When it comes to overdentures at W1 Dental, we offer a secure, functional, and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Overdentures provide a stable alternative to traditional dentures, helping you restore both the aesthetics and function of your smile. We tailor our overdenture services to your specific needs, offering options to suit different requirements and budgets, whether you need a single tooth, multiple teeth, or full-arch overdentures.

What Are Overdentures?

Overdentures are a type of denture designed to fit over existing tooth roots or dental implants. This provides greater stability and retention compared to conventional dentures. Overdentures are especially effective for those seeking more support and comfort than traditional dentures offer.

Before fitting overdentures, your dentist will assess the condition of any remaining tooth roots or dental implants to ensure they are healthy and infection-free. Patients who have undergone successful root canal treatments may be ideal candidates for overdentures.

Benefits of Overdentures

Why should you choose overdentures over conventional dentures? Here are some of the key benefits:

• Improved Retention: Unlike conventional dentures, overdentures are more stable, reducing the risk of slipping or dislodging while speaking or eating.
• Enhanced Chewing Ability: With better stability, you can chew more confidently and enjoy a wider variety of foods.
• Boosted Confidence: Overdentures provide a more secure fit, allowing you to speak, smile, and laugh without worrying about dentures shifting.
• Preserved Bone Structure: Implant-supported overdentures help maintain the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often occurs with traditional dentures.

Types of Overdentures

There are two primary types of overdentures:

1. Root-Supported Overdentures: These rely on the patient’s remaining natural tooth roots, which have undergone root canal treatment. The roots are reduced to support the denture without interfering with the insertion or removal of the prosthesis.
2. Implant-Supported Overdentures: Dental implants are placed in the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for the overdenture. This option offers the highest level of stability and retention.

Who Should Get Overdentures?

You may be an ideal candidate for overdentures if you have:

• Missing natural teeth that need replacement.
• Remaining healthy teeth that are suitable for root canal treatment.
• Difficulty achieving comfort and stability with traditional dentures.

How Do Overdentures Work?

The process of getting overdentures varies depending on whether they are supported by natural teeth or implants. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each process:

Overdentures Over Natural Teeth:

1. Evaluation: Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your remaining natural teeth to determine if they can support an overdenture.
2. Preparation: Any decayed or damaged portions of your teeth are removed. The remaining healthy teeth are prepared to act as anchors for the overdenture.
3. Impressions: Accurate impressions of your teeth are taken to craft a custom-fit overdenture.
4. Denture Fabrication: The overdenture is created to fit securely over your remaining teeth, with artificial teeth that match the appearance of your natural teeth.
5. Fitting: The completed overdenture is fitted over the prepared teeth, providing stability for improved chewing and speaking.

Overdentures Over Dental Implants:

1. Implant Placement: Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as anchors for the overdenture.
2. Healing: The implants need time to integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration), which typically takes several months.
3. Abutment Placement: Abutments are attached to the implants once healing is complete. These will connect the implants to the overdenture.
4. Impressions: Impressions are taken of the implants and surrounding tissue to ensure the overdenture fits precisely.
5. Denture Fabrication and Fitting: A custom overdenture is crafted and fitted securely onto the abutments, providing a durable and long-lasting solution.

Steps Involved in Overdenture Treatment

Overdenture treatment may include:

• Bar-Retained Overdentures: A metal bar is fitted across the jaw, and the overdenture is attached using clips.
• Ball-Retained Overdentures: The overdenture attaches to ball-shaped abutments on the implants for a secure fit.

Both types provide excellent retention, especially in the anterior region of the mouth, where the jawbone is denser and more suitable for implants.

Duration of the Overdenture Procedure

The treatment time for overdentures varies depending on individual cases and the condition of your mouth. For implant-supported overdentures, the procedure may take 3 to 6 months, allowing time for implant healing and osseointegration. If pre-existing conditions such as root infection require treatment, the timeline may be extended.

Overdenture Care

Caring for your overdentures is straightforward. Since they are removable, you can clean them thoroughly each night, ensuring long-term health and functionality. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of the overdentures, and your dentist will provide guidance on maintaining them and ensuring they fit properly.

How Long Do Overdentures Last?

The lifespan of overdentures can vary based on several factors, including the materials used, oral hygiene practices, and the health of your jawbone. With proper care, overdentures can last several years, with some lasting a decade or more. High-quality materials and routine check-ups will help extend the life of your overdentures.

Are you considering overdentures as a solution for missing teeth?
Contact W1 Dental today at 0207 580 8988 to book a consultation and explore your options for a more secure, confident smile.