Teeth chew food, but also consist of nerves and blood vessels, and keep the jawbone healthy. Missing teeth can lead to a weakened jawbone, because it’s not being used, and poor breakdown of food leading to dietary and digestion issues. It is the dentist’s job to keep as many of their patients’ natural teeth as possible by keep them in sound health. 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. An overdenture helps preserve the strength of the jawbone and uses the existing teeth to secure it in place.

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, however, are fitted into the mouth in a completely different way.Overdentures are suitable for tooth replacement in both the upper and lower jaws, but will require more supports in the upper jaw due to lower bone density there. An overdenture is supported by clamps fitted onto the existing abutting teeth after they have been root canaled and a portion of the tooth to below the gum line is removed to accommodate the clamp. Once clipped into place, the overdenture is remarkably stable and works almost as effectively as real teeth. For a patient with no existing teeth, the dentist will opt to place at least two dental implants to support the overdenture. This provides the same strength as natural tooth roots and allows the overdenture to function well.

Overdentures are available in polymer or plastic like other dentures. Most people favor the polymer overdentures even though they cost more because they look and function most like natural teeth. Overdentures are cared for in the same manner as traditional dentures. They should be cleaned, along with the teeth and gums, following each meal, and removed while sleeping to allow the mouth opportunity to cleanse itself through saliva production. During the night the overdenture should be soaked in a cleansing solution that will destroy any bacteria. 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. Lack of good oral hygiene combined with denture wear can lead to gum disease and infections or other more severe medical conditions.