Removable Implant OverDentures

What are Removable Implant supported Overdentures?

They are typically (not not always) complete dentures with snap on clips. These kinds of dentures are one of the most common treatment plans at our clinic as they are a patient favourite.

This option is often the best in many people’s situations as it offers the restorative, aesthetic and removable (hygienic) nature of dentures while also integrating the stability, and comfort of implant wearing.

A few key point to have success with this treatment option at our clinic:

  1. You must asessed by our denturist for over denture candidacy and by an oral surgeon for implant candidacy.

  2. Consult the pros AND cons of treatment with one of our denturists specific to you and your body.

  3. Understand the process, time, maintenance and associated costs with treatment before consenting.

  4. Be open to learn, be involved and proactive in your dental team. Having healthy communication and realistic goals for treatment is a big part of successful denture wearing.

  5. Be ready to show up for yourself, oral health and appointments/maintenance involved with your care.

Removable Implant Dentures are prosthetic devices that are used for patients that are missing all of their natural teeth.

Patients that are interested in having implant dentures must be an implant candidate. Verifying with a dentist/oral surgeon will decide if patients are suitable candidates to receive implants. Consulting with a dentist/oral surgeon is necessary to assess a patient's health, hygiene , bone levels and other factors that could affect treatment.

Due to the complexity of implant treatment, precision dentures are necessary for the best accuracy and strength to withstand the biting potential of implant supported dentures.

These dentures are held in place accurately fitting to the shape of the patient's gums, and also by the mechanical connection of the implants to the denture. These dentures are attached by a snap connection anchoring them to the patients implants. This improves the stability and function of the removable implant dentures in comparison to conventional dentures.

In order for dentures to be crafted it takes 5-7 record taking appointments. There may be additional appointments that patients will need with their dentist to have the implants placed and for the dentures to be modified to adapt to the implant components.

Maintenance for Removable Implant retained Dentures

All denture prosthetics need regular maintenance and is required to maintain your oral health.

Relines are expected maintenance that are required for a denture to ensure, function and comfort. Relining is necessary due to the inevitable bone loss that occurs when natural teeth are extracted. Since removable implant retained dentures rely on an accurate fit of the gums to be supported, it is necessary that this is done to maintain the health of the patient's gums and implants. For patients that have complete dentures this should be scheduled every 1 - 2.5 years after the dentures are inserted. This procedure will improve the fit and stability of the denture.

Over the years, patients’ denture teeth will eventually become dull and ill fitting.  As your dentures wear down, your nose and your chin come closer together  which puts stress on your TMJ (jaw joint). Certain foods will take longer to chew and enjoy due to teeth becoming dull, and the dentures may move around more in your mouth when using them. The movement of the dentures will put pressure to the bone and this will increase the rate of bone loss. Pearl Denture recommends that you replace your dentures after 5-7 years to keep your smile comfortable and brilliant.

Similar to your natural teeth, dentures should be professionally cleaned to keep your dentures free of plaque and staining. Pearl Denture & Implant Centre offers professional denture cleaning programs.

Other maintenance for implant retained removable dentures is replacing the plastic rings that will become worn out over time. These rings will wear and the denture will eventually loosen up. To ensure your dentures are working to the best of their ability we recommend these rings be replaced when they become loose. Every patient wears these rings down differently and at different rates. This all is dependent on diet, lifestyle, and how patients use their dentures.