If you’re new here, you may be wondering how implant overdentures differ from dental implants. You may be aware that each solution either has or provides implant support — unlike traditional dentures — but be unclear on where their similarities diverge.
In this blog post, we’re going to break down the difference between dental implants and implant overdentures. Let’s get to the bottom of this once and for all and see if implant-supported options could be the right fit for your mouth.
A Prelude: What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
Before we delve below the gum’s surface, let’s establish what dental implants are. Technically speaking, dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. However, they cannot perform their function — supporting a dental prosthesis — without housing an abutment: a connective piece with a cylindrical head. Once the implant has been placed, the hollow of its head is ready to receive the abutment, which can now slot in and leave its more convex head exposed above the gum’s surface. Once correctly positioned and affixed together, the implant and abutment have the titanium staying power and the fine, affixing shape to support a dental prosthesis.
The term ‘dental implant’ technically refers to the titanium screw, but it can also be shorthand for an implant that houses both an abutment and a dental crown. Many people use this shorthand — including us — as it’s easier than saying ‘implant-supported crown’ every time. So, while it’s true that both treatments discussed in this blog involve dental implants, please continue reading with the caveat that ‘dental implants’ typically refers to the implant-and-crown combo.
With that terminology straightened out, let’s discuss the similarities and differences between dental implants and implant overdentures.
Dental Implants & Implant Overdentures: What Do They Have in Common?
The most obvious commonality between the two treatments is the fact that they’re implant-supported. While traditional dentures simply sit over the gum, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. Made from robust titanium, dental implants are the next best thing to tooth roots, providing that extra bit of stability and biting power for artificial teeth. Because they are standing in for tooth roots, dental implants also prevent jaw recession.
Of course, the other obvious commonality is that both implants and overdentures hold false teeth — be that a single dental crown or an entire dental prosthesis — in place.
Dental Implants & Implant Overdentures: Where Do They Differ?
The most fundamental difference between dental implants and implant overdentures is that the former is a permanent solution while the latter is removable. In the case of dental implants, you could have one or a few installed to substitute one or a few teeth — and they would remain there for approximately 15 years, or until your dental professional decided it was time to replace them. (Comparing lifespans alone, dental implants make immediate dentures look like single-use disposables.) But if you wear implant overdentures, you can remove the prosthesis whenever you need to. Overdentures are sometimes called ‘snap-in dentures’ because they can attach to and detach from dental implants at will.
Of course, there is also a distinct structural difference between dental implants and implant overdentures. While dental implants have a three-piece anatomy comprising a screw, abutment, and crown, implant overdentures consist of single-arch prostheses that cover the entire gumline. As well as a full row of false teeth, these prostheses feature acrylic resin ‘gums’, not unlike a classic set of full dentures. They also have metal attachments that ‘snap on’ to the dental implants (not to be confused with the metal clasps that partial dentures use to anchor to adjacent natural teeth).
Comparing Implant Overdentures to All-On-4® Dental Implants
We can’t compare dental implants to implant overdentures without mentioning the latter’s most similar dental treatment: All-On-4® dental implants. Both treatments involve dental implants and at least one single-arch prosthesis that visually simulates natural teeth and gums. Naturally, both treatments also require dental implants to hold prostheses in place — usually two to four implants, always placed symmetrically on either side of the mouth. However, the difference — again — lies in removability.
While you can remove implant overdentures, All-On-4® dental implants are there for the long haul. You can take overdentures out at night, but All-On-4® implants stay in your mouth until a dental professional deems them in need of replacement. When you wear single or All-On-4® implants, you provide the closest simulation to natural teeth possible, even down to the irremovability. When you wear overdentures, you get a more cost-effective solution that is substantially more supportive than the next set of new cosmetic dentures.
Where Can I Get Implant Overdentures?
Direct Denture Care is your one-stop shop for all things dentures. We custom-make dentures to suit the individual patient, whether you want implant-supported dentures or something simple and more traditional. We’ve also got denture maintenance covered, including emergency denture repairs. Come to us every two to three years for the routine denture reline, or come anytime to get fractured dentures looking fresh and new again.
With service tailored to the shape of your mouth — and denture repairs and relines readily available — Direct Denture Care is where you want to go. Book your consultation now to get the ball rolling on your new pair of implant overdentures.
