What is an Implant Overdenture?
Dental Implants in West and North Vancouver
Conventional dentures rest on the gum and can become loose over time. Although a reline of the denture or a new denture can obtain a better fit, the bone loss that occurs from wearing dentures eventually compromises their stability. Dental implants can be used to help secure loose dentures and improve your ability to chew. They also provide greater security so you can eat, speak and smile with confidence. We call it an overdenture as the denture fits over the implants. Abutments with an attachment mechanism can be fastened onto the implants so the denture has something to secure in place. This type of prosthesis is still removable by the patient. A lower denture can be dramatically helped by the placement of as few as two implants. In some cases, the implants are connected by a custom-made bar (bar-overdenture). The bar helps take pressure off the gums and can better secure the overdenture in place. The overdenture attachments need to be periodically changed as they wear out from chewing.
