Implant-retained overdentures

When no teeth remain in an upper or lower jaw, the shape of the gums and jaw may make it difficult to keep a conventional denture steady. An implant overdenture adds anchor points to help hold the denture in place, making it feel more secure when you eat and speak.

The first step is to place implants at carefully planned positions in the jawbone and allow them to heal and bond to the bone. Small metal attachments, such as Locator attachments, are then secured to the implants. They extend above the gums and provide the points that the denture will snap onto.

An implant overdenture looks much like a conventional denture, with a full row of teeth set in pink acrylic shaped to match the gums. Because implants help hold it in place, some designs can cover less tissue and feel less bulky. An upper overdenture may leave the roof of the mouth uncovered when the number and arrangement of implants provide enough support.

The underside of the denture contains small metal housings positioned to line up precisely with the implant attachments. Inside the housings are replaceable inserts that grip the attachments and help retain the denture.

When you seat the denture, the inserts inside the housings snap over the attachments on the implants. This connection helps resist lifting and sliding, giving the denture greater stability. Depending on the design, the gums may still share in supporting the pressure of chewing.

An implant overdenture comes out at home for daily cleaning and should be left out overnight. This lets you clean both the denture and the attachments in your mouth and gives the gum tissues a rest. The attachment inserts can wear and need replacement, and the denture may need adjustments or relines as your mouth changes over time.

These illustrations explain general concepts and do not replace an individual dental evaluation. Implant surgery and root canal treatment are coordinated with outside specialists.