What is an implant overdenture?

An overdenture is a prosthesis that derives support from one or more abutment teeth or dental implants by completely enclosing them beneath its impression surface.

Why choose an implant overdenture?

With an overdenture it is possible to achieve a more uniform distribution of load on to the supporting structures.
Helps to slow down the rate of alveolar resorption
More patients experience problems with complete lower than with complete upper dentures

Maintenance of alveolar bone

Bone is constantly being remodeled by processes of resorption and apposition. Following loss of the teeth, resorption of the alveolar ridges occurs, the rate varying between different individuals. It was observed that the average reduction of anterior mandibular ridge height was 9-10 mm over a 25-year period, whereas only 2.5-3 mm were lost from the maxillary ridge. Thus the mandibular ridge is particularly susceptible to change.

Distribution of support onto the dental implant

The presence of overdenture implant abutments permits the stresses of occlusion to be spread over a larger area as the support of the dental implant is brought into function besides the tissue and bone support. The extraction of the teeth results in the loss of discrete proprioception. The edentulous ridges cannot give the same sensory feedback or physiological support as natural dentition, however dental implants can increase osseoperception and additional support.