Implant-Supported Removable Prostheses
Removable Overdenture Approach
The implant-supported removable prosthesis works with the principle of overdenture, which can be removed and installed by the patient daily. The acrylic denture base is attached to the implants through retaining parts; Movement on the palate can be reduced compared to the classical complete denture.
Overdenture with 2 implants in the lower jaw is one of the common protocols. The number of implants can be increased depending on the bone volume and retention needs in the upper jaw.
Locator, Ball and Non-Bar Holder Options
In most cases, overdenture is attached directly to the implant with snap attachment systems such as locator, ball or ERA; A separate bar infrastructure is not required. The locator's low-profile design may interfere less with tongue and lip movements.
Implant position, interarch distance and denture base thickness determine the type of retainer. Existing complete denture relining can be used as reference; A temporary prosthesis may help distribute the chewing load during the integration period.
Daily Installation-Removal and Adaptation
A slight clicking sensation may be normal when the attachment is seated. In the first weeks, speech and chewing habits are rearranged; It may be recommended to start with soft foods.
Nighttime removal is recommended in most protocols; Brushing around the implant should be done daily. Unlike a fixed implant prosthesis, the patient can remove the prosthesis for his own care.
Denture Base and Soft Tissue Support
Overdenture acrylic base sits on the palatal mucosa and soft tissues; Lip and cheek support is part of aesthetic planning. Patient approval is obtained during the dental alignment, occlusion and phonetic rehearsal phase.
Bone resorption may disrupt the harmony of the base; The relining process updates the fit. During the control examination, retainer part wear and retention are evaluated.
Differences from Fixed, Screw and Bar Systems
Implant-supported fixed crown-bridge and screw-retained full arch prosthesis cannot be removed; Chewing efficiency can often be higher. In the removable prosthesis with bar, the implants are connected to each other with a bar; Overdenture usually sits on the implant head with independent holders.
Masticatory comfort, hygiene access and surgical complexity are compared on a case-by-case basis. Switching to a fixed prosthesis in the future can be evaluated separately depending on the bone and implant condition.
Overdenture holder cups are inspected for wear during the control inspection; When retention decreases, replacement can be planned. The thickness of the denture base is adjusted during the fitting phase for phonetics and comfort.
While the implants are connected to each other in the bar system, in the direct overdenture approach, each implant is connected to the prosthesis with an independent holder; This difference affects the ease of maintenance and repair.