Overdentures in Weybridge

What is an overdenture?

An overdenture is a full or partial denture that fits over something in your jaw that holds it steady. Usually that is two or more dental implants. In some cases it can be the roots of your own teeth, kept in place and sealed after the crowns of the teeth have been removed.

Underneath the denture are small attachments, such as studs or a bar. The denture clips onto these. It stays in place while you eat and talk, yet you can still take it out to clean it. A conventional denture relies on suction and the shape of the gums instead. A fixed bridge on implants is different again, because only the dentist can remove it.

Implant overdentures

An implant overdenture is the most common type. Dental implants are small titanium posts placed in the jawbone. Once they have bonded with the bone, they act as anchors for the denture. Two implants are often enough to stabilise a lower denture. An upper denture usually needs more, because the bone in the upper jaw is softer. The number you need is decided after a careful assessment.

Dentures over existing teeth

If you still have some healthy roots, they can sometimes be kept and used to support a denture. The teeth are shortened to gum level and root-treated. The denture then sits over them. Keeping roots helps preserve the bone around them and gives the denture extra support. It only works if those roots and the surrounding gum are healthy enough.

Who overdentures can help

Overdentures are often suggested for people who:

• have lost all or most of their teeth in one jaw
• find their conventional denture loose, especially a lower denture
• have trouble chewing firmer foods with their current denture
• would like a more stable denture without the cost of a fully fixed bridge on implants
• have a few teeth left that cannot support a bridge but whose roots could support a denture

When teeth are lost, the jawbone that held them slowly shrinks. Over time a conventional denture can become loose as the ridge it rests on gets smaller. Implants and retained roots both pass chewing forces into the bone, which can help slow this shrinkage. They also give the denture something to grip, so it moves less as you eat.

You need reasonable general health, healthy gums and enough bone to place implants. Smoking and some medical conditions reduce the chance of implants healing well. Suitability is always subject to a consultation and assessment.

Overdentures at Post House Dental

Implant overdentures at Post House Dental are planned and placed by our principal dentist, Bahader S Panesar, BDS (Cardiff), MSc Rest (UCL), Cert Implantology (UCL).

Assessment and planning

We start by examining your mouth, your existing denture and the health of any remaining teeth and gums. Where implants are being considered, a CBCT scan gives a 3D picture of your jawbone. This shows how much bone is available and where nerves and sinuses lie. If there is not enough bone in a particular area, we will explain whether bone grafting could help or whether a different plan would be wiser.

Placing the implants

Implants are placed under local anaesthetic. You should feel no pain during treatment because the area is numbed. You will notice pressure. The implants are then left to heal and bond with the bone. During this time you can usually wear your existing denture, adjusted so that it does not press on the implants.

Making the overdenture

Once the implants have healed, we take records of your mouth and bite. The new denture is made and tried in so you can see the shape and colour of the teeth before it is finished. Finally, the attachments are connected and we show you how to clip the denture in and out.

Overdentures and the alternatives

There is more than one way to replace a full set of teeth. The main options are:

• Conventional dentures. The simplest and least expensive option. Upper dentures often fit well. Lower dentures are more likely to move.
• Implant overdentures. A removable denture held firmly by implants. More stable than a conventional denture, with fewer implants than a fixed bridge.
• Fixed implant bridges. A full arch of teeth fixed to several implants, such as the All-on-4 system. These stay in all the time and are only removed by the dentist.
• Individual dental implants where only some teeth are missing.

We will set out the benefits, limits and costs of each so that you can choose with a clear view of what each involves.

How much do overdentures cost?

The cost of an implant overdenture depends mainly on how many implants you need. It also depends on whether bone grafting or extractions are needed first. As a guide, an implant is £2,950 and a complete acrylic denture for a single arch is from £1,500. A CBCT single or double arch scan is £210. You will receive a written treatment plan with the confirmed fee after your assessment and before any treatment starts. Our full price list is on our fees page.

We provide both NHS and private care. Dental implants are not normally available on the NHS. Implant overdentures are offered privately. Online booking is for private appointments only.

Recovery and aftercare

After implant surgery, some swelling and tenderness are common for a few days. Most patients manage this with over-the-counter pain relief. We will give you written aftercare advice and tell you what to eat while the area heals.

When your overdenture is fitted, it takes a little time to get used to. Many people find it much steadier than their old denture from the start. Your speech and chewing usually adapt within a few weeks.

Each day, take the denture out and clean it. Clean around the implants or roots with a soft brush too, because plaque around them can cause gum inflammation. The small clips inside the denture wear with use and need replacing from time to time. Regular check-ups let us keep the attachments working well and look after the health of the gum and bone.

Why patients choose Post House Dental

We have cared for patients in Weybridge since 1978. Implant planning uses CBCT 3D scanning. Our surgical microscopes are used across many procedures. Our team keeps up with postgraduate education and our approach is evidence-based. Results vary from person to person. We will be honest about what an overdenture can and cannot do for you.