist about whether or not your natural teeth are suitable for overdentures.
What Are the Advantages of Overdentures?
There are many benefits of choosing an implant overdenture over a regular denture. Here are the three most important ones:
- Overdentures are much more stable than regular dentures. This means that you’ll be able to eat and speak with more confidence.
- They’re much more comfortable for the wearer because they don’t rest on your gums like regular dentures do.
- They can be easier to clean because you may be able to remove them and brush them just like you would your natural teeth.
- They’re associated with lesser bone loss in your jaw, which means that your overdenture will fit better for longer.
If you’re considering getting an overdenture, talk to your dentist to see if it’s the right option for you. Sometimes, overdentures are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. However, if you’re a good candidate for one, they can be a great way to improve your smile and your quality of life.
5 Types of Overdentures
Now that we’ve answered the question of what an overdenture is, let’s discuss the different types of overdentures.
- Implant-supported overdentures use 4-6 implants screwed into the jawbones. They involve two surgical procedures: implant placement and implant uncovering. The overdenture can be removed at night or for cleaning.
- Fixed implant-supported overdentures are attached to your dental implants with screws or clasps. They’re more expensive than removable overdentures and harder to clean, but they’re also more stable.
- Bar-retained overdentures are similar to implant-supported overdentures, but they’re supported by a bar that is attached to your dental implants. They’re removable but more stable than regular dentures.
- Ball-retained overdentures are also similar to implant-supported overdentures, but they’re supported by ball-shaped attachments that fit into sockets on 2-4 dental implants. They’re the easiest to clean and replace parts if they break.
- Overdenture partials only replace part of your teeth. They can be supported by natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of both.
Now that you know all about overdentures, you can decide if they’re the right option for you. Talk to your dentist about which type of overdenture would be best for you and your smile.
How Are Overdentures Placed in Your Mouth?
Overdentures are placed in your mouth in one of two ways. They can either be placed on your natural roots or on dental implants. If they’re placed on your natural roots, they’re called “root-supported overdentures.” If they’re placed on dental implants, they’re called “implant-supported overdentures.”
The main difference between the two is that implant-supported overdentures are much more stable. This is because they’re attached to dental implants, which are placed in your jawbone. Root-supported overdentures are only supported by your natural roots, which can become weak over time. However, they’re associated with reduced bone resorption compared to removable dentures on implants.
If you’re considering getting an overdenture, talk to your dentist about which type of overdenture would be best for you. They can help you decide if a root-supported or implant-supported overdenture is right for you.
No matter which type of overdenture you choose, you’ll be able to improve your smile and your quality of life. Overdentures are a great way to replace missing teeth in edentulous patients and give them back their confidence.
How Much Do Overdentures Cost?
The cost of overdentures varies depending on the type of overdenture you choose and whether or not you need dental implants. The overdenture itself costs $2,500 on average. One implant costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Four to six implants will be needed for an implant-supported overdenture, which means the total cost will be between $6,500 and $20,500.
Root-supported overdentures are less expensive because you don’t need dental implants. It’s difficult to give an exact price because it depends on how many teeth need to be removed and the condition of your natural roots.
Are Overdentures Comfortable to Wear?
Overdentures are much more comfortable to wear than regular dentures. They’re also more stable, which means you don’t have to worry about them slipping or falling out. If you choose an implant-supported overdenture, you may need to take a few days off work to recover from the implant surgery. Other than that, you should be able to go about your normal activities once your overdenture is in place.
If you have any other questions about overdentures or dental prosthetics, be sure to ask your dentist. They can develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Happy smiling!
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