Overdenture is any removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more remaining natural teeth, the roots of natural teeth, and/or dental implants.[1] It is one of the most practical measures used in preventive dentistry. Overdentures can be either tooth supported (conventional / immediate) or implant supported. It is found to help in the preservation of alveolar bone and delay the process of complete edentulism.[2]
An overdenture is a denture, the base of which covers one or more teeth, prepared roots or implants.[3]
An overdenture is usually used for elderly patients that have lost some teeth but not all, rendering them suitable for a set of full dentures.[4] The overdenture is not rigid in the mouth; it is removable.[4]
An advantage of overdentures compared to full dentures is that the roots left in the maxilla (upper jaw) help preserve bone of the upper jaw, preventing bone resorption.[4] Another advantage is that the sensory aspect is improved.[4] The nerves in the roots are still present therefore sensation is improved greatly.[4]
The gums around the teeth must be relatively healthy for an overdenture to not cause any further problems.[4]
A maxillary overdenture may be supported by implants.[5] Even though there is no solid evidence to prove how many implants would be ideal to stabilise an overdenture, the most common number of implants used to stabilise a maxillary denture is 4.[5]
For a mandibular overdenture, support was better given by 2 implants than it was when only one implant was present.[5] The patient could also chew much better and was overall more pleased with the overdenture.[5]
At first, chewing capabilities are reduced however within 12 months of fitting the overdenture, the chewing cycle improves.[6]
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