Losing some or all of your teeth can drastically impact your quality of life. If you’re struggling with uncomfortable dentures or finding that you’re unable to eat some of your favourite foods, read on to find out whether overdentures may be the best solution for you.
What are overdentures?
Overdentures are replacement teeth that are secured in your mouth with dental implants. The implants are titanium posts that are carefully inserted into your jaw to act as artificial roots. Over time, the implants bond with your jawbone to become a permanent part of your body. We can then either attach the denture to the implants or enable them to be removed for cleaning. Either way, you will benefit from securely fitting, comfortable dentures that offer improved functionality and many health benefits.
What are the benefits of overdentures versus conventional dentures?
Conventional dentures are held in place using adhesives, which can slip and even fall out – many traditional denture patients find them uncomfortable to wear and feel self-conscious about eating or speaking in public. In contrast, overdentures offer several benefits, including:
- Improved stability – No more messy, unreliable adhesives that can cause dentures to dislodge while eating or speaking.
- More comfortable fit – Dentures retained with implants fit more securely than conventional dentures, reducing the likelihood of mouth sores or regular discomfort.
- No dietary restrictions – Conventional dentures offer less bite strength than implant-retained overdentures, making hard and chewy foods difficult to eat. Overdentures enable you to eat the foods you enjoy and chew food more thoroughly, promoting better digestion.
- Preserves jawbone – Unlike traditional dentures, overdentures help to prevent bone resorption (shrinkage) by stimulating the jawbone. The implants act as artificial tooth roots, preserving the bone and preventing the shrunken, prematurely-aged look that occurs over time if you lose your teeth and don’t replace them.
- Better quality of life – With renewed confidence in their appearance and ability to eat and speak without embarrassing dislodging incidents, many of our patients find that overdentures have a positive impact on both their physical and mental health.
Am I a candidate for overdentures?
With advancements in dental implant technology, many people are candidates for implant-retained overdentures. Our experienced dentists here at Chiswick Park Dental & Facial will take the time to fully assess your teeth and mouth, to understand whether implant supported dentures are the right solution for you. They will fully explain the process and answer any questions you may have, including considering whether you may need to undergo a bone graft to create a suitable base for the implant.
To book a consultation with one of our specialists, contact us today.
