A Guide to Tooth-Supported Overdentures: Cost, Types, and Benefits

Your smile is a powerful tool. It can light up a room, create connections and boost your self-confidence. 

However, dental issues can sometimes compromise your smile, leaving you feeling self-conscious. Tooth-supported overdentures are an innovative solution that can help restore your smile and oral function. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about these tooth-supported overdentures, exploring their benefits, procedures, costs and more. 

Tooth-Supported Overdentures: What Are They?

They are a type of dental prosthetic that combines the stability of dental implants with the convenience of removable dentures. 

They offer a remarkable solution for those individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth. 

These overdentures are firmly anchored to dental implants, providing a secure fit that eliminates many of the common issues associated with traditional dentures.

How Does Tooth-Supported Overdenture Work?

• As previously stated, overdentures are supported by dental implants or natural teeth, which are attached to the denture with the aid of unique connectors called location abutments. 
• This implant attachment, also known as an abutment, on top of the implant generates a snapping mechanism powerful enough to hold the denture in place during chewing. 
• Additionally, these attachments make it simple to take the denture out for cleaning and maintenance.
• Overdentures, in contrast to standard dentures, give the wearer more stability when chewing harder foods that are challenging for those with traditional dentures. 
• By preventing the denture from pressing down too firmly on the gingival tissue, overdenture attachment plays a significant part in achieving this functionality.

Benefits of Tooth-Supported Dentures

1. Enhanced stability and comfort

Tooth-supported overdentures offer superior stability compared to traditional dentures, which can slip or shift during daily activities. This added stability means you can speak, eat and laugh with confidence.

2. Improved chewing efficiency

You can enjoy a more varied diet since they provide a stronger bite force. This can lead to better overall nutrition and a healthier lifestyle.

3. Preserves bone density

Dental implants used in tooth-supported overdentures stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that commonly occurs when teeth are missing. This helps maintain facial structure and a youthful appearance.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

The process of getting these dentures involves certain key steps. Here is a brief overview:

1. Consultation

Your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss your goals to determine if this is the right treatment option for you. They can take an X-ray to evaluate your dental condition.

2. Implant placement

Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as anchors for the overdenture. This process may require multiple visits.

3. Healing period

You’ll need some time to heal and allow the implants to fuse with your jawbone.

4. Impressions

After the healing period, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a customized overdenture that fits perfectly over the implants.

5. Attachment

Once healed, your overdenture is securely attached to the implants.

6. Adjustments and maintenance

Regular check-ups with your dentist will ensure that your overdenture continues to fit comfortably and securely.

What is the Cost of Tooth Supported Overdentures?

The cost can vary depending on a few factors, including the number of dental implants needed, the materials used, and the location of the dental practice. 

On average, the cost can range from INR 20,000 to 60,000 per arch (upper jaw or lower jaw). 

While this might seem like a significant investment, it is important to consider the long-term benefits. 

Tooth-supported overdentures can last for many years with proper care, making them a cost-effective solution when compared to the ongoing expense of traditional dentures.

Who Needs a Tooth-Supported Overdenture?

Tooth-supported overdentures are ideal for those who have lost several teeth or fear losing all of them. They offer a practical solution by utilizing remaining natural teeth for stability and support. 

Here are the key benefits:

1. Partial Tooth Loss: Overdentures use your remaining teeth for support, helping preserve the health of those teeth, reduce further loss, and maintain dental alignment.

2. Enhanced Chewing and Speech: Missing teeth can hinder chewing and speaking. Tooth-supported overdentures restore functionality, improving nutrition and speech clarity.

3. Improved Comfort and Stability: Unlike traditional dentures, tooth-supported overdentures provide a more secure fit, enhancing comfort and usability.

4. Jawbone Preservation: By stimulating the jawbone, these overdentures help prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure.

5. Cost-Effective Alternative to Implants: They are an affordable, less invasive option compared to dental implants, ideal for those not suited for implant surgery.

6. Boost in Self-Esteem: Regain your confidence with a natural-looking, functional smile that improves your overall appearance.

Different Types of Tooth-Supported Overdentures

They come in various types to suit individual needs-

1. Single Arch Overdenture

The single arch overdenture is used to replace teeth in a single arch, either upper or lower, and is anchored by dental implants.

2. Full Mouth Overdenture

Full mouth overdenture is ideal for individuals with missing all their teeth, full mouth overdentures provide a complete set of teeth supported by multiple implants.

3. Fixed Overdenture

Fixed overdenture also known as hybrid overdenture, this option is permanently attached to the implants and offers a high level of stability.

Taking Care of Overdentures

It's crucial to take care of overdentures to keep your oral care optimum. With non-abrasive toothpaste, a fixed overdenture can be cleaned similarly to real teeth. 

Before retiring to bed, removable overdentures should be taken out and soaked in warm water or denture solution. Additionally, you can clean them with non-abrasive toothpaste.

Conclusion

Tooth-supported overdentures are a remarkable dental solution that can transform your life by enhancing your smile, chewing efficiency, and overall well-being. 

While the cost may seem substantial at first, the long-term benefits make it a worthy investment in your oral health and self-confidence. 

If you’re tired of the limitations of traditional dentures, consider discussing this option with your nearest dentist. They could be the key to reclaiming a beautiful and confident smile.