Your dentures shouldn’t dictate what you can eat or how freely you can laugh. When they slip at the dinner table or shift during conversation, it’s more than inconvenient. It’s a daily reminder that something isn’t working. Implant-supported overdentures offer a solution that sits between traditional dentures and full implant restorations.
At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, we recognize that full-mouth restoration isn’t one-size-fits-all. Dr. Naylor, who completed his dental education at Indiana University in 2017, typically presents patients with three treatment plans: basic dentures, overdentures, and All-on-X implants. While basic dentures may be the most affordable option, Dr. Naylor often says, “Dentures are for smiling, not eating.” This is where implant-supported overdentures come in, providing a significant upgrade in function and confidence.
What Are Implant-Supported Overdentures?
Implant-supported overdentures are removable dentures that snap onto a small number of dental implants embedded in your jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on your gums and rely on suction or adhesives, overdentures attach to implants for added stability.
Typically, two to four implants are placed in your jaw to support the denture. These implants act as anchors, keeping your denture from shifting or slipping throughout the day. You can still remove the denture for cleaning, but during wear, it stays firmly in place. This approach bridges the gap between traditional dentures and fully fixed solutions like All-on-4.
Why Traditional Dentures Fall Short
Traditional dentures can work well initially, but over time, many patients experience frustration. Without implants to anchor them, dentures rely entirely on the shape of your gums and jawbone for support. As bone loss occurs, a natural process after tooth loss, dentures begin to fit poorly. They slip during meals, making it difficult to chew certain foods. Many people resort to using adhesive creams multiple times a day just to keep their dentures in place.
How Implant-Supported Overdentures Solve the Problems Dentures Cause
Implant-supported overdentures address the shortcomings of traditional dentures by adding stability. The implants in your jawbone provide a secure foundation, so your denture stays put even when you’re eating or talking.
Benefits You’ll Notice Right Away
With implant-supported overdentures, you gain the freedom to enjoy a wider variety of foods. Crunchy vegetables, fresh fruits, and other healthy options that were once off-limits become manageable again. The implants also help preserve your jawbone. When you lose teeth, the bone that once supported them begins to deteriorate as quickly as 25% in the first three months. Implants stimulate the bone, similar to natural tooth roots, slowing bone loss.
The Overdenture Procedure
The process of getting implant-supported overdentures typically involves several steps spread over a few months. First, Dr. Naylor evaluates your jawbone to ensure it has enough density to support implants. In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary to build up the bone before implant placement.
Once your jawbone is ready, we surgically place the implants with local anesthesia or other sedation options, depending on your needs. The implants then need time to integrate with the bone, a process that typically takes several months. After the implants have fused with your jawbone, we place attachments on top of them, and your overdenture is fitted with corresponding connectors that snap securely into place.
Caring for Your Overdentures
One of the benefits of overdentures is that they’re relatively easy to maintain. You remove them at night, just like traditional dentures, and clean them with a denture brush and cleanser. The implants themselves require care similar to natural teeth. Following a simple daily routine with the following steps will keep both your overdenture and implants in excellent condition:
- Remove your overdenture each night and clean it thoroughly with a denture brush and appropriate cleanser.
- Brush around the implant attachments with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Use an antibacterial rinse to maintain clean, healthy implant sites.
Regular dental hygiene appointments allow Dr. Naylor to assess the health of your implants and ensure they are functioning properly. With proper care, dental implants can last many years or even a lifetime.
Take the Next Step Toward a Better Smile With Implant-Supported Overdentures at NaylorFamily Dental and Implant Center
If you’re tired of dealing with loose, uncomfortable dentures, implant-supported overdentures at Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center could be the solution you’ve been looking for. They offer a practical balance of stability, affordability, and function.
We accept several insurance providers, including Delta Dental PPO, Cigna Dental, and Aetna Dental, and we offer financing through CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry. We also have an in-house dental membership plan for patients without insurance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how overdentures can improve your quality of life.
