Implant-Supported Overdentures: The Affordable Solution for Missing Teeth

Discover the Benefits, Types, Process, and Cost of Overdentures

If you’re seeking ways to fill the gaps left by missing teeth, implant-supported overdentures offer an ideal solution. They address the issues associated with traditional dentures while remaining more cost-effective than full-mouth implants. Our goal is to help you decide if this procedure is right for you. Feel free to contact our team for further information on dental implant-supported overdentures in India.

Understanding Overdentures

An overdenture is a prosthetic dental device designed to replace a full set of missing teeth. Similar to traditional dentures, overdentures rely on suction or adhesive for stability, but they also utilise several implants placed in your jaw for added security. The benefits of this approach are evident, particularly for those who have struggled with ill-fitting dentures. Implant-supported overdentures closely resemble natural teeth, greatly enhancing functions like eating, smiling, and laughing. Additionally, they help prevent bone loss, a common consequence of tooth loss.

Other names for overdentures include:

  • Implant dentures
  • Implant-supported dentures
  • Snap-on dentures
  • Snap-in dentures

We will explain the meanings behind these terms as we proceed.

Advantages of Overdentures

Compared to traditional dentures, implant-supported overdentures offer numerous benefits to patients who choose this option:

  • Enhanced Comfort and Stability: Overdentures significantly improve comfort levels. Dental implants secure the overdenture in place, maximising stability and minimising movement during eating and speaking. This reduces the likelihood of sores and gum irritation.
  • Longevity and Reliability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, ensuring predictable outcomes. Furthermore, implants contribute to bone retention, surpassing the longevity of alternatives like traditional full dentures or dental bridges.
  • Improved Confidence: Overdentures firmly attach to the jaw through dental implants, providing enhanced stability and security. This allows patients to speak and eat with confidence, without the fear of dentures dislodging.
  • Prevention of Bone Loss: Overdentures are affixed to titanium implants that fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This integration helps preserve jaw bone, unlike traditional dentures, which can accelerate bone loss.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Overdentures not only enhance smile aesthetics but also improve chewing function and bite, positively impacting both psychological and physical well-being.
  • Elimination of Adhesives: Unlike conventional dentures, implant-supported overdentures eliminate the need for adhesives or suction. They remain securely in place due to the implants.

Types of Overdentures

Various types of implant overdentures are available today, each with its own advantages and considerations. Let’s explore them based on different categories:

  • Removable Overdentures: Also known as implant-supported overdentures or snap-in dentures, these are removable. Each tooth implant extends above the gum, and the denture clips securely onto them. You need to remove the prosthesis for cleaning, typically twice a day and during sleep. 
  • Fixed Overdentures: Referred to as All-On-4 / All-On-6 dental implants, these overdentures are fixed in place using screws that attach to the implants. They require flossing and brushing, similar to natural teeth. Removable overdentures provide improved stability compared to traditional dentures, but fixed overdentures allow for greater biting force and enable comfortable consumption of a wider range of foods, including chewy, crunchy, and hard items.

Implant Overdentures Procedure: What to Expect

If you’re considering getting overdenture implants in India, here’s a general overview of what you can anticipate. It’s important to note that the specific process may vary slightly for each individual.

  1. Initial Consultation
    Begin with an online video consultation with our experienced dental surgeon who will conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth, post your x-rays and the CBCT scan reports. These x-rays & CBCT help assess your eligibility for dental implants by evaluating the condition of the supporting bone. During this consultation, you can discuss your treatment expectations and have any questions answered.
  2. Extractions & Bone Grafting
    If you’re already missing all the teeth in the treated jaw, this step may be skipped. However, in cases where most teeth are lost or the remaining teeth are in poor condition, extractions are necessary before implant placement. In some instances, decayed teeth may require surgical removal, involving an incision in the gum to ensure complete extraction. In certain cases, immediate implant placement is possible, while in others, a waiting period of a few months is needed for proper healing of the bone and gum tissue.
  3. Implant Placement
    Before implant placement, the dental surgeon administers anaesthesia to ensure your comfort. A hole is drilled into the jawbone at a carefully planned position and angle to ensure stability and longevity. The implant is then screwed into the hole and tightened. Depending on the case, the gum may be stitched over the implant or a healing cap may be applied, resembling a small metal disc above the gumline.
  4. Healing & Osseointegration
    While some procedures allow for the immediate placement of a temporary overdenture after implant placement, it is often necessary to allow several months for the implants to heal before placing a prosthesis. After implant placement, you may experience soreness, tenderness, swelling, and bruising in the mouth. It’s advisable to stick to a liquid or soft food diet during this healing period. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to keep your gums and tongue clean, being cautious around the implant site while it heals.
  5. Temporary Denture
    During the healing process, your gums may change shape slightly, requiring a temporary overdenture if one was fitted immediately after implant placement. While it’s understandable to desire a prosthesis as soon as possible, keep in mind that this temporary denture is not a long-term solution. To create the overdenture, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, including the newly placed implants, which will be sent to a dental lab for fabrication. Several adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit.
  6. Final Prosthesis
    Once your mouth has fully healed, you can return to have your final overdenture made. This step involves taking dental impressions again to create the prosthesis. The final overdenture, made from high-quality materials that resemble natural teeth and gums, is designed to last 5-10 years with proper care. During this appointment, your dentist will provide instructions on how to clean and care for your new smile.

