An implant-supported overdentures (aka implant-supported denture or clip-on denture) is a complete or partial denture that ‘clips’ onto dental implants which anchor it in place. The dentures also rest on your gums. Alternatively, conventional dentures sit on the gums and are not attached to implants.
At Marketplace Dental Centre, we help patients restore their smile, function, and quality of life using advanced implant dentistry.
Implant-supported dentures are incredibly convenient and can be easily attached or removed by the wearer whenever they please – which also makes cleaning easy. Cost is also a consideration for many of us. And implant-supported dentures are also less expensive than some permanent, fixed bridge implant options, such as the All-on-4.
You can have implant-supported dentures on either your upper or lower jaw. They are a popular option for the lower jaw, though; conventional dentures are more unstable in the lower jaw, causing numerous problems when talking, eating or socialising.
Types of implant-supported overdentures
There are two main types of implant-supported overdentures:
- Bar-retained overdentures: A thin metal bar connects between implants (usually anywhere between 2 to 5), placed in your jawbone. There are clips or attachments fitted to the bar, denture or both. The denture then clips into place by the attachments.
- Ball-retained overdentures: Like press studs, each implant fused in the jawbone has an attachment (either male or female) that clips onto the denture with the opposite attachment (female or male).
Benefits of implant-supported overdentures
Implant-supported overdentures are incredibly popular because they have many benefits:
- Provide greater stability than conventional dentures
- Feel more natural – there is no plastic palate in the roof of the mouth
- Allow the patient to eat a wider variety of foods (due to greater stability) improving nutritional levels
- Improve speech
- Improve confidence that the denture will not slip out of the mouth when laughing or talking
- Help preserve the jawbone, slowing down the rate of bone resorption as the implants stimulate the bone when the patient chews food.
- Supports the cheeks and lips, providing a natural-looking fullness to the face, similar to that of natural teeth.
- Require less maintenance than traditional dentures
- Are more comfortable than conventional dentures as the stability significantly eliminates sores and gum irritation.
What are dental implants?
Also known as tooth implants, dental implants are tiny pieces of metal that look like a screw. The implant is placed into the jawbone, beneath the gumline. Over time, the bone tissue integrates with the implant in a process known as ‘osseointegration’. Once this integration has occurred, the implant is supremely stable, acting like a natural tooth root.
How Dental Implants Work
The success of implant-supported overdentures depends on high-quality dental implants. These small titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, the implants act like natural tooth roots, providing a strong foundation for your overdenture.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most people can have dental implants. Providing you are in good health, have enough bone tissue (more on that below), don’t have gum disease or any serious medical conditions, you should be able to proceed. However, some people have conditions which may make the journey a little more difficult or sometimes impossible.
Here are some conditions which may make prevent you from having implants:
- patients with untreated diabetes
- patients with certain cancers such as bone cancer
- patients taking medications called biophosphonates (e.g. Fosomax) which are used to affect conditions of the bones such as osteoporosis or Paget’s disease. (If you are taking this type of medication though, you might still be able to proceed with implants. Discuss this issue carefully with your medical specialist.)
Importantly, adequate bone tissue is essential for dental implants. Implants are surgically placed into your jawbone and must have enough surrounding bone tissue to support the implant. To find out if you have enough bone, visit your dentist. They can examine your mouth and gums, and also take 3-D x-rays and CT scans. If you don’t have enough bone, you might be eligible for a bone graft to remedy the situation. Providing the graft is successful, you could then proceed with your dental implants procedure.
Book a Consultation at Marketplace Dental Centre
If you are considering implant-supported overdentures, our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process. We’ll assess your oral health, explain your options, and help you choose the best solution for your smile.
Book a dental implant consultation at Marketplace Dental Centre today and take the first step toward a more stable, confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant-Supported Overdentures
1. What are implant-supported overdentures?
Implant-supported overdentures are removable dentures that attach securely to dental implants placed in the jawbone. They offer far greater stability, comfort, and function than traditional dentures that rest only on the gums.
2. Are implant-supported overdentures better than traditional dentures?
Yes, implant-supported overdentures are generally better than conventional dentures because they are more stable, more comfortable, improve chewing and speech, and help preserve jawbone health by stimulating the bone through dental implants.
3. How many implants are needed for implant-supported overdentures?
Most implant-supported overdentures require between 2 to 5 dental implants, depending on whether the denture is for the upper or lower jaw and the type of attachment system used. Your dentist will determine the best option for your needs.
4. Who is a good candidate for implant-supported overdentures?
Most adults in good general health are suitable candidates for implant-supported overdentures. Adequate jawbone density is important, although bone grafting may be an option if bone loss has occurred. A dental assessment is required to confirm eligibility.
5. How long do implant-supported overdentures last?
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental implants can last many years, often decades. The overdenture itself may require maintenance or replacement over time due to normal wear, but implants are designed as a long-term solution.
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