If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, you’ve probably wondered if there are better options than traditional dentures. You’re not alone.
Traditional dentures work for many people, but they come with frustrations like slipping, clicking, discomfort, and dietary restrictions. Implant overdentures offer a different experience: a smile that stays in place, feels natural, and lets you eat the foods you love.
At Aesthetic Dentistry Centre in Plano, Dr. Sara Chen has helped countless patients transition from traditional dentures to implant-supported solutions. But not everyone is a candidate right away. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Implant Overdentures?
Implant overdentures are dentures supported by modern dental implants rather than resting directly on your gums.
Small titanium posts (implants) are surgically placed into your jawbone. These posts act like tooth roots, providing a stable foundation. The denture snaps or attaches securely to the implants, so it stays in place.
The result is a set of teeth that doesn’t slip, click, or require messy adhesives. You can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Implant Overdentures?
Not everyone is a candidate for implant overdentures right away. But many people who think they aren’t eligible actually are with some preparation.
Here’s what we look for.
Enough Jawbone to Support Implants
For implants to integrate with your jawbone, you need enough bone density and volume. When teeth are missing for an extended period, the bone in that area begins to shrink.
If you’ve been missing teeth for years, you may have lost significant bone mass. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get implants.
Bone grafting is a procedure that builds up bone in areas where it’s deficient. It adds material to your jawbone, creating a stronger foundation for implants. If Dr. Chen recommends bone grafting, you’ll need to wait several months for the graft to heal before implants can be placed. But for many patients, it’s the difference between being a candidate and not being one.
Healthy Gums
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss and a barrier to dental implants. If you have active gum disease, the infection needs to be treated before implants can be placed. Placing implants into infected tissue increases the risk of failure.
If you have gum disease, Dr. Chen can recommend treatment options ranging from deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to more advanced periodontal therapy. Once your gums are healthy, we can move forward with implant planning.
Good Overall Health
Implant placement is a surgical procedure, so your overall health matters.
- Controlled conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions need to be well managed before surgery. If your condition is under control, you can still be a candidate. Dr. Chen will work with your physician if needed.
- Non-smokers preferred: Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, you may still be a candidate, but you’ll need to understand the risks. Many patients use implant treatment as motivation to quit.
- No active infections: Any active dental or systemic infections need to be resolved before proceeding.
Realistic Expectations
Implant overdentures are a significant investment in time and money. The process takes several months from start to finish. You’ll need to be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to maintain your results.
But for patients who are committed, the payoff is substantial: a stable, comfortable, natural-looking smile that can last for decades.
What Are the Benefits of Implant Overdentures?
If you’re wondering why patients choose implant overdentures over traditional options, here’s what they tell us.
- Stability that traditional dentures can’t match: Your denture snaps securely into place. No slipping, no clicking, no embarrassing moments.
- Better chewing power: Patients with implant overdentures can bite with up to three times the force of traditional denture wearers. That means you can eat the foods you enjoy without worry.
- No Adhesives: Forget about messy pastes and strips. Your denture stays in place on its own.
- Improved Comfort: Traditional dentures rest directly on your gums, which can cause sore spots. Implant overdentures distribute pressure more evenly, reducing irritation.
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate your jawbone, preventing the bone loss that occurs with traditional dentures. This helps maintain your facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that sometimes accompanies long-term denture wear.
- A Natural Look And Feel: Implant overdentures are custom-designed to look like natural teeth. They enhance your smile and your confidence.
- Long-Term Value: Traditional dentures need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. With proper care, implant overdentures can last 20 years or longer.
What About the Cost?
Implant overdentures are an investment. The cost varies based on the number of implants needed, the type of denture, and any preparatory procedures like bone grafting.
Typical ranges:
- Implant overdentures start around $8,000 per arch
- Bone grafting can add $500 to $2,000 per site
- Full-mouth implant solutions range from $20,000 to $40,000 per arch
We offer flexible payment options, including CareCredit financing and our “cruise plan,” which lets you prepay over time. During your consultation, Dr. Chen will provide a complete, itemized treatment plan with clear costs and no surprises.
The Process: What to Expect
Getting implant overdentures is a multi-step process:
- Consultation: Dr. Chen will evaluate your oral health, take 3D imaging, and discuss your goals. She’ll determine if you’re a candidate and what preparatory treatments you might need.
- Preparatory treatments: If you need bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or extractions, those are completed first.
- Implant placement: Dr. Chen surgically places the implants. You’ll be comfortable with local anesthesia, and sedation options are available.
- Healing: Your implants need time to fuse with your jawbone. This process (osseointegration) takes 3 to 6 months.
- Denture fabrication: While your implants heal, we begin designing your custom overdenture.
- Final attachment: Once healed, your new denture is attached to the implants. You walk out with a stable, beautiful smile.
Ready to Find Out If Implant Overdentures Are Right for You?
You don’t have to live with slipping dentures, dietary restrictions, or a smile that makes you self-conscious. Modern implant overdentures offer a solution that’s stable, comfortable, and built to last.
The first step is a conversation with your dentist in Plano, TX. Dr. Chen will evaluate your mouth, jawbone, and overall health to determine if implant overdentures are a good fit for you. If you need preparatory treatments like bone grafting, she’ll work with you to make it happen.
Call Aesthetic Dentistry Centre in Plano at (972) 382-6855 to schedule your implant overdenture consultation. You can also request an appointment online anytime. Ask about our financing options and payment plans.