Dentures used to be the only solution for lost teeth for many decades before dental implants became popular. As the population in many western countries are aging the need for dentures and implants are increasing every year. Conventional dentures require considerable practice to be able to chew and speak with ease. The breaking-in period for new dentures can vary from patient to patient and some people end up hating their dentures even though the dentures have been made properly. Partial dentures also have problems with stability and can move when chewing sticky or hard food. Studies have shown that a vast majority of people prefer removing their dentures while chewing in a non-social setting.

 

To remedy this problem dental implants have been used to stabilize the dentures and prevent them from becoming loose. A loose lower denture can move as much as 1/2 an inch both sideways and up/down during eating and speaking. Implants anchor the dentures and provide the stability needed and these dentures are called Implant supported Overdentures. This translates to improved comfort while chewing and greater confidence when speaking. You need not fear your denture falling of while sneezing or while laughing.

 

Along with stability, implants also help preserve the natural bone surrounding the implants. In conventional dentures the forces are directed onto the alveolar ridge and this can lead to loss of bone. Implant supported Overdentures can be placed in both the upper and lower jaw. Alternatively you can place a fixed dental bridge over the implants. Your Houston implant dentist will help you choose the right tooth replacement option for you. Most patients feel little or no pain or discomfort when the implants are being placed.

 

There are two types of implant-supported Overdentures: bar-retained and ball-retained.

 

Bar-retained dentures

2-5 implants are placed in your jawbone. A narrow metal bar runs along the top of the implants following the curve of your jaw. Special attachments help secure the denture on top of the bar. These implants are usually placed when the patient has narrow ridges.

 

Ball-retained dentures (Ball and socket implant)

At least 2 implants are needed. This is simplest method of stabilizing dentures and is better suited for the lower jaw than upper. Each implant has a metal attachment (ball-type) that fits accurately into another attachment on the underside of the dentures (O-ring) or vice versa.