Missing All/MOST of your Teeth?

Understanding Your Dental Restoration Options

When it comes to restoring your smile, your dentist may recommend one of several prosthetic options. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between a full denture, an overdenture, and a fixed hybrid.

Full Denture

A full denture is a removable appliance that replaces all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower arch (or both). It rests on the gums and is usually secured with dental adhesive. Studies show that there is a chewing efficiency with a lower denture of 10-25% of natural dentition.

Key Features:

• Removable: Easily taken out for cleaning.

• Non-Invasive: No surgery or implants are required, making it a less invasive option.

• Affordability: Typically a more budget-friendly solution.

• Stability Considerations: May require adhesives for better retention and might feel less stable than implant-supported options.

Although some patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, most people find it difficult to wear and eat with dentures. Implant-supported and implant-retained replacement options are available if you desire more stable restorations.

Overdenture

An overdenture is also removable but is designed with special components that allow it to attach to implants. Patients with a 2 implant lower denture see almost a 2 times the chewing efficiency when compared to a full denture (40 vs 69 chews to swallow a bolus)

Key Features:

• Implant-Retained Option: Often secured with dental implants, but still rests on your gum tissue

• Enhanced Stability: Implantsprovide anchorage, reducing movement during eating or speaking.

• Bone Preservation: The use of implants can help maintain jawbone density.

• Removability: Remains removable for easy cleaning, yet feels more secure than traditional full dentures.

• Need to transition through a complete denture first

Ball Attachment Denture

One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.

Bar Attachment Denture

Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Fixed Hybrid

A fixed hybrid restoration, sometimes referred to as a fixed implant bridge, is a non-removable solution anchored permanently by dental implants. It offers the closest feel and function to natural teeth.

Key Features:

• Permanent Solution: Once placed, the restoration cannot be removed by the patient, providing superior stability.

• Enhanced Function: Mimics the natural bite and appearance, allowing for confident chewing and speaking.

• Implant Integration: Requires surgical placement of implants, which serve as the foundation for the hybrid bridge.

• Maintenance: Professional maintenance is needed, but daily cleaning routines are similar to those for natural teeth.

• Can oftentimes load the prosthetic as early as the same day as implant placement.

Learn more about this innovative procedure here – All on 4