Overdentures

Overdentures are dentures that snap securely onto dental implants, giving you much better stability than traditional dentures. Instead of relying on suction or adhesive to stay in place, overdentures attach to 2-4 implants placed in your jawbone. They’re removable for cleaning but stay firmly in place while you eat, speak, and smile. Think of them as the best of both worlds – the security of implants with the convenience of removable dentures.

The biggest difference is stability – overdentures don’t slip, slide, or fall out. Traditional dentures sit on your gums and rely on suction or denture adhesive, which often fails when you’re eating or talking. Overdentures snap onto implants, so you can bite into an apple or laugh freely without worrying about embarrassing slips. You’ll also have much better chewing ability and won’t need messy denture creams.

The implant placement is surprisingly comfortable with local anesthesia, and Dr. Fenton offers sedation options for anxious patients. You might experience some mild soreness for a few days after implant surgery, similar to having teeth extracted. Once healed, overdentures are actually more comfortable than traditional dentures because they don’t create pressure sores on your gums. The secure fit eliminates the rubbing and irritation that many denture wearers experience.

The complete process typically takes 3-6 months from implant placement to final denture delivery. We place the implants in one appointment (usually 1-2 hours), then allow 3-4 months for healing and integration. During this time, you can wear your existing dentures or temporary ones. Once the implants are healed, it takes about 2-3 weeks to create your custom overdentures and make final adjustments.

Caring for overdentures is straightforward – remove them daily for thorough cleaning just like regular dentures. Brush the denture with a soft brush and denture cleaner, then clean around the implant attachments with a special brush we’ll provide. Soak the dentures overnight in cleaning solution. The implants themselves need daily cleaning too – brush around them gently with a soft toothbrush. We’ll show you exactly how to maintain everything properly.

Overdentures typically cost between $15,000-$25,000 for a full arch, including implants and the denture. While this is more expensive than traditional dentures, overdentures last much longer and dramatically improve your quality of life. Many patients find the investment worthwhile because they can eat foods they’ve missed for years and feel confident in social situations again. We offer financing options to help make treatment more manageable.

Insurance coverage varies, but many plans cover the denture portion and sometimes a portion of the implants. Some plans treat overdentures like traditional dentures for coverage purposes, while others have specific implant benefits. The implants might be covered under major services at 50% if you have good benefits. Our team will verify your coverage and help you understand what’s covered before treatment. We’ll also work with you to maximize your benefits and coordinate payment timing.