If you have lost multiple teeth, it is important to find a safe and comfortable way to replace them to maintain your oral health and overall quality of life. Implant overdentures offer a strong and reliable alternative to regular dentures. They provide better support and increased comfort, making you feel more confident during everyday activities.
Implant overdentures are a modern dental solution that combines the benefits of traditional dentures with the stability of dental implants. Unlike conventional dentures, which rest on the gums and rely on adhesives for retention, implant overdentures are anchored to dental implants that the dentist surgically places in the patient's jawbone.
A typical implant overdenture consists of a removable or fixed prosthetic arch that securely attaches to two or more dental implants. The implants act as anchors and artificial tooth roots. This design provides a strong foundation for overdenture and reduces the common issues associated with traditional dentures, such as slipping, discomfort, and difficulty eating certain foods.
Implant overdentures are suitable for individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth and seek a more secure and natural-feeling alternative to traditional dentures. However, they must have enough healthy jawbone density to support the implants. Those who do not have one may need to undergo an additional procedure known as a bone graft before implant placement. A consultation with a qualified dental professional helps determine the best action based on each patient's unique needs.
Traditional dentures often shift or become loose over time, causing significant discomfort and interrupting essential functions like speaking and eating. In contrast, implant overdentures provide improved stability by securely anchoring the prosthetic teeth to dental implants fused in the patient's jawbone. Minimizing this movement provides a more natural, secure feel, similar to natural teeth.
Implant overdentures deliver a stronger bite force, allowing individuals to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet without the worry of damaging or removing their dentures. People who choose this implant-supported option can usually eat a wider variety of foods than those who use traditional dentures, which may limit their dietary choices.
Loose or poorly fitting dentures can lead to slurred articulation and unclear speech, affecting a person's communication and confidence when speaking. Implant overdentures provide a stable foundation for clearer and more confident speech. Many users notice an immediate improvement in their verbal clarity, encouraging them to engage in conversations more easily.
Loss of teeth leads to gradual jawbone deterioration due to a lack of stimulation normally occurring during chewing and biting. Traditional dentures do not stimulate the jawbone effectively, potentially resulting in a sunken appearance and changes in facial structure over time. However, implant overdentures promote bone health by transferring chewing forces directly to the jawbone, stimulating bone growth and density. This helps reduce the risk of bone resorption and maintains the face's natural contours, contributing to an improved facial appearance.
Implant-supported prosthetics are engineered for longevity, typically lasting many years with proper care. While traditional dentures may require frequent adjustments, repairs, or even complete replacements every few years due to wear and tear, implant overdentures present a more durable and cost-effective long-term solution. This durability enhances the patient's quality of life and reduces the overall expense associated with dental prosthetics over time.
The process of receiving implant overdentures involves multiple stages. Following a thorough treatment process helps ensure a precise fit and long-term success.
A comprehensive dental evaluation helps the dentist assess bone density, oral health, and the patient's suitability for implants. Digital imaging and impressions will also help develop a customized treatment plan.
While placing the implants, the dentist will surgically insert dental implants into the patient's jawbone. Depending on the patient's treatment plan, two to six implants may be necessary per arch. Following placement, a healing period is necessary to allow the implants to integrate with the bone.
During the healing phase, the dentist may provide temporary dentures to maintain the patient's oral function and appearance. The integration process, known as osseointegration, typically takes (on average) 3 to 6 months to fuse with the jawbone and build a strong foundation for the final prosthetic.
Once osseointegration is complete, the custom overdenture is fabricated and attached to the implants. The dentist may make final adjustments to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and function.
In order to maintain their new teeth, patients should clean them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Regular cleaning helps remove plaque and food debris while preserving the patient's overall oral health. Additionally, professional cleanings and examinations help ensure the longevity of the implants and prosthetic components.
Implant overdentures offer a secure, comfortable, and long-lasting solution for individuals looking for a tooth replacement alternative to traditional dentures. Do you have questions for the Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. team? Call our Woodland Hills office to learn more about our tooth replacement options or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southerncalsmiles.com or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at (818) 657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
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