Implant Dentistry

The two-implant overdenture is the most economical route to enjoy benefits of implant dentures. The preferred method is to use this option only for the lower jaw. With minimal hardware involved, it has simple repairs and low maintenance costs.

These attachments are similar to buttons on a coat. However, depending on the locator used we can control the amount of force by which the denture is held in place. The patient who chooses the two-implant locator denture must be aware that some movement is still to be expected in the denture.

The retention is compared to having the best denture adhesive on the market, holding the denture in place at all times. In some European countries this option has become the minimal standard of care for someone who has lost all their lower teeth.

The use of four implants allows for very strong stability in all directions, yet the minimal hardware involved allows for less expense than other implant denture options. With the use of four locator attachments connected to implants, patients find the denture extremely retentive.

Again, maintenance cost of this denture is minimal. In addition, implants are very accessible for the patient, making hygiene very simple.

The removable bar overdenture provides the benefits of cross arch stabilization of implants. This means that the forces of chewing are shared amongst all the implants together, rather than each implant alone. This reduces the changes of implant failure due to overload or extreme forces.

The retention in this type of case is expected to be slightly stronger than the four implant supported denture and chewing forces are nearly as strong as natural teeth. This type of restoration requires more effort in implant hygiene with cleaning under the implant bar.

There is more expense in fabrication due to greater hardware and lab support involved. A number of attachments can be used on bar. There are a number of systems Dr. Tatum and Dr. Granger have used that make quality overdenture systems; however, they have found some make regular dental maintenance easier than others, and consequently, a lower cost down the road for the patient.