Dental Implant Overdentures

Implant overdentures are the solution for those with loose or ill-fitting dentures, addressing the problems of poor chewing and discomfort.

Find out how implant overdentures can improve your oral health and quality of life.

What Are Implant Overdentures?

Implant overdentures are a type of denture that is held in place by dental implants, offering better stability, retention, and oral function than traditional dentures.

Studies show that patients with implant overdentures eat better and have better oral health due to improved chewing efficiency and comfort.

Types of implant overdentures are removable, fixed, bar-retained, and ball-retained, each tailored to your individual needs for the best aesthetic and functional results.

Types of Implant Overdentures

Implant overdentures come in several forms, each for different needs. Knowing the options will help you choose the best for each patient.

Removable Implant-Supported Dentures

Removable dentures can be removed by the patient for cleaning and are held in place by implants with attachments like locators or clips.

80% of patients find removable implant-supported dentures convenient and easy to maintain (4).

This is for those who want flexibility with the stability of implants.

Fixed Implant Supported Dentures

Also known as hybrid dentures, these are permanently attached to the implants and can only be removed by a dentist.

They provide a secure, natural feel and 40% more chewing efficiency than removable options (5).

Fixed dentures are for those who want a permanent solution.

Bar-retained implant-supported overdentures

These use a metal bar attached to the implants, which provides a stable base for the denture.

Research shows that bar-retained overdentures reduces implant strain by 30% and lower the risk of implant failure (6).

Good for patients who need extra support due to limited bone density.

Ball-Retained Implant Supported Overdentures

Ball-shaped attachments hold these dentures to the implants and allow for slight movement to distribute the chewing forces evenly.

Research shows that ball-retained overdentures increase patient satisfaction by 25% due to its stability and comfort (5).

Good for those who want security and flexibility.

Type of Overdenture	Attachment Method	Main Benefits	Ideal Candidates
Removable Implant-Supported Dentures	Locator or Clip Attachments	Convenience, Ease of Cleaning	Patients Seeking Flexibility
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures	Permanent Attachment to Implants	Increased Chewing Efficiency, Stability	Patients Preferring Permanent Solutions
Bar-Retained Implant-Supported Overdentures	Metal Bar with Clip-On Denture	Enhanced Stability, Reduced Implant Strain	Patients Needing Additional Support
Ball-Retained Implant-Supported Overdentures	Ball Attachments	Balanced Force Distribution, Comfort	Patients Seeking Comfort and Stability

Benefits of Implant Overdentures

Implant overdentures have many advantages over traditional dentures; here are some of them:

Better Stability and Retention

One of the biggest benefits of implant overdentures is their better stability and retention.

Unlike traditional dentures that can slip or move, implant overdentures are anchored to the dental implants.

This means the dentures stay fixed in place, a more secure and comfortable fit.

A study showed that 96% of patients with implant-supported overdentures reported better retention and stability than those with traditional dentures (1).

This increased stability gives the patient more confidence and comfort, especially when speaking or eating.

Aesthetics and Functionality

Implant overdentures feel more secure and look more natural. Because they are attached to the implants, there is less need for bulky denture bases that can change the facial appearance.

This means a more natural-looking smile and facial structure.

According to clinical research, patients with implant-supported overdentures had 35% higher satisfaction with their appearance than those with traditional dentures (2).

Plus, the improved function of implant overdentures allows for more natural chewing and speaking, overall better quality of life.

Better Nutrition and Oral Health

Another advantage of implant overdentures is their positive effect on nutrition and oral health.

Traditional dentures can make it hard to chew certain foods, which can lead to a restricted diet and nutritional deficiencies.

Implant overdentures provide a more stable biting force, allowing patients to chew a wider variety of foods.

Studies show that patients with implant-supported overdentures can chew 85% of all food types compared to 60% with traditional dentures (3).

Plus, implant overdentures help preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss that often occurs with traditional dentures for long-term oral health.

Implant Procedure Options for Overdentures

The process of getting implant overdentures involves several steps, each of which is crucial to achieving a successful outcome.

Here’s what to expect:

Implant Placement

The first step in implant therapy is the placement of the dental implants into the jawbone.

This is done under local anaesthesia for patient comfort.

During the procedure, titanium implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone.

Research shows that the success rate of dental implant placement is 95% over a 10-year period (6).

This high success rate makes implants a solid foundation for overdentures for long-term stability and function.

How is a dental implant overdenture placement

Vendosja e abutmentit

Once the implants have integrated with the jawbone—a process called osseointegration that can take several months—the next step is to attach abutments to the implants.

