How Long Do Overdentures Last?
For many patients who are accustomed to using conventional dentures to replace their upper or lower rows of teeth, or both, overdentures are a considerable improvement. Utilizing as few as two or four dental implants to support an entire row of prosthetic teeth, overdentures are held firmly in place without interfering with the wearer’s ability to comfortably, easily chew and taste a variety of foods and without bulky fixtures that can interfere with clear speech or trigger the gag reflex. As with any dental prosthetic or other medical device, regular maintenance is necessary to maintain the fit and functionality of overdentures, which are affixed to dental implants by an attachment mechanism that can wear down over time. Especially when the overdenture is removable, snapped into and out of place by the patient, these attachment mechanisms require regular adjustments to keep the overdentures properly fitted and securely in place. In general, dentists recommend replacing the attachment mechanisms about every year to every year and a half, in a simple procedure that can be done during routine dental appointments. It may also be necessary to reline the base of an overdenture every three to five years to ensure optimal fit as the shape of the jaw changes over time.
Overdentures that are stabilized and held in place by dental implants, with anywhere from two to eight implants supporting a full row of artificial teeth. Dental implants are small posts that are surgically placed into the jaw; as they heal, the bone that surrounds the implant fuses with the implant itself, creating a long-lasting, secure bond. This bond helps maintain the strength and integrity of the jawbone, which would otherwise deteriorate due to under stimulation with the absence of natural tooth roots. While overdentures need to be adjusted periodically, with correct care and routine maintenance, an overdenture can be expected to last as long as 20 years, if not longer, and the dental implants themselves can be expected to last a lifetime with the proper care, continuously enhancing the health of the jawbone. Traditional removable dentures, on the other hand, often require frequent adjustments and usually need to be replaced every ten years, if not more frequently, as bone is reabsorbed and the bone structure in the jaw changes. In fact, conventional dentures can exacerbate this bone deterioration as they press on the jaw, contributing to bone degradation and causing painful sores or friction.
Because overdentures are securely held in place with dental implants, they won’t slip or rub and cause irritation, and they shouldn’t interfere with a patient’s ability to speak, eat, or smile with confidence. This can help patients more easily maintain a healthy diet and improve their overall health. While they do need to be maintained periodically, overdenture maintenance is routine and simple, and the health benefits provided by the implants that support overdentures are lifelong. The cost of an overdenture depends in large part on the number of implants being used for support, and prices can range from a few thousand dollars to several thousand. Based on their longevity, convenience, and ease of maintenance, however, overdentures can often end up comparable in long-term cost to conventional dentures that require frequent replacement, and the comprehensive health benefits they offer are priceless.