Overdentures
Information about overdentures and your treatment at Bristol Dental School
An overdenture is a denture that sits over remaining natural teeth or tooth roots that are present in the jaw. An overdenture can be a complete denture (replacing all teeth) or a partial denture (replacing some teeth). Teeth must be free from disease to support an overdenture, therefore overdentures are only suitable in specific cases.
Why do I need an overdenture?
Overdentures are used when there are natural teeth that can be used for denture retention and stability. There are several advantages for leaving natural teeth below dentures:
- The bone around the remaining teeth is maintained (this bone is lost if teeth are removed)
- Biting forces are stronger
- Easier to detect position of the denture in the mouth
Certain patients may benefit from overdentures:
- Patients with naturally smaller teeth (microdontia) or fewer teeth (hypodontia) than the average person.
- Patients suffering from tooth wear.
- Patients who are at higher risk of bone infection from tooth extraction.
- Patients with cleft palates.
What happens during treatment?
Typically, an overdenture will take the same number of appointments as a routine denture. This will usually take around 8 appointments.
Appointment 1: The teeth and gums are examined to assess health and suitability for an overdenture. Moulds (impressions) of your upper and lower teeth/jaws are taken using a putty-like material. A record of the way your teeth bite together is taken.
Appointment 2: The way you bite together is recorded using wax.
Appointment 3: Any necessary adjustments are made to your teeth - this may involve preparing or shaping the tooth to sit correctly under the overdenture. A more accurate mould (second impression) is taken in a custom-made tray.
Appointment 4: The way you bite together is recorded using wax. The colour, shape and size of the replacement teeth is decided.
Appointment 5: If metal is used in your overdenture/s, it is tried in to assess the fit.
Appointment 6: Wax overdenture/s are tried in to assess their appearance and bite. Any changes in tooth shape, size or colour can be discussed and changed.
Appointment 7: The completed overdentures are fit and instructions about how to wear and maintain them are given
Appointment 8: The overdenture/s is reviewed and any necessary minor adjustments are made.
Advantages
Appearance: Overdentures can improve your appearance by covering short teeth/roots with denture teeth of a natural size and shape.
Function: Overdentures can help you to eat and speak more easily.
Survival: If looked after carefully, an overdenture can last 10 years or more.
Adaption: Overdentures can be adapted to accommodate any changes in the mouth, such as the loss of more teeth.
Risks
Tooth disease: Supporting teeth are at a higher risk of decay and gum disease - it is important to carefully brush the teeth underneath the overdenture with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Infection: Denture stomatitis, a type of fungal infection, can occur if overdentures are not regularly cleaned, however this can be prevented with good denture hygiene habits.
Fracture: As overdentures have to be made thinner than routine dentures (in order to sit over short teeth/roots), they have a slightly higher risk of overdenture fracture.
Alternatives
We will always discuss the options available to you in depth before any decisions are made. Such options may include:
- Complete dentures are appropriate if all teeth in a jaw (upper or lower) require extraction and replacement.
- Partial dentures are appropriate if some (but not all) teeth in a jaw (upper or lower) require extraction and replacement.
What happens after treatment is finished?
It may take a while for you to get used to the new overdenture and chewing food may seem unusual at first. Patients soon get used to their new overdenture within a few weeks but please don’t feel discouraged if this takes a little longer.
It is very important to clean your overdenture well to avoid infections - further information is available on this in our denture care leaflet.
Whilst any sore spots should be adjusted before your review appointment, please tell your dentist if the overdenture ever feels uncomfortable or painful - they should be able to help you with this.
To check that you and your dental professional are happy with the outcome of your treatment, you will be reviewed after your treatment is finished.
When all of your dental treatment is complete, you will be discharged from the dental school. We advise that you find a dentist outside the dental school to continue to look after your teeth and restorations.
Types of questions you may want to ask…
- How do I clean my new overdenture/s?
- How should I clean my natural teeth around and under my new overdenture/s?
- How often should I have my overdentures reviewed by a dentist?
Maintaining good oral hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for healthy teeth and gums, and will help reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
Smoking and alcohol increase the risk of oral disease. If you want to quit smoking or reduce your alcohol intake, please talk to the clinician you see for further advice.