Patients who are missing all of their teeth from the lower or upper jaw may consider a bar retained overdenture as a tooth-replacement option. This procedure begins with the surgical placement of dental implants into the jawbone. Once the implants heal, they are then attached to a bar that is used to support the overdenture. While the overdenture is a removable appliance, it is connected to permanent dental implants. The following article discusses bar retained overdentures in detail.
During the initial step of the process, the dentist will obtain an impression of the patient’s mouth. The impression is eventually used to create temporary dentures during the procedure. When the temporary dentures are ready, the dentist will take diagnostic images of the area. These images are used to create a strategic plan for placing the dental implants. Dental implants act as the base or roots for the dentures.
The dentist will surgically place implants in targeted areas of the jaw. Following the placement of the implants, the dentist will obtain additional impressions of the mouth. These aid in creating the supporting bar which secures the overdenture.
During the healing process, the implants fuse to the bone through a process called osseointegration. While the mouth is healing, temporary removable dentures will be used. A key benefit of the temporary dentures is that the patient will not be without teeth during the treatment. This allows patients to feel confident and comfortable throughout the entire treatment.
The dentist will evaluate the bite alignment of the bar and final denture during subsequent follow up appointments. The goal is to achieve a perfect fit in the mouth. Multiple appointments and fittings may be required for this step of the process to achieve the desired results. Once all necessary adjustments are complete, the dentist will fix the support bar in place and place the overdenture onto the bar. The patient will ultimately leave with prosthetic teeth which are stable, secure, and attractive.
Implant-retained dentures help to resolve some of the issues and limitations commonly associated with removable dentures. Bar retained dentures are a permanent tooth-replacement solution. Key benefits associated with bar retained dentures are summarized below:
* Attractive and comfortable
* No slipping or risk of falling out
* Denture adhesive is not used
* Gums do not become irritated because the dentures are fixed
* No food or drinks restrictions
* Incredibly durable and secure
Maintenance
Compared to traditional dentures which require removal each night for cleaning, bar retained overdentures are relatively easy to clean and maintain. It is important to regularly clean the dentures and gums to maintain good oral health. Patients will be provided with specific instructions regarding how to properly care for and maintain the overdenture.
Dental implants are an exceptional tooth-replacement treatment option and offer patients with a strong and secure foundation for the prosthetic. Another benefit of implants is that they stimulate the jawbone. This prevents bone resorption from the loss of teeth and helps maintain the structure of the jaw. There are many limitations associated with traditional dentures. Some of the limitations commonly associated with traditional dentures include instability, inability to stimulate the jawbone, daily removal to clean, diet restrictions, in addition to other problems. Bar retained overdentures help resolve and eliminate many of these issues.
Bar retained overdentures are one of many tooth-replacement options which can be used for missing teeth. Patients should contact their dentist to discuss if they may be a good candidate for bar retained overdentures.