Implant overdentures ease many common concerns about wearing dentures. The way they look, feel, and function is superior to removable complete dentures. Many patients report that having implant overdentures feels like they have their own natural teeth back.
What Are Implant Overdentures?
Implant overdentures is a treatment that uses two to six dental implants, or artificial tooth roots, to stabilize an entire arch of teeth. The stability of the denture increases with the number of implants you receive.
What’s the Process?
- A surgeon will place dental implants below your gumline to support your denture.
- During the next three to four months, your jawbone and the implants will fuse. With some implants techniques, the healing period can be shortened greatly.
- You’ll wear temporary dentures during the healing period.
- When healing is complete, Dr. LeSage will create your final denture. He will secure it to the implants with snaps or screws, depending on the technique used.
Read an overview of dental implants.
Why Should You Consider Them?
- Support – Implant fixtures fuse with your jawbone to provide a solid anchor for dentures. Unlike removable complete dentures, they won’t slip around or fall out.
- Function – It’s easier to speak and eat with implant overdentures. An implant-supported upper denture is palateless, which increases your ability to enjoy the taste of food. And your dentures will be quiet—no clicking or popping.
- Comfort – Implant-supported dentures don’t rest on your gums and rub or irritate them. They are comfortable and feel natural.
- Jawbone preservation – Implant fixtures stimulate the jawbone. That’s important because when all of your teeth are missing, the bone progressively shrinks and causes your facial muscles to sag, making you look older. Implant overdentures help prevent facial collapse and preserve your youthful look.
Implant Overdenture Options
There are two types of implant overdentures—removable and fixed. Sometimes an existing denture can be modified to accommodate implants.
Bar-retained implant overdenture
Removable
Dentures can be made to snap or clip onto dental implants. A retainer bar can be placed over the implants to increase stability. You can remove your denture daily to clean it and your gums.
Fixed
With this option Dr. LeSage uses tiny screws to secure your denture to the implants. You won’t be able to remove it, but you will take care of it as you would your natural teeth.
All-on-4
Dr. LeSage offers the All-on-4 dental implant technique, which has a very specific indication. With All-on-4, the two rear implants are angled to increase contact with your bone. This system helps prevent the need for bone grafts in areas of low bone volume. All-on-6 implants provide additional stability for an arch of denture teeth. Dr. LeSage will explain if this option is right for your case.
How to Care for Implant Overdentures
- Use a very soft-bristled toothbrush or a denture brush and denture paste to keep them clean and avoid scratching the teeth.
- If you have a fixed implant overdenture, you can use a water flosser to remove food particles between it and your gums.
- Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental exams.
Smile Beautifully
Dr. LeSage is an accredited fellow in cosmetic dentistry. He uses high-quality materials and denture teeth to ensure your smile will function well and look natural. And he includes your input throughout the process to customize your new teeth to match your preferences and complement your facial features. When you look at the final result in the mirror, you’ll smile spontaneously, confidently—and beautifully.
If you’re interested in implant overdentures, call us to schedule an appointment or complete our online Request an Appointment form.