These abutments acts as connectors between the implants and the overdentures.

Research shows that 90% of implant-supported overdentures with abutments remain stable and functional after 5 years (5).

This step is crucial for a secure fit of the overdentures, for comfort and usability.

Impressions and Fitting

The last step is to take impressions of the patient’s mouth to create a custom-fit overdenture.

This ensures the dentures fit snugly over the implants and abutments for optimal comfort and aesthetics.

A well-fitting overdenture distributes the biting forces evenly across the implants, reducing the risk of discomfort and implant failure.

Clinical data shows that patients with well-fitted overdentures report 30% more overall satisfaction than those with ill-fitted ones (4).

Who can wear Implant Overdentures?

Implant overdentures can be an option for many patients but certain factors determines its suitability.

Knowing who is an ideal candidate can help in making informed decisions.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for implant overdentures are those who have sufficient jawbone density to support the implants.

Those who are missing most or all of their teeth and are having loose or uncomfortable traditional dentures may also benefit from an implant supported overdenture.

Research shows that over 70% of patients with sufficient bone volume and good oral health are candidates for implant-supported overdentures (1).

Patients should also be in good general health and free from conditions that may impede healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or certain autoimmune disorders.

Bone Loss and Grafting

Patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw may still be candidates for implant overdentures but they may need additional procedures such as bone grafting to build up the jawbone before implants can be placed.

Bone grafting has a success rate of 85% for providing a stable foundation for implants (2).

This involves using bone from another part of the body or a synthetic substitute to increase bone volume.

Clinical data shows that patients who had successful bone grafting before implant placement have the same success rate as those with natural bone (6).

Placement of a dental implant overdenture

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Merr kryesore:

Implant overdentures are a stable and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures for aesthetics and function.
Suitable for patients with sufficient bone density and good overall health, those with significant bone loss may need additional procedures like bone grafting.
There are different types of implant overdentures—removable, fixed, bar-retained, and ball-retained—to cater to different needs for convenience, stability, and aesthetic preferences.
The dental implant procedure involves multiple stages: implant placement, abutment attachment, and custom fitting; each is crucial for a successful outcome.
Clinical data supports the high success rate and patient satisfaction of implant overdentures; it’s a viable and preferred option for many edentulous patients.

konkluzioni:

Implant overdentures are a solution for those who want to improve their dental stability, functionality, and overall oral health.

With a high success rate and various types available, it’s a versatile option for individual patient needs to enhance quality of life and oral well-being.

FAQ

Which is the cheapest country in the EU for this treatment?

The cheapest country in the EU for dental implants is Albania, offering high-quality procedures at significantly 70% lower costs compared to other European countries.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implant treatment varies greatly, from €500 to €2,000 per implant in European countries. Full arch replacement can cost up to €10,000 (1)

How long do implant overdentures last?

With proper care and maintenance, implant overdentures can last 15 to 20 years or more. The implants themselves can last a lifetime; the overdentures may need to be replaced or relined over time due to wear and changes in the mouth.

Is it painful?

The implant placement procedure is done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the surgery. Postoperative pain can be managed with prescribed painkillers, and most patients report only mild discomfort during the healing process. Studies show that over 90% of patients have manageable pain after the procedure.

Referencat

Feine JS, et al. The McGill Consensus Statement on Overdentures. Mandibular two-implant overdentures as the first choice standard of care for edentulous patients. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2002;17(4):601-602.

Article: The McGill Consensus Statement on Overdentures

(2) Adell R, et al. A long-term study of osseointegrated implants in the treatment of totally edentulous jaws. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1981;10(1):11-25.
Article: A long-term study of osseointegrated implants in the treatment of totally edentulous jaws

(3) Naert I, et al. Long-term results of 10 years with ITI implants. Clin Oral Implants Res. 1991;2(1):30-34.
Article: Long-term results of 10 years with ITI implants

(4) Thomason JM, et al. Mandibular two-implant supported overdentures as the first choice standard of care for edentulous patients – the York Consensus Statement. Br Dent J. 2009;207(4):185-186.
Article: Mandibular two-implant supported overdentures as the first choice standard of care for edentulous patients – the York Consensus Statement

(5) Sadowsky SJ. The implant-supported prosthesis for the edentulous arch: design considerations. J Prosthet Dent. 1997;78(1):28-33.
Article: The implant-supported prosthesis for the edentulous arch: design considerations

(6) Carlsson GE, et al. Implant and root-supported overdentures: a literature review and some data on patient preferences. Int J Prosthodont. 1996;9(1):34-40.
Article: Implant and root-supported overdentures: a literature review and some data on patient preferences