How Long Do Overdentures Last?
Traditional dentures are a good option for people who are looking to replace multiple missing teeth on one or both jaws of their mouth. All of those missing teeth can be replaced with one prosthesis and it is one of the most cost effective ways to do so. While the people who are missing teeth may feel more confident with their teeth replaced, they will not have the same functionality of their natural teeth with their dentures. Their cheeks will not sink in from missing teeth and their mouths will not pucker as a result of not having the structure of a full jaw.
Unfortunately, even though the material of dentures has improved, some of the same problems persist. It is not easy to chew firm or crunchy foods with dentures and lower jaw dentures can be the most problematic in these instances. When your tongue moves from talking or chewing it can dislodge the dentures on the lower jaw easily. The dentures on the upper jaw cover the upper palate and limit the number of exposed taste buds. It may be more difficult for people to taste their foods in addition to chewing them. Additionally, from the lack of stimulation, the jaw bones will start to lose density and change shape. As this happens, you will need to replace your dentures every few years to better fit your new jaw shape.
Instead of using dentures alone, the dentist can combine these with dental implants to offer you something called overdentures. The dentist will place dental implants into your jaw bone where they will heal and form the stable anchors for the overdentures. The overdentures can be attached a few different ways and with different materials, depending on your specific needs. The benefits of having overdentures come from the way that the dental implants act like natural teeth roots. The overdentures remain secure while you eat, chew, talk, laugh, and smile. You may even find yourself smiling more with the added confidence of the overdentures. Finally, the dental implants continue to stimulate the jaw bones and the pressure from eating and chewing help prevent bone loss over time. In other words, you will not have to replace your overdentures like you will have to replace your dentures.
Like any dental appliance, your overdentures will need maintenance. The most common piece of the overdentures that needs to be replaced is the attachment. If you have the type of overdenture that you take in and out every day, then you will need to consider replacing the attachments every 12 to 18 months. The dentist should be able to complete this switch out during your regular appointments and if you are not sure if your attachments need to be replaced, the dentist can examine them at that time as well. If your gum line changes, then you will need to consider replacing or adjusting your overdentures, like you would your traditional dentures. This kind of adjustment is usually needed every three to five years but you will not have to worry about replacing your dental implants.