Overdentures

Overdentures are essentially dentures which derive their support from one or more existing natural teeth by enveloping them beneath the fitting surface. They are fitted by an attachment to either dental implants or root filled tooth roots.

An overdenture is similar to a complete set of false teeth, but with some teeth still in place. The existing teeth are prepared by a dental professional to support and position the denture. The teeth are sometimes covered in a metal cap which can help prevent them from eroding.

Two techniques of impression taking are used for overdentures. Firstly, an impression of the root filled teeth is performed prior to reduction. When the processed denture is fitted, it is relined with cold cured acrylic in the areas around the existing teeth, making it fit as well as possible.

Aesthetically, overdentures can provide patients with a new lease of confidence after loosing teeth due to:

• The lip restoring to its former support, minimising the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and jaw
• Providing a more natural appearance than traditional dentures
• A more stable and secure denture, no need for adhesive
• The ability to speak and chew with ease

 

The main advantage of an overdenture is that the jawbone around the tooth root will not shrink, as it does with traditional dentures and allows the patient to switch to denture implants if required.