Ultimate Guide to Overdentures: Benefits, Costs, and Care

by Dr. Andrew Mancin

| 7 min read

7 min read

Overdentures are a modern solution for people with missing teeth, offering improved comfort and functionality compared to traditional dentures.

Whether you need a full or partial set of teeth replaced with dental implants, overdentures provide a more stable fit and long-term benefits.

Let’s explore how over-dentures, available at Dr. Mancin’s OP Implant Dental, can enhance your quality of life.

Improved Stability and Comfort

One of the main benefits of dentures that fit over implants is their improved stability compared to traditional dentures.

They stay securely in place, thanks to dental implants or specialized attachments, reducing the need for adhesives. This leads to greater comfort throughout the day.

In addition to this, overdentures are less likely to cause irritation to the gums. With greater stability, these dental prosthetics also improve your ability to chew efficiently.

For those with bone loss, this treatment option is far better when compared to conventional dentures or removable dentures.

Enhanced Chewing Efficiency

Overdentures allow patients to chew food with more ease and confidence. Since implants or attachments anchor them, you won’t have to worry about them slipping or shifting while eating.

Chewing efficiency also plays a role in better digestion and overall health. This feature makes it easier to enjoy a wider variety of foods.

Denture wearers and edentulous patients often struggle with a limited diet. However, cosmetic dentistry, removable dentures, and implant-retained dentures can help with diet and health.

Implant supported dentures also enhance your appearance, even in cases where tooth loss and bone resorption has led to changes to your upper jaw and lower jaw.

Better Aesthetics

Overdentures are designed to look and feel more natural than traditional dentures. They restore your facial structure, improving the appearance of your smile.

Unlike traditional dentures, which can sometimes look bulky or unnatural, these offer a more refined look.

Restorative dentistry can help with periodontal disease damage and tooth replacement for those who have struggled with their dental health. At the same time as improving aesthetics, overdentures also help to preserve your jawbone without needing to get replacement teeth or going to a specialist for implant placement.

Preservation of Jawbone

One of the hidden benefits of overdentures is their ability to help maintain jawbone density. When teeth are missing, the bone in that area can start to deteriorate.

Dentures that attach to implants stimulate the bone, preventing further loss. Preserving the jawbone helps maintain facial structure and prevents a sunken appearance. Now, let’s look at the different types of overdentures available.

Types of Overdentures

Overdentures come in several varieties, each offering distinct benefits depending on your needs. They can be supported by implants or held in place by bars or ball attachments. Understanding the differences will help you and Dr. Mancin choose the best option for your oral health.

Read more about the kinds of dentures that your oral surgeon might suggest as a permanent solution to help with your oral well-being.

Implant-Supported Overdentures

Implant-supported overdentures use dental implants as anchors. This makes them more secure and stable than traditional dentures. They are particularly helpful for patients who have lost several teeth but still have sufficient bone structure for implants.

Implant-supported overdentures also differ from bar-retained versions in terms of attachment style. These dentures are much less likely to harm soft tissue the way that regular dentures might.

Their attachment system is ideal for those with remaining teeth and those wishing to avoid bone grafting treatment.

Bar-Retained Overdentures

With bar-retained overdentures, a thin metal bar is attached to dental implants, and then fake-teeth clip onto the bar. This system offers both stability and flexibility, allowing for a snug fit that can be easily removed.

The key difference between bar-retained and ball-retained overdentures is the attachment mechanism.

Ball-Retained Overdentures

Ball-retained overdentures use small ball-shaped attachments to hold the denture in place. These balls fit into sockets in the denture, giving it a secure fit.

This method is less bulky than bar-retained versions and provides a different type of stability.

For those unable to use implants, traditional dentures resting on the gums may be an alternative.

Traditional Overdentures

Unlike implant-supported options, traditional dentures are not anchored by implants. Instead, they rest directly on the gums and are held in place by suction and adhesives.

While more affordable, traditional dentures lack the stability and comfort that implant-supported versions provide.

Removable dentures used to be the only option that dental professionals could offer patients. They tended to be hard on gum tissue, which was not ideal for long-term oral health.

Now, let’s look at what you can expect during an implant procedure.

The Overdenture Procedure

Getting a stable new set of teeth typically involves a few key steps.

From the initial consultation to adjustments, Dr. Mancin and his team at OP Implant Dental ensure that the process is smooth and comfortable for patients in the Overland Park area.

Whether you are looking into the pros and cons of full dentures compared to any type of removable denture, or you want to compare fixed overdenture styles to stud attachments, you can get the help you are looking for at our offices.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step is a consultation where Dr. Mancin assesses your oral health. During this visit, you’ll discuss your needs, and he will determine if you’re a good candidate for implant-supported overdentures. If implants are needed, the next step will involve placing them.

