Implant dentures (also known as overdentures) are another option for patients who are missing multiple teeth. They are secured by two or more implants, and are very different from the traditional dentures your parents and grandparents may have worn, which required adhesives to keep them in place.
Overdentures are full or or partial dentures that are designed to attach to dental implants, so that they can be snapped in for a secure fit and snapped out for easy cleaning and care. Benefits not found in traditional dentures include improved support, stability, retention, and tactile sensation, as well as less bone loss when compared to conventional dentures. Your chewing strength can even be increased by up to 300%.
The design of an overdenture will depend on the number of implants supporting it. With two implants, usually placed in the positions of canine teeth, overdentures will likely have the same design as conventional dentures. But when more implants are used and connected with a bar, the plastic denture flanges can be reduced and the palate of an upper denture can be removed. This allows for better sensation of food and a less cumbersome feel.
Prosthodontists have extensive training and experience in all aspects of dentures and implant dentistry, which allows them to create natural-looking, precision-fit, implant-supported dentures and partials.