Please note that this is a general outline, and your specific procedure may vary. It’s essential to consult with our partnered dental professional for personalised guidance and information. The cost of overdentures in India can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Extractions and Bone Grafting: If extractions or bone grafts are required before implant placement, it may increase the overall cost.
  • Number of Implants: The number of implants needed for the overdenture can impact the cost.
  • Type of Implant and Abutment: Different implant systems and types of abutments may have varying costs.
  • Materials Used: The materials used for the overdenture can affect the overall cost. High-quality materials that resemble natural teeth and gums may be more expensive.
  • Number of Appointments: The number of appointments required throughout the procedure can influence the total cost.

It is recommended to schedule an online video call consultation with an oral surgeon who can examine your mouth and provide a detailed quotation specific to your case.

Comparing Overdentures to Traditional Dentures:

Traditional dentures are generally more affordable. However, they come with certain drawbacks such as being completely removable, potential slippage, and a less natural look and feel. 

Overdentures address these issues by providing a more stable and aesthetic solution. They can’t slip out of place, and certain types of overdentures don’t cover the roof of the mouth. Additionally, overdentures help prevent bone resorption by mimicking natural tooth roots and maintaining jawbone structure. 

While dentures are more cost-effective, many patients find the health and quality of life benefits offered by implant overdentures worth the additional cost.

Comparing Overdentures to All-on-4:

All-on-4 is a type of permanent, full-mouth overdenture system. It differs from snap-on dentures as it is fixed in place with screws and not removable.

Some notable features of the All-on-4 system include:

  • Placement of implants at a 45-degree angle for increased stability, even with limited bone structure. 
  • The possibility of fitting temporary overdentures on the day of implant placement, providing same-day dentures.
  • High success rates with over a quarter of a million patients treated and a 98% success rate after 7.5 years.

If you need to replace all your teeth and prefer the idea of fixed overdentures, the All-on-4 system may be recommended. However, other overdenture systems are also available, and it is advisable to discuss your options further during an appointment.

Comparing Overdentures to Full-Mouth Dental Implants:

Full-mouth dental implants involve placing individual implants for each missing tooth, which can be expensive. As each jaw typically requires around 8 implants, the cost of full-mouth dental implants is likely to be more than double that of implant-supported overdentures. If you need to replace all your teeth and are considering which implant system would be best, it is recommended to schedule an online video call consultation where the options can be explained in greater detail.


Unleash the power of your smile and embark on a life-changing journey today! Embrace a transformational experience that will redefine your confidence and elevate your smile to new heights. Take the first step towards a radiant future and unlock the extraordinary potential within you. Let your smile become the symbol of your transformation and embrace the incredible possibilities that Await.

FAQ

Implant overdentures offer improved comfort compared to traditional dentures. The implants provide stability, reducing movement and discomfort while speaking, eating, or laughing. Additionally, overdentures are customised to fit the individual’s mouth, enhancing comfort and reducing irritation.

The implant overdenture procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring that the area being treated is numb. Patients may experience some soreness or discomfort after the surgery, but this can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Your dentist will provide guidance on managing any postoperative discomfort.

The duration of the implant overdenture procedure can vary depending on individual factors such as the number of implants needed, the need for extractions or bone grafts, and the healing process. In some cases, same-day temporary overdentures can be provided, while in others, it may take several months to complete the process.

The cost of implant overdentures depends on various factors, including the number of implants required, the type of implants used, additional procedures like extractions or bone grafts, and the materials used for the overdenture. While they may have a higher initial cost compared to traditional dentures, many patients find the long-term benefits and improved quality of life worth the investment.

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for implant overdentures. Adequate bone volume and density are necessary to support the implants. A thorough examination and assessment by a dental professional are required to determine if you are a good candidate for implant overdentures.

Proper care is essential for maintaining the longevity and function of implant overdentures. Removable overdentures should be cleaned regularly using a soft-bristle brush and a denture cleaning solution. Fixed overdentures should be brushed like natural teeth, with extra attention given to cleaning the area between the denture and the gums. Regular dental check-ups are also important for monitoring the health of the implants and overall oral health.

The lifespan of implant overdentures can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene, bone health, and regular dental check-ups. With proper care, including regular cleaning and maintenance, implant overdentures can last for many years, typically between 5 – 10 years or even longer.

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