If you have missing or damaged teeth in your upper or lower jaw, or both, opting for a full mouth restoration could offer the return of full chewing function along with aesthetic benefits. These are highly personalized dental procedures that rebuild or replace missing teeth.
One of the treatment solutions a dentist may recommend for a patient is implant overdentures. These offer stability in a way that traditional dentures can’t match. Learn more about implant overdentures and why they can be a great choice for patients needing full-mouth restorations.
What Are Implant Overdentures?
When you think of dentures, you likely picture the traditional prosthetics that rely on dental adhesives to stay in place. These are not the only options available, however. There have been advances in dentures, resulting in devices that fit better and provide the stability you need to chew and talk without fear. These are implant overdentures.
Implant overdentures are removable dentures that clip or snap into place. They attach to implants, which are fitted right into your jawbone. Implants have three main components, namely the titanium post that is surgically inserted into your jaw, the abutment (though this piece may sometimes be fused with the post), and the crown.
Unlike traditional dentures, which sit on your gums and rely on suction and adhesives, overdentures attach firmly onto the titanium posts, providing unmatched stability.
Benefits of Implant Overdentures During Full Mouth Restoration Procedures
When undergoing a full mouth restoration, your dentist will likely recommend implant overdentures if you have a healthy jawbone that can support implants. There are numerous reasons why dentists tend to favor these types of prosthetics.
Implant Supported Comfort and Stability
Implant overdentures offer comfort and stability. Traditional dentures sit right on the gums, which can cause irritation and even create sores. That is not something you have to worry about with implant overdentures. Implants sit in your jawbone and function as your natural teeth, so the dentures don’t slip or shift, avoiding gum irritation.
You also have full use of your bite force with these types of dentures. This allows you to chew even tough foods. You will no longer have to avoid certain items for fear of the dentures shifting.
Jawbone Preservation
Another benefit that implant overdentures offer is jawbone preservation. Your jawbone relies on the stimulation that tooth roots provide in order to keep producing bone cells.
If you lose a tooth, the root is no longer there, so no new jawbone cells are being formed in the area. As a result, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. This could cause more teeth to fall out.
Easy Maintenance to Preserve Your Teeth
Additionally, an implant overdenture is easier to keep clean. You can clip them out of place to appropriately clean them, giving you access to the implant and surrounding teeth. You can floss and brush as you normally would, preserving your teeth, gums, and the restorations.
Unlike traditional dentures, you don’t have to worry about adhesives, which can be messy, making maintenance more difficult.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants and Overdentures
If you’re considering dental implants, including implant overdentures for your full mouth restoration, the process will generally begin with a digital scan. It will map your jawbone so that your dentist can plan implant locations.
Under local anesthesia, your surgeon will place the titanium posts that make up the implant into the jawbone. For most people, there will be a waiting period that allows the bone to grow around the post. During this time, you will have temporary dentures so that you can eat and speak normally.
Once you have healed and the posts are stable, your dentist will fit the abutments into place. These will protrude slightly through your gums, allowing the dentures to clip onto them.
Your dentist will then make a final impression of your mouth to create the dentures. These will snap securely into place while being easy to remove for daily cleaning.
Improving Your Oral Function Through Implant Dentistry
If you have missing teeth and are considering a full mouth restoration, there are many options available that can help you achieve the results you seek. Implant overdentures offer the stability and function patients need, allowing them to eat normally and speak without fear of dentures shifting out of place.
Dr. Brett Langston provides full mouth restorations that can combine a variety of dental treatments to help you achieve the results you’re looking for. From tooth extractions to crowns and implant dentistry, you can receive the comprehensive care you deserve. If you’re ready to get started with implant treatment, visit our office or contact Dr. Brett Langston to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.
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