Understanding Overdentures

Teeth chew food, but also consist of nerves and blood vessels, and keep the jawbone healthy. Without teeth, the integrity of the jawbone is compromised, and a patient may have to adjust their diet.

It is the dentist’s job to keep as many of their patients’ natural teeth as possible by keep them in sound health. If a tooth or teeth is ever lost, a dentist will talk to the patient about replacement options usually either some form of denture or dental implants. Dentures are the easiest approach, and overdentures are becoming a preferred variety.

Most people understand that dentures are molded to fit the gums and jaws of each patient and may be held in place with some sort of over-the-counter adhesive or, in the case of partial dentures, with a hooking around an existing tooth. An overdenture replacement is considerably different.

Overdentures can be fitted in either the upper (maxilla) or lower (mandible) jaw, though they will require more support in the upper due to the lesser bone quality as compared to the lower. Root canal treatment is performed on the remaining supporting teeth, then part of the teeth is removed to below the gum line and fitted with a clamp onto which the overdenture will clip. Overdentures clip onto attachments and are very secure and stable, and function nearly as efficiently as real teeth.If a patient has no remaining teeth, the dentist will usually insert two or more dental implants to anchor the overdentures to the jaw. This method provides support and stability similar to the roots of natural teeth and allows the good function of the overdenture.

Like other varieties of dentures, overdentures are usually made in a polymer or plastic material. Most patients investing in overdentures will opt for the more costly polymer because of its natural appearance and its known durability.

Looking after an overdenture is as easy as conventional dentures.The patient must brush it after every meal along with the remaining teeth and gums, and remove it when sleeping to permit the saliva to reach the gums and adjoining areas to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria inside the mouth.

Dentures of all sorts may sometimes cause tenderness in the gums and the tissues lining the mouth, and therefore these regions should be maintained very diligently. Denture wearers who fail to maintain proper oral hygiene run the risk of developing gum disease (gingivitis) or other potentially more serious conditions.