Overdenture on implants
Overdentures on implants are usually full and removable dentures that, rather than adhere to your gums with suction and adhesive, they adhere through an attachment system on the dentures that affixes itself to a dental implant.
What is an implant overdenture and how does it work?
When we talk about overdentures, we do so to refer to prostheses that have great fit and compatibility with your mouth structure, and which are placed on dental implants or in root fillings, in order to increase the retention and sustainability of the overdenture.
Based on the needs of each patient, dentists will recommend a specific type of overdenture, with various types of attachment systems from which to choose for your situation, budget and needs. The final prostheses are made with an acrylic framework to achieve the closest possible resemblance to your gums and teeth, giving your teeth as natural an image as possible.
Ball-retained implant overdentures have a socket that is placed with up to five implants that have been placed in the mouth. While those held by bars incorporate a thin metal bar that follows the line of the jaw, with implants that fix it in place with special clips. There are also methods that use the Locator system, which instead relies on specially-designed Locators that allow the dentures to “snap” in and out of place with ease, while still being comfortable and sturdy when they are in place. If you choose the Locator attachment system, you will most likely need four implants, which will be specially and precisely placed in the most advantageous spots in your mouth for the Locators.
The Locator Implant-Where are they positioned?
Locator implants are placed in the front of the mouth and are done that way because there is almost always more bone in this area, even if the teeth have been lost for a long time. Less bone usually means less underlying structures, such as nerves in the front of the mouth, so it is less likely for the dental implants to affect vital structures. Because of this, the procedure is safe and easier on you as a patient. It is important that you understand that the implant process is indeed a surgery, and make sure that you discuss this with your dentist and doctor if you have any concerns about the surgery part of the implant process. The surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia, or light sedation. Again, make sure you speak with your dentist about which anesthesia methods they offer and which is right for you.
It is essential that, if you wish to have an implant overdenture, you confirm with your dentist if you have enough bone for implant placement, as this will provide much more stability to their mouth. Because of the uniqueness of the Locator implants and attachment methods, Locator implants are perfect for those patients who want to enjoy the benefits of dental implants, without going through bone and gum grafting surgery, something that usually requires several unit implants. It is also chosen by those who do not want to invest a lot of time or pay the high cost of fixed implant-supported dentures.