Everything You Need to Know About Bar Retained Overdentures
Overdentures offer patients with missing teeth a stable and functional solution. Among the various types of overdentures, bar-retained overdentures stand out for their effectiveness and durability. In this comprehensive guide, our Portland prosthodontists explain the specifics of bar-retained overdentures, addressing what they are, their benefits, the procedure involved, and more.
Understanding bar-retained overdentures
Bar-retained overdentures, also called implant-supported overdentures, represent a sophisticated blend of dental implant stability and the flexibility of removable dentures. This treatment involves the strategic placement of dental implants within the jawbone. These implants act as stable anchors for a specialized custom bar designed to fit your mouth. The overdenture is securely attached to this bar, ensuring exceptional stability and support that surpasses what traditional removable dentures can offer.
This innovative approach to tooth replacement addresses the limitations of conventional dentures by leveraging the strength and durability of dental implants. The implants integrate with the jawbone over time, providing a solid foundation for the bar that supports the overdenture. This combination not only enhances the functionality of the denture but also contributes to better oral health and comfort.
Benefits of bar-retained overdentures
Enhanced stability
Bar-retained overdentures are firmly anchored to dental implants, which are surgically embedded into the jawbone. This integration provides a level of stability that surpasses traditional removable dentures. You can enjoy improved confidence while speaking and eating, as the dentures remain securely in place without slipping or shifting.
Comfort and convenience
Bar-retained overdentures offer greater comfort than traditional dentures. Most patients experience less irritation and soreness compared to loose-fitting dentures.
Improved bone health
Dental implants used in bar-retained overdentures stimulate the jawbone much like natural tooth roots. This stimulation helps preserve bone density and prevent bone loss that commonly occurs after tooth loss. By maintaining the integrity of the jawbone, bar-retained overdentures contribute to long-term oral health.
Natural appearance
One of the most significant advantages of bar-retained overdentures is their natural appearance. The dentures are custom-designed to resemble natural teeth in shape, color, and alignment. This aesthetic similarity enhances your smile and can boost your self-esteem, making you feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.
Versatility in tooth replacement
Bar-retained overdentures can replace multiple missing teeth in a row. Our prosthodontists at Advanced Dentistry can restore entire sections of the dental arch with overdentures, providing comprehensive tooth replacement solutions.
Longevity
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, bar-retained overdentures can last for many years. Unlike traditional dentures, which may need frequent adjustments or replacements due to changes in the jawbone structure, bar-retained overdentures offer a durable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Hygiene
An added benefit of the bar-retained overdenture is that it functions incredibly well and does not move like a traditional denture, but it can be removed at home to aid in hygiene. For some patients, dexterity or access to clean implants or natural teeth can be challenging, especially those with arthritis or neuropathy in the hands. By being able to remove the denture and clean the bar, you can keep the implants and bone healthy for a longer period of time.
How bar-retained overdentures are placed
The process of getting bar-retained overdentures involves several steps:
- Consultation and Planning: Our prosthodontists assess your oral health and determine the number and placement of dental implants.
- Implant Placement: Dental implants are surgically positioned into the jawbone. Healing time is allowed for the implants to integrate with the bone.
- Bar Attachment: Once the implants have healed, a custom bar is fabricated and attached.
- Denture Installation: The final step involves fitting the overdenture onto the bar, creating a secure and functional bite.
Post-procedure care and maintenance
After the placement of bar-retained overdentures, diligent care and maintenance are crucial to ensure their longevity and optimal function. Here are detailed steps and recommendations for proper care:
Regular dental visits
- Professional Cleaning: Schedule regular visits to your dentist for cleaning of the overdenture and assessment of oral health. Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease and implant-related complications.
- Routine Examinations: Regular check-ups allow us to monitor the condition of the overdenture, dental implants, and overall oral health. Early detection of any issues can prevent more significant problems in the future. This also allows the assessment of the attachments to ensure the denture is fitting securely to the bar.
- Pain or Discomfort: Report any pain, discomfort, or unusual sensations around the dental implants or under the overdenture to us immediately.
Daily cleaning routine
- Brushing: Clean the overdenture and the bar attachments daily. For the denture, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner, gently brush all surfaces of the overdenture, including the attachments, to remove food particles and plaque. In the mouth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean the bar on all surfaces, focusing where the bar connects to the implants.
- Flossing: Use floss to clean around the base of the dental implants and under the bar. This helps prevent the accumulation of debris and bacteria that can lead to gum inflammation and infection.
- Rinsing: Rinse your mouth thoroughly after meals to flush out any remaining food particles and reduce bacterial buildