Implant-Retained Overdentures
An implant-retained overdenture is a removable denture that attaches to dental implants for improved retention and stability. For patients who have difficulty with a conventional denture, implants can help reduce unwanted movement while chewing and speaking.
Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons place dental implants for overdenture treatment in Winston-Salem and Mount Airy, NC. We coordinate treatment with your restorative dentist or prosthodontist, who designs and provides the denture and its attachment components.
How Does an Implant-Retained Overdenture Work?
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone and allowed to integrate with the surrounding bone. The denture is designed with attachments that connect to the implants. Attachment systems may include Locator-style or other abutment-based attachments depending on the patient’s anatomy and restorative treatment plan.
Unlike a fixed full-arch restoration, an implant-retained overdenture is removable by the patient. It can be taken out for cleaning and maintenance while providing greater retention than a conventional denture.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Dentures
- Improved retention: Implant attachments can help reduce movement of the denture during normal function.
- Removable for cleaning: The overdenture can be removed by the patient for routine hygiene and maintenance.
- Individualized treatment: The number and location of implants are planned according to the jaw, available bone, anatomy, and the planned restoration.
- Coordination with your dentist: Our surgeons work with your restorative dentist or prosthodontist to coordinate implant placement with the final prosthetic treatment.
Implant Overdentures vs. All-on-X
Implant-retained overdentures and fixed full-arch dental implants are different treatment options. An overdenture is removable by the patient and attaches to dental implants for additional retention. An All-on-X restoration is a fixed full-arch prosthesis supported by multiple dental implants and is not routinely removed by the patient.
For patients considering fixed teeth, learn more about All-on-X and full-arch dental implants.
Planning for an Implant-Retained Overdenture
Evaluation includes assessment of the jawbone, surrounding anatomy, medical history, existing denture, and the restorative treatment plan. Three-dimensional imaging may be used when appropriate to evaluate available bone and plan implant placement. Some patients have adequate bone for implant placement, while others may benefit from bone grafting.
Learn more about dental implants or review our full-arch dental implant options.