Overdentures - Pittsburgh, PA

As you heal, the implant integrates into your jaw bone, acting much like your natural tooth root in your jaw bone, creating a stable foundation to attach either single or multiple teeth or dentures to while also helping to slow down bone loss. 

Overdentures are used for patients who don’t have any teeth in the jaw but have enough bone in the jaw to adequately support the implants. This type of denture is made of an acrylic base that looks like gums with porcelain or acrylic teeth attached. This denture requires at least two implants for support and is equipped with special attachments that snap onto the attachments on the dental implants. The two types of overdentures include:

• Ball-retained dentures. For this type of denture, each implant in the jawbone is fitted with a metal attachment that fits into the attachment on the denture. Typically, the attachments on the implants are ball-shaped which fit into the sockets on the denture. 
• Bar-retained dentures. This type of denture uses a thin metal bar that is designed to follow the curve of your jaw. The metal bar is attached to two to five implants in your jaw. The bar, the denture or both are fitted with clips or other types of attachments. The denture is designed to fit over the bar and is clipped in place using the attachments.

Overdentures can be removable or fixed and is typically made for the lower jaw since conventional dentures tend to be less stable there. Many times, a regular denture made for the upper jaw is stable enough without the support of implants, but you can use an overdenture on either the upper or lower jaw. 

Benefits of Overdentures

Because overdentures utilize dental implants for support, they are much more stable than traditional dentures held in by adhesive. With this improved stability, you will be able to chew more thoroughly, resulting in better digestion. 

This more secure fit is also more comfortable and helps to eliminate the unnecessary and uncomfortable movement during chewing or talking, helping to lessen the instances of sores while avoiding embarrassing moments like dislodgment. 

Overdentures also help to stimulate the bone in your jaw while chewing, helping to slow down or possibly stop the shrinkage process that occurs when natural teeth are missing, helping you to retain your facial features and structure. 

Expert Dental Implant Procedures for a Full Confident Smile

Joseph H. Goth, D.M.D, M.D.,is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon serving patients in not only the Pittsburgh area but also the Tri-State area for surgical procedures performed. Contact GPC Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center today to learn more about the overdenture procedure or other dental implant procedures Dr. Goth provides or to schedule a consultation appointment.