An implant overdenture is a removable prosthesis which looks on its surface similar to a complete denture. As its name implies, the denture-type tooth replacement fits “over” the implants (as pictured at the right), which are used with a connecting bar, or snaps, to stabilize and retain the denture. Most commonly, the number of implants required is two to four (at right).
Implant overdentures may be designed with individual snap attachments on the implants (Snap Attachment Denture, illustrated below), Or, the implants may be joined by a bar and retaining clips (Bar Attachment Denture, also below). The most appropriate attachment system for your individual needs is determined early in treatment, and relates to a variety of conditions in your mouth.
When only two individual implants are used, or when four implants are used and joined with a simple bar-and-clip arrangement, the cost is often less than for a fixed prosthesis.
When used in the upper jaw, overdentures, with their extended flanges, may provide better facial support and phonetics than fixed prostheses.
Overdentures can be removed and cleaned, in contrast to a fixed prosthesis.