Bar-Retained, Implant Supported Overdentures
Livermore, CA
 Do you suffer from significant tooth loss, and are looking to restore your smile? Perhaps you have tried wearing comprehensive dentures, but need a solution with more stability and functionality.
Here at Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center, we understand that losing your teeth can be physically and emotionally traumatic, but rest assured you do not have to continue suffering needlessly. No matter what your situation is, we are here to provide you with several customizable options to fit your specific needs and lifestyle.
Defining Bar-Retained, Implant Support OverdenturesAn option you might want to consider if you are looking for more functional consistency, but do not want to replace all your missing teeth with single implant crowns is a bar-retained, implant supported overdenture. This is a hybrid solution that optimizes both the benefits of comprehensive dentures with that of implants.
Bar-retained dentures have three main components:
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Overdenture: An overdenture is the prosthetic that sits on top of the implants and the attachments.
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Implants: Implants are usually titanium posts that are surgically placed in the alveolar bone beneath the teeth. The alveolar bone fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration.
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Attachment Appliance: There are several attachment appliance options, but in this case, the attachment is a bar fitted to the implants. The overdenture snaps into place and is secured by the bar and further stabilized by the implants. |
Fixed Full Arch Dentures vs Traditional DenturesTraditional dentures are supported by just the gums and an adhesive. Patients often complain that their prosthetic shifts around their arch, making it hard to speak and eat. The friction generated by the denture’s abrasive movements may cause sores to form, making the prosthetic uncomfortable to wear. Furthermore, dentures are notorious for falling out at the most inopportune time, which can be extremely embarrassing. Implant supported dentures marginalize horizontal and vertical movement because the prosthetic is stabilized by implants and additional attachments.
Aesthetic Quality In the past, dentures, were not true-to-life. Today they are. If you wear implant-fixed dentures your friends will think you have replaced all of your teeth with implants. They will be shocked when you tell them you have a prosthetic. This is because the labs who make prosthetics have access to better materials, and better equipment that can create a smile that is precisely tailored to you.
Implants and Bone DegenerationA common consequence of tooth loss is bone loss. Why is this? Well, your alveolar bone sits right below the tooth socket. The roots of natural teeth are fused to this bone. As you go about your day, your teeth experience weight, micro-fracturing, and vibrations that travel down through the root of the tooth into the bone. The transmission of weight and energy fortifies the bone, forcing it to grow in such a way that it can adequately support the tooth. If the tooth disappears, the bone atrophies. Because implants structurally mimic teeth, they prevent bone degeneration and even promote growth.
FAQs
What are bar-retained, implant-supported overdentures?Bar-retained, implant-supported overdentures are a hybrid solution combining the benefits of dentures and dental implants. They include a prosthetic overdenture that is secured to a bar attachment fitted onto surgically placed implants, providing improved stability and functionality compared to traditional dentures.
How do bar-retained overdentures differ from traditional dentures?Traditional dentures rely solely on the gums and adhesives for support, which can cause discomfort, instability, and sores. Bar-retained overdentures, on the other hand, are anchored to implants and a bar attachment, minimizing movement and providing a more comfortable and secure fit.
What are the benefits of implant-supported overdentures?Implant-supported overdentures offer enhanced stability, improved aesthetics, and greater comfort. They prevent bone degeneration by mimicking natural tooth roots, reducing the risk of facial collapse. Additionally, they allow for more confident speaking, eating, and smiling.
How do bar-retained overdentures prevent bone loss?Implants used in bar-retained overdentures mimic the function of natural tooth roots, transmitting weight and vibrations to the alveolar bone. This stimulation promotes bone growth and prevents the bone loss commonly associated with missing teeth.
Are bar-retained overdentures aesthetically pleasing?Yes, modern bar-retained overdentures are designed with advanced materials and technology, providing a natural-looking smile that is customized to the patient. They are often indistinguishable from natural teeth, enhancing overall appearance and confidence.
How can I determine if bar-retained overdentures are right for me?A consultation with a dental professional is necessary to determine if bar-retained overdentures are suitable for you. Factors such as the condition of your arches, the amount of available bone tissue, and your overall dental health will help guide the decision.
How to Choose the Right OptionThere are many different options available to you. In order to fully identify what they are, we will need to examine your pre-existing arches and the amount of bone tissue you have available to you. If you are interested in implant-supported dentures, call us today at 925-290-7727. |
Livermore: 925-290-7727