Dental Implants Placement (if applicable)

For patients opting for implant-supported overdentures, the implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. This process typically takes a few months to heal as the implants integrate with the bone. Once healed, the overdentures can be fitted.

Fitting and Adjustments

Once your implants have healed (if applicable), your overdentures will be fitted. Dr. Mancin will ensure that they are comfortable and secure, making adjustments as needed.

Regular check-ups will help maintain the perfect fit. Now that your overdentures are ready, let’s explore how to care for them.

Caring for Your Overdentures

Proper care is essential to keeping your overdentures clean and functioning well. With the right routine, you can ensure your overdentures last for years to come. Treatment planning can help you to be prepared to take care of your dentures. We offer the supportive care that you need from start to finish.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Just like natural teeth, overdentures require daily cleaning. Brush your overdentures and gums every day to remove food particles and plaque.

Dr. Mancin can provide specific cleaning instructions tailored to your type of overdenture. In addition to daily care, it’s important to schedule regular dental check-ups.

Avoiding things like root canal treatment, and general dentistry concerns is important. Adding a single missing tooth to the equation can make it hard to ensure that your dentures will fit correctly.

Patient satisfaction with their overdenture treatment, or hybrid dentures is heavily connected to overall oral well-being.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular visits to OP Implant Dental allow Dr. Mancin to monitor your oral health and ensure your overdentures remain in great condition. During these visits, he may adjust your teeth to improve their fit. Proper care also involves following handling and storage tips.

Handling and Storage Tips

When you’re not wearing your overdentures, it’s important to store them properly. Keep them in a container filled with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.

Handling your new teeth with care will also prevent damage. Next, let’s take a look at the cost of of a brand new set of teeth.

Cost of Overdentures

The cost of overdentures can vary based on several factors, including the materials used and whether implants are needed. However, they are a worthwhile investment in your long-term oral health.

Factors Affecting the Cost

The price of new teeth in a day depends on the type you choose, the number of implants needed, and any additional procedures required.

Dr. Mancin will provide a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation. Fortunately, there are options to make overdentures more affordable.

Insurance and Financing Options

Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for overdentures, but it’s important to check with your provider. Dr. Mancin’s office in Overland Park also provides financing options to help make the treatment more affordable for patients.

How do overdentures compare to traditional dentures? Read more to learn about the kinds of treatment plan offerings that you can get access to at our offices.

Overdentures vs. Traditional Dentures

Both overdentures and traditional dentures help replace missing teeth, but there are key differences in comfort, cost, and maintenance.

Stability and Comfort Comparison

Fixed removable and fixed non-removable teeth offer significantly more stability and comfort than traditional dentures.

Because they are supported by implants or attachments, they don’t shift or move while you eat or speak.

This is a major advantage over traditional dentures, which can slip and cause discomfort.

Denture adhesives are notoriously unreliable, which is why Fixed Implant-Supported Overdentures, and other precision attachment designs are so ideal.

Supporting chewing function and bite force is important. Overdenture attachments are often the best choice compared to conventional complete dentures for all of these reasons.

Cost Comparison

While overdentures tend to cost more upfront due to the use of implants, they often prove to be a better investment over time.

Traditional dentures may require more frequent replacements or adjustments. In terms of maintenance, the care for over-dentures is also different.

Maintenance and Care

Overdentures require regular cleaning, but because they are securely attached, they are easier to maintain than traditional dentures. Traditional dentures often require more frequent adjustments and repairs.

Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about overdentures.

FAQs About Overdentures

How long do overdentures last?

With proper care, these can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. Regular check-ups with Dr. Mancin will help extend their lifespan.

Can I sleep with my overdentures in?

It’s generally recommended to remove your dental prosthetic teeth while sleeping to give your gums a break. This also reduces the risk of infection.

However, modern versions of fixed removable dentures can be worn all night. This is because the support of the implants keeps the under side from rubbing on the gum while sleeping.

Are overdentures covered by insurance?

Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost. Be sure to check with your provider and ask Dr. Mancin’s team about financing options.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Overdentures

Overdentures are a fantastic option for patients looking for improved stability, comfort, and aesthetics compared to traditional dentures. They not only restore your smile, they also improve your overall oral health.

Next Steps for Getting Overdentures

If you’re interested in exploring whether overdentures are right for you, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Mancin at OP Implant Dental.

Our team will guide you through the entire process, from consultation to aftercare.

Additional Resources and Support

For more information on implant supported overdentures please take our quick, 2-minute no obligation online patient acceptance form.

You can also contact our office anytime. Dr. Mancin and his team are always ready to provide personalized advice and support.

References

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Dr. Andrew Mancin
Dr. Andrew Mancin is a dedicated Implant dentist with a passion for providing exceptional oral healthcare to his patients in Overland Park, Kansas. With years of experience in the field, Dr. Mancin has honed his skills in a variety of dental procedures, from routine check-ups and cleanings to more complex treatments like dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.