Overdentures Parker, CO
You can lose teeth for several different reasons, including facial trauma, severe tooth decay, and gum disease. Sometimes, failing teeth need to be extracted. No matter what the cause, tooth loss affects your whole life. The more teeth you lose, the greater the impact. Traditionally, a full arch of missing teeth has been treated with a denture. At Parker Dental Implant and Specialty Center, we can replace your missing teeth with an overdenture.
The Drawbacks to Traditional Dentures
While traditional dentures are still a common solution for replacing an arch of missing teeth, there are many significant drawbacks. Even properly fitting dentures can slip around in your mouth or fall out, causing issues with eating and speaking. This can also cause much embarrassment. The base of the denture can rub your gums, causing a painful sore. Moreover, while dentures replace many of the functions of your missing teeth such as chewing and speaking, they are not able to prevent bone loss in the jaw. Because of this, the bone continues to weaken and change shape. Your denture will need to be replaced every few years to accommodate these changes.
Dental Implants for Tooth Loss
BDental implants are a popular, modern option for replacing some or all of your missing teeth. Implants use small titanium posts that are used to provide support for the ceramic crowns that function as your replacement teeth. The posts are surgically implanted into your jawbone. The bone gradually fuses to the posts, integrating them into your jaw. Dental implants are incredibly versatile, providing solutions for many traditional treatments, including dentures.
What Is an Overdenture and What Goes Into It?
An overdenture is a type of dental implant solution that is used to provide stability for a denture. Rather than being fixed into place with screws, an overdenture is removable. It is popular for stabilizing a denture in the lower jaw, where a traditional denture is much more likely to slip out of place or fall out completely. This treatment typically only uses four posts, which are surgically implanted into the jaw. After the posts are placed, a titanium bar is attached. Your replacement teeth, which consist of acrylic resin or porcelain teeth set into an acrylic base, are then attached to the bar with small clips or clasps. Your overdenture should be removed every night for a thorough cleaning.
The Benefits of Overdentures
There is less surgery involved with an overdenture. Where a complete fixed bridge uses 6 to 8 implant posts, an overdenture only uses 4. Fewer implants mean you require less surgery, and that your procedure will be shorter. Moreover, because you need less surgery, the length of your recovery is typically shorter.
With an overdenture, you avoid the need for additional surgeries. An overdenture is designed specifically to take advantage of your existing bone mass. Because of this, you do not need to worry about having to undergo additional surgery such as a bone graft or ridge augmentation before you can receive your implants.
Overdentures are more affordable than a complete fixed bridge. The use of fewer posts, reduced surgery, and shorter recovery time all contribute to the lower cost.
If you have lost an entire arch of teeth, or need to have an arch of failing teeth extracted, replacement is essential. An overdenture replaces your missing teeth, improving your oral health, your smile, and your quality of life. Call Parker Dental Implant and Specialty Center at (720) 522-2000 today to schedule your appointment.