Implant overdentures are a full arch of replacement teeth supported by dental implants. Implants give stability to your dentures which helps them fit, feel, and look like your own natural teeth. Implant overdentures will make you feel like smiling.
Why Consider Implant Overdentures
- Improved function – While removable dentures at best will give you 50% chewing efficiency, implanted supported overdentures will restore 100% of your chewing efficiency. The palateless upper denture also increases your ability to taste food and enjoy eating.
- Increased comfort – Dental implants support your dentures and prevent them from rubbing on and irritating your gums. Your dentures will feel comfortable and natural.
- More natural speech – Compared with removable dentures, implant overdentures make it easier to speak. You won’t hear any clicking or popping noises that are common with complete removable dentures.
- Jawbone preservation – Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone. When all your teeth are missing, the bone begins to resorb, and eventually, your facial muscles will lack support. Implants are artificial tooth roots that stimulate the bone and help prevent facial collapse. Read our facial collapse page for more information.
- Greater confidence – Your dentures will never slip around, lift, or fall out. You’ll be able to socialize with confidence.
How Many Implants Will You Need?
Implant overdentures improve your experience with dentures
Dr. Thomas generally stabilizes dentures with at least four dental implants. The implants are small titanium root forms that he inserts in your jawbone. He will attach your dentures to them. Some implant dentists will place just two implants, but that will allow the denture to flip up and down. Others may use mini implants—extra-small implants that are easier to place surgically. Mini implants, however, aren’t very strong and the incidence of failure is an issue.
What’s the Process?
Before you receive implant overdentures, Dr. Thomas will review your medical and dental histories and evaluate your oral health. The following steps are involved:
- 3-D Cone-beam imaging – We capture an image of your oral anatomy, teeth, and bone volume with three-dimensional radiographs, to plan for and place the implant root forms accurately.
- Guided implant placement – Dr. Thomas makes an incision and uses cone beam 3-D imaging for guided and precise implant placement.
- Healing process – It takes a few months for your jawbone to fuse with the implants. Meanwhile, Dr. Thomas will give you a temporary denture. You’ll leave our office with a new smile.
- Follow-up appointments – We’ll schedule checkup appointments for Dr. Thomas to examine your implants and the area around them to ensure they are healthy and healing correctly.
- Fabrication of the overdenture – Dr.Thomas will seek your input as the overdenture is made, to ensure that it feels natural, functions correctly, and that you love how it looks.
- Permanent teeth – After the healing period, Dr. Thomas will attach your permanent dentures to the implants.
How to Care for Implant Overdentures
You will receive fixed implant overdentures, which means you can’t remove them at home. You can practice good oral hygiene with the following steps:
- Brush your denture teeth with an extra-soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste will scratch your dentures.
- Use a water flosser. The pulsating water will wash away debris beneath your denture and around the implant fixtures.
- Keep your scheduled exam and hygiene appointments with us. We will ensure that your gums are healthy and your dentures and implants are functioning well.
What Results Can You Expect?
Dr. Thomas’s advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and implantology help him achieve predictable results. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a status that is achieved after a rigorous education and examination process. The ICOI is the world’s largest provider of post-graduate dental implant training. You’ll receive high-quality implants and a healthy, natural-looking smile.
Call us to schedule an appointment for an exam or request an appointment online.