Overdentures in Lady Lake, FL

Overdentures are removable dental prostheses designed to fit over remaining natural teeth or dental implants. They provide enhanced stability, retention, and support compared to conventional dentures, making them a popular choice for patients with some natural teeth remaining. Oral surgeons play a critical role in placing and preparing dental implants or root structures that support overdentures. Their expertise ensures precise surgical placement of implants or management of existing roots to optimize the fit and function of overdentures.

Our oral surgeon in Lady Lake, FL, also assesses bone health and overall oral conditions to determine the feasibility and success of overdenture treatment plans, contributing to improved oral health, function, and patient satisfaction.

The Advantages of Overdentures

Enhanced Stability and Retention 

Overdentures in Lady Lake, FL, are anchored either by dental implants or remaining natural teeth, providing superior stability compared to traditional dentures. Implants or natural teeth are secure anchors, reducing movement and preventing slipping or shifting when speaking or eating. This enhanced stability boosts the confidence of denture wearers, allowing them to enjoy daily activities without worrying about denture movement.

Improved Chewing Efficiency 

The support provided by implants or natural teeth allows overdentures to function more like natural teeth. This improves chewing efficiency and bite force, enabling patients to enjoy various foods, including tough or crunchy textures. This improvement in chewing ability enhances dietary options and nutritional intake, contributing to overall health and well-being. 

Preservation of Bone and Oral Tissues 

Dental implants used in overdentures provide essential stimulation to the jawbone, similar to natural tooth roots. This stimulation helps preserve the jawbone structure by preventing bone loss (resorption), which can commonly occur when teeth are missing. Preserving bone density supports facial contours and prevents the sunken appearance often associated with bone loss, maintaining overall oral health. Contact us today to learn more.

Reduced Discomfort and Irritation 

Overdentures distribute chewing forces more evenly across the jawbone and gums than traditional dentures. This reduces pressure points and potential sore spots, minimizing the discomfort and irritation often experienced with ill-fitting dentures. Improved comfort enhances the overall denture-wearing experience, allowing patients to wear their prostheses comfortably throughout the day.

Enhanced Aesthetics and Confidence 

Overdentures are custom-made to resemble natural teeth, enhancing facial aesthetics and restoring a natural appearance. The ability to secure overdentures with implants or natural teeth improves the fit and function of the prosthesis, contributing to a more youthful and attractive smile. Enhanced aesthetics boost self-confidence and improve social interactions, making patients feel more comfortable and prouder of their smiles.

Long-Term Durability and Functionality 

With proper care and maintenance, overdentures supported by implants or natural teeth can offer long-term durability and functionality. Dental implants, known for their high success rate, provide a stable foundation for overdentures that can last a lifetime with regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices. This durability ensures patients can enjoy reliable oral function and aesthetics for years. 

Improved Speech Clarity 

Securely anchored overdentures contribute to clearer speech patterns by minimizing denture movement or clicking sounds often associated with traditional dentures. This improvement in speech clarity enhances communication and social interactions, allowing patients to speak confidently without the fear of denture instability affecting their speech. 

Overdentures vs Traditional Dentures

Overdentures, also known as tooth-supported or implant-supported dentures, significantly improve stability compared to traditional dentures. Traditional dentures rely solely on the gums for support, leading to discomfort, shifting during use, and potential irritation. In contrast, overdentures are anchored securely by dental implants or remaining natural teeth. This anchorage provides a stable foundation that reduces movement and enhances retention, allowing patients to speak, eat, and smile with greater confidence and comfort.

Another crucial distinction lies in bone preservation. Traditional dentures do not address the issue of bone resorption (loss of bone density) that occurs naturally when teeth are missing. Over time, this can lead to changes in facial structure and a less precise fit of the dentures. In contrast, overdentures supported by dental implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots. This stimulation helps preserve bone density and maintain facial contours, promoting long-term oral health and aesthetic benefits. 

The Role of Oral Surgeons in the Placement of Overdentures

Oral surgeons play a pivotal role in the successful placement and maintenance of overdentures: 

• Oral surgeons evaluate the patient’s oral health and bone structure to determine the feasibility of overdenture treatment. They also assess the condition of remaining natural teeth or the suitability of dental implants as anchors for the overdenture. 

• For implant-supported overdentures, oral surgeons surgically place dental implants into the jawbone. This requires precision and expertise to ensure optimal implant positioning and stability. 

• In cases where natural teeth are used to support overdentures, oral surgeons perform procedures to prepare and stabilize these teeth, ensuring they can effectively anchor the prosthesis.

• Oral surgeons work closely with prosthodontists and dental technicians to customize the overdenture for optimal fit and function. They ensure the prosthetic aligns correctly with the implants or natural teeth, providing stability and comfort. 

• Oral surgeons provide post-operative care instructions and monitor the healing process to ensure the implants or natural teeth integrate successfully with the overdenture. They also address any issues, such as adjustments or repairs needed over time. 

Overdentures represent a significant advancement in dental prosthetics, offering patients enhanced stability, improved function, and superior aesthetics compared to traditional dentures. Visit Frontier Oral Surgery at 101 S. US Hwy. 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159, or call (352) 753-1114 to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team today and learn more about how overdentures can benefit you.