Implant Overdenture Steps and Clinical Protocol
What Is an Implant Overdenture?
An implant overdenture is a special denture. It sits on implants in your jaw. It is not like a fixed bridge. You can take it out. This makes it easy to clean.
Many people like implant overdentures. They are good for people who have no teeth. The McGill Consensus says they are the best choice for people with no teeth in the lower jaw.
Why People Get Implant Overdentures
Implant overdentures have many good things:
- They cost less than fixed bridges
- They keep your jaw bone strong
- You can bite better and eat more foods
- They are easy to clean
- They look nice
A study shows that 88% of people like their implant overdentures better than their old dentures. They say they can eat better and they look better.
Before Getting Implant Overdentures
Before you get implant overdentures, your dentist will need to check:
- How much bone you have in your jaw
- If you have any health problems like diabetes
- If you smoke
- How well you clean your mouth
Your dentist will use special X-rays called CBCT scans. These help the dentist see your jaw bone and plan where to put the implants.
How Many Implants Do You Need?
Most people get 2 to 4 implants. The number depends on:
- The shape of your jaw
- How much bone you have
- Your budget
Two implants in the lower jaw work very well. They have a 90.2% success rate after 10 years.
The upper jaw is different. It often needs more implants (4 or more) because the bone is softer.
Types of Attachments
There are three main types of attachments:
- Locator® (most common)
- Bar attachments
- Ball attachments
Here's how they compare:
| Attachment Type | Good Things | Not So Good Things | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locator® | Easy to clean, Less space needed | May need to replace parts more often | $$ |
| Bar | Very strong, Lasts long | Hard to clean, Costs more | $$$ |
| Ball | Simple, Costs less | Can wear out, Not as strong | $ |
Most dentists use Locator® attachments because they work well and are easy to fix if they break.
Steps to Get Implant Overdentures
Step 1: First Visit
Your dentist will:
- Take pictures of your mouth
- Make models of your jaws
- Talk about what you want
Step 2: Planning
Your dentist will:
- Use special software to plan where the implants go
- Make a guide to help put the implants in the right spots
- Choose the best attachment type for you
Step 3: Implant Surgery
This is when you get your implants:
- It takes 1-2 hours
- You get medicine so it won't hurt
- Small holes are made in your jaw bone
- Implants are put in the holes
- Small caps go on top of the implants
There are two ways to do this:
- Flap surgery - The gum is cut open
- Flapless surgery - Small holes are made through the gum
Step 4: Healing Time
Now you wait for the implants to get strong in your jaw bone:
- It takes 3-6 months
- You may wear your old denture with soft material added
- Your dentist will check your implants to see if they are healing well
Step 5: Making the Overdenture
When your implants are ready, your dentist will:
- Put special parts on the implants
- Take final impressions of your mouth
- Make your new overdenture with attachments inside
Step 6: Fitting the Overdenture
When your new overdenture is ready:
- Your dentist puts it in your mouth
- Checks how it fits and how you bite
- Makes any changes needed
- Shows you how to put it in and take it out
- Shows you how to clean it
This step has been made faster with digital scans. It now takes 2-3 hours instead of 4-10 visits.
Taking Care of Your Implant Overdenture
Right After Surgery
- Eat soft foods for 1-2 weeks
- Take your medicine as told
- Don't smoke
- Rest and don't do hard work
Every Day Care
- Take out your overdenture at night
- Brush your overdenture with a soft brush
- Clean around the implants with a special brush
- Rinse your mouth after meals
Long-Term Care
- See your dentist every 6 months
- Your dentist will check your implants and overdenture
- You may need new O-rings or attachments every 1-2 years
- Your overdenture may need to be relined every 2-3 years
About 12% of people need some fixes after getting their overdenture. The most common problems are loose O-rings or loss of grip.
How Much Do Implant Overdentures Cost?
Implant overdentures cost less than fixed bridges:
- Implant overdentures: $6,000-$10,000
- Fixed bridges: $20,000 or more
This is why 67% of dental offices say more patients choose overdentures than fixed bridges.
Also, 63% of patients choose overdentures to avoid bone grafts. Bone grafts cost more and mean more surgery.
Digital vs. Traditional Methods
There are two ways to make implant overdentures:
Traditional Method
- Takes 4-10 visits
- Uses gooey materials for impressions
- Takes longer to make
Digital Method
- Uses special cameras to scan your mouth
- Takes 2-3 hours less time
- Costs 30-40% less for the lab work
- Makes more exact overdentures
Many dental offices now use digital scanners for better results.
Success Rates
Implant overdentures work very well for most people:
- 2-implant lower overdentures: 90.2% success after 10 years
- Mini-implants for overdentures: 93.7% success after 3 years
- All-on-4® type overdentures: 98.2% success after 5 years
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overdenture comes out too easy | Worn O-rings or attachments | Replace the O-rings or attachments |
| Sore spots in your mouth | Overdenture pressing too hard | Dentist will adjust the overdenture |
| Hard to clean | Food gets stuck | Use special brushes and water flossers |
| Overdenture breaks | Too thin or falls on floor | Make a stronger overdenture with metal inside |
Which Is Better: Upper or Lower Implant Overdentures?
Most people get lower implant overdentures first because:
- The lower jaw has less bone
- Regular dentures on the lower jaw move around more
- You only need 2 implants for the lower jaw
Upper implant overdentures are good too, but they often need more implants (4 or more) because the bone is softer.
Implant Overdentures vs. Fixed Bridges
| Feature | Implant Overdenture | Fixed Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Can take out | Yes | No |
| Easy to clean | Yes | Harder |
| Cost | $6,000-$10,000 | $20,000+ |
| Looks like real teeth | Good | Very good |
| Need bone grafts | Less often | More often |
| How long it lasts | 5-10 years | 10-15 years |
Who Should Get Implant Overdentures?
Implant overdentures are good for:
- People who have no teeth
- People who have trouble with regular dentures
- People who want something better than regular dentures but cost less than fixed bridges
- People who want something they can take out to clean
- People who don't have enough bone for many implants
Types of Materials Used
Your implant overdenture can be made from:
- Acrylic (plastic) - Less cost, can break
- Metal frame with acrylic - Stronger, costs more
- PEEK (special plastic) - Very strong, costs most
- Zirconia - Looks best, very strong, highest cost
Steps for Mini-Implants
Some people get mini-implants instead of regular implants. These are smaller and the steps are a bit different:
- They can often be placed and used on the same day
- They need at least 15 Ncm torque to be stable
- They work well for people with thin jaw bones (at least 13 mm tall)
- They cost less than regular implants
What to Expect After Getting Implant Overdentures
After you get implant overdentures, you will:
- Be able to eat more foods
- Feel more confident when you smile
- Not worry about your denture falling out
- Need to see your dentist for check-ups every 6 months
- Need some parts replaced every 1-2 years
Conclusion
Implant overdentures are a great choice for many people. They cost less than fixed bridges but work much better than regular dentures.
The steps to get them are:
- Planning
- Implant surgery
- Healing
- Making the overdenture
- Fitting
- Regular care
With good care, your implant overdenture can last many years and help you eat, talk, and smile with confidence.
Talk to your dentist about implant attachments and see if an implant overdenture is right for you!
