Dentures vs. Overdentures
While dentures have traditionally been used to replace one or more rows of missing teeth, more recent dental technologies have expanded replacement options, which now include a breadth of dental prosthetics supported by dental implants. For many patients, overdentures, which combine the convenience of traditional dentures with the stability and comfort of dental implants, have become the preferred method of replacing an entire row of teeth. To determine which choice might be best for you, it’s helpful to understand the differences between these two popular dental restoration treatment options.
Traditional, removable dentures are rows of prosthetic teeth that are supported by a base of pink acrylic that resembles gum tissue. These dental appliances are held in place in the mouth with a combination of suction and dental adhesives. Overdentures resemble traditional dentures in appearance, but they are held in the mouth with dental implants that are surgically implanted in the jawbone. Overdentures can clip onto a fixture attached to dental implants, or they can screw directly onto the implants. This feature makes overdentures considerably more secure and stable than their removable counterparts.
Conventional dentures that replace the upper row of teeth cover the roof of the mouth, where a piece of acrylic suctions to the palate and helps hold them in place. A common complaint from removable denture wearers is that this appliance interferes with the ability to taste and enjoy a variety of foods, and the relative instability of removable dentures can also make it difficult to easily eat crunchy or chewy foods. Because overdentures are stabilized by dental implants, they don’t interfere with the palate or the ability to taste, and they remain stable when chewing even firm or fibrous foods. This stability also prevents overdentures from slipping out of place as removable dentures can, making it easier to speak clearly and confidently and to smile without worrying about your dentures falling out of place.
In the absence of natural tooth roots, the bone in the jaw is no longer needed and is gradually reabsorbed into the body, which can cause a sunken appearance in the face and which also causes dentures to become ill-fitting over time and require regular adjustments. Dental implants, which are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jaw where tooth roots once were, stimulate the vitality of the jawbone by transferring the forces of biting and chewing to the bone tissue, exercising this tissue and helping to keep it strong and healthy. This characteristic contributes to the long-term stability of overdentures while improving the oral health over time. While conventional dentures are generally more affordable than overdentures, continuous adjustments and replacements can quickly add up and should be factored into the overall expected cost of dentures.
Because overdentures help keep the jaw from deteriorating, they don’t require constant adjustment, and, for many patients, the initial added cost and time investment of dental implants is a small price to pay for the convenience, stability, and other long-term benefits implant-supported and implant-retained overdentures can provide. In fact, overdentures may even end up costing less than conventional dentures in the long run.
Difference Between Implant Retained Overdenture and Implant Supported Overdenture