Overdentures

The dentures series continues with information about overdentures, an alternative to conventonial partial dentures, that may be easier for you and living with dentures.

Overdentures

There is a difference

When most of your teeth are missing or must be removed, an overdenture can be a good treatment for replacing them. From the top, an overdenture looks like a conventional denture, but unlike a conventional denture, some teeth are retained, and the overdenture fits over these teeth. With regular adjustments and careful attention to proper homecare, an overdenture can provide a functional bite and a natural-looking smile.

Placing an overdenture

The process of making an overdenture varies in each case, and it usually involves a series of steps and appointments. The first step is to prepare the supporting teeth by removing the portion above the gumline. Second, to prevent inflammation and infection, we perform root canal treatment of the teeth. We may also cover the teeth with small caps or attachments that help the denture stay in place. In the third step we take impressions of your mouth, including the prepared teeth. An accurate model is made from these impressions and the lab uses the model to create the overdenture base. Fourth, in many cases, a wax rim is mounted on the base for you to try in. This helps confirm that the upper and lower teeth are correctly aligned. Fifth, after the try in, the lab creates a wax-up, which is a replica of the final denture. You try in the wax-up, and we note any changes to the fit of the base and to the color, shape and placement of the teeth. We send the wax-up back to the lab, and they process it to create the final overdenture. Finally, when the overdenture is ready, you try it in, and we make any necessary adjustments here in the office.

The benefits of an overdenture

Overdentures have several advantages. Keeping some of your own teeth helps hold the denture in place and makes the denture feel more secure and natural. In addition, because we are able to retain some of your natural teeth, the overdenture slows the loss of jawbone that naturally occurs when teeth are missing. Dentures also provide support for cheeks and lips which give you a more attractive and youthful appearance.