Overdentures

Teeth do more than just chew food. They contain blood vessels and nerves and maintain the shape and power of the jawbone. Without teeth, the integrity of the jawbone is compromised, and a patient may have to adjust their diet.

Cincinnati-area dentists work hard to help people maintain the health of their teeth and keep as many natural teeth in place as possible. If a tooth or teeth is ever lost, a dentist will talk to the patient about replacement options usually either some form of denture or dental implants. Getting a set of dentures is the simplest way to replace teeth, and both patients and dentists show a distinct preference for overdentures.

Many people are aware that dentures are molded to fit the gums or anchored around the remaining teeth as in the case of partial dentures.

Overdentures can be fitted in either the upper (maxilla) or lower (mandible) jaw, though they will require more support in the upper due to the lesser bone quality as compared to the lower. Overdentures require the fitting of special supports or attachments to the supporting teeth after they’ve had a root canal and have had a portion of the tooth removed down below the gum line. Overdentures clip onto attachments and are very secure and stable, and function nearly as efficiently as real teeth. If there are no remaining teeth to serve as supports or abutments, two or more implants will be placed to serve that purpose.

Overdentures are available in polymer or plastic like other dentures.

Looking after an overdenture is as easy as conventional dentures. They should be cleaned in the same manner as the teeth and gums after each meal, and taken out at night so saliva can keep the areas healthy. During the night the overdenture is cleaned and disinfected through immersion in a disinfecting solution.

Because all dentures present the possibility of irritation to the gums and lining of the mouth, it is important to keep them, and the mouth, as clean and healthy as possible. Cincinnati denture wearers who fail to maintain proper oral hygiene run the risk of developing gum disease (gingivitis) or other potentially more serious conditions.