Overdentures

Many people are not aware of the importance of teeth – they chew food, are living organisms with blood vessels and nerves, and they preserve the strength of the jaw bones. Without teeth, the jaw bones are compromised, and the diet of the individual, which demands easy to chew foods, may not be satisfactory to good nutrition and health. Dentists work hard to help people maintain the health of their teeth, and try to keep as many natural teeth in place as possible. When tooth loss occurs, most dentists will immediately discuss replacement with dentures or implants. Dentures are the easiest approach, and overdentures are becoming a preferred variety. This is because they allow for remaining teeth to play a role in holding the overdentures in place, and also provide strength to the jaw. Provo overdenture dentist.

Most people understand how dentures work, they are molded to fit the gums and jaws of those who are missing teeth and they usually are held in place with some sort of over the counter adhesive, or in the case of partial dentures, by hooking around an existing tooth. The dental devices known as overdentures serve to replace missing teeth, but they are inserted into the mouth in a significantly different manner. Overdentures can be fitted to both the upper and lower jaws, though most dentists prefer to see many more supports in the upper due to its lesser bone density. Overdentures require the fitting of special supports or attachments to the remaining teeth; this is done by performing a root canal on the existing tooth, then removing a portion of the tooth down the gum line before fitting it with a special attachment. The attachment is what the overdentures will connect to, and this remarkable stability allows overdentures to work almost as effectively as real teeth, with the additional bonus of no shifting or moving while being worn. If a patient has no remaining teeth, the dentist will usually insert two or more dental implants to anchor the overdentures to the jaw. This provides the same strength as natural tooth roots and allows the overdentures to function well.

Like other varieties of dentures, overdentures are usually made in a polymer or plastic material. Most patients investing in overdentures will opt for the more costly polymer because of its natural appearance and its known durability. Overdentures are cared for in the same manner as traditional dentures. They should be cleaned, along with the teeth and gums, following each meal, and they should be removed while sleeping to allow the mouth adequate opportunity to balance itself through saliva production. During the night the overdentures should be soaked in a cleansing solution that will destroy any negative bacteria. Because all dentures present the possibility of irritation to the gums and lining of the mouth, it is important to keep them, and the mouth, as clean and healthy as possible. Poor oral hygiene in combination with dentures can cause gum disease and infection as well as other significantly more serious medical problems.