Guide to Stabilizing Dentures
The information in the Guide to Stabilizing Dentures provides a comprehensive explanation of the consequences of missing teeth, a comparison of dental implants and dentures, and a detailed description of implant procedures. We encourage you to review all of the pages to help you make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Preferred Method of Stabilizing Dentures
Dental implants can stabilize dentures and virtually eliminate many of the problems associated with complete tooth loss and wearing dentures. In fact, for those patients who have lost a significant amount of bone and lip support, a removable overdenture, which fits “over” the dental implants will often be the treatment of choice. Studies over the past two decades have confirmed the increased patient satisfaction resulting from this affordable treatment option. Widely recognized in the profession as the definitive report on the two-implant overdenture is the McGill Consensus Statement on Overdentures (May 2002), which stated: “As a minimal treatment objective: the mandibular (lower jaw) two-implant overdenture should be considered as a first choice standard of care for the edentulous (missing all teeth) patient.”
Some of the benefits of dental implant treatment for stabilizing dentures, particularly lower dentures include:
- Dental implant-supported overdentures will prevent further bone resorption (deterioration) caused by complete
tooth loss and wearing dentures.
- Implant-supported dentures are stable and comfortable, improving function and restoring a sense of confidence
- Facial appearance can be improved restoring lost lip support and minimizing wrinkles
- Biting and chewing capacity is significantly increased, improving nutrition and overall health
The following photos, courtesy of Dr. Aldo Leopardi, illustrate how two implants can stabilize a lower denture for two different patients
Lower denture has small rings that
snap onto abutments on two implants
Lower denture fits securely on two strategically placed dental implants
Special attachment in denture snaps
onto bar secured to two dental implants
Bar design (left) provides additional
support for patient with a stronger bite