Implant overdentures can be a fantastic way to replace missing teeth when all or most are gone, says Dr. Mark Gustavson, a partner at Affiliated Dentists in Madison, Wisconsin. Here, he discusses why they can be such a good option for so many people.
Implant overdentures allow patients who are missing all or most of their teeth to restore them using a removable device or denture that can snap into place. Over time, dentures have been traditionally used to replace all of a patient’s existing teeth when their dental health was substandard. The use of implants with dentures allows a much more stable final result.
The standard of care is now for a whole lower denture to have two implants to hold it in place. So for a patient who has none of their teeth, ideally they would have a full upper denture, then a full lower denture, with two implants in place. The more implants that can be placed, the more stable the dentures will finally be.
Eat Corn on the Cob Again
Implant overdentures have really given life to patients who would not be able to wear lower dentures. A common response from patients who now have implants holding their dentures in place is that they can finally eat corn on the cob again.
If a patient needs all of his teeth removed, an immediate denture can be made, so that when they are removed they have a temporary denture in place immediately. Hopefully, at that time, implants can be placed as well.
These implants will take a few months to heal. Once they have healed into place, a new set of dentures can be made that are attached to the implants, giving much greater stability.
Less Predictable Results with Mini Implants
Many types of dental implants can sometimes be used when there is not enough bone for conventional implants. The longevity of the mini implants we sometimes use is not fully known yet, but the results are looking better and better. By using mini implants, they will allow a patient to have implants without bone grafting. But the result can be a little less predictable.
Implant overdentures are one of the most inexpensive methods to restore teeth, compared to hybrid fixed restorations, for example. But they are nonetheless durable, and easy to clean and take care of.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
