Who Can Benefit from Overdentures?

If you’ve ever wanted the stability of fixed dental implants but still like how you can take out dentures, our Orange Park dental implant dentist has the solution for you: overdentures. This hybrid option for tooth replacement marries two effective procedures for an even stronger result that looks and functions like real teeth.

Here’s what you should know about the overdentures process and how a decision to move in this direction can change your smile for the better.

How Overdentures Work

If you’re not familiar, overdentures are essentially removable false teeth anchored to a set amount of dental implants. Instead of resting solely on the gums, the implants connected to the denture are embedded in the jawbone. This snap-on denture design ensures that the implants remain securely in place while still providing the wearer with the ability to take the denture portion out for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

You can expect the following when getting overdentures:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment: The process begins with a comprehensive examination. Dr. Marino will evaluate your oral health and take detailed dental X-rays. We will also use 3D imaging to assess the condition of your jawbone to see if dental bone grafting is necessary and determine the best placement for the implants.

1. Implant Placement: During the next phase, we’ll perform dental implant surgery to insert the titanium posts into the jawbone. These implants act as artificial tooth roots and provide a stable foundation for the overdentures. The number of tooth implants required can vary, but typically two to four implants per arch are used.

1. Healing and Osseointegration: After the implants are placed, a healing period of several months is necessary for osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration is the process by which the bone grows around the implants, firmly anchoring them in place.

1. Attachment of Overdentures: Once the implants have fully integrated with the bone, custom overdentures are fabricated to fit securely over the tooth implants. Snapping into place on top using special attachments, overdentures result in a stable solution that’s not shifting or moving.

1. Final Adjustments: Our dental implant dentist will make any necessary tweaks to the overdentures so they fit comfortably and function properly. This may involve minor modifications to the dentures or the attachments.

Ideal Candidates for Overdentures

Implant-supported dentures offer a wide range of advantages, making them suitable for various individuals interested in addressing tooth loss. A few specific groups who can particularly benefit from this form of full-arch restoration include those:

1. Missing Several Teeth: Overdentures are ideal for patients who have lost multiple teeth or all of their teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

1. Struggling with Traditional Dentures: Many people who use traditional dentures experience issues such as discomfort, slippage, and difficulty chewing certain foods. Overdentures can address and resolve these common problems.

1. Who Have Adequate Jawbone Density: For overdentures to be effective, sufficient jawbone density is required to support the titanium posts. Individuals with adequate bone structure are excellent candidates for dental implant treatment. However, a dental bone grafting procedure can potentially be performed for those with insufficient bone density to enable implant placement.

1. Seeking Improved Oral Function: Overdentures can significantly improve oral function, allowing patients to chew, speak, and smile with greater confidence. This can lead to a better quality of life and increased enjoyment of social interactions.

1. Concerned About Jawbone Preservation: Dental implants used in overdentures stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent the bone loss that often occurs with traditional dentures. This stimulation is crucial for maintaining the structure, density, and overall health of the jawbone over time.

1. Looking for a Cost-Effective Solution: While the initial investment in overdentures may be higher than traditional dentures, their durability and reduced need for adjustments, replacements, or adhesives can make them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Ask Dr. Marino About Overdentures 

Our dental implant dentist in Orange Park, FL, wants you to be happy with however you choose to replace teeth. If combining dentures and implants is the right method, we can discuss details so you know what to expect. Call Marino Family Dentistry today at (904) 269-2185 to request an appointment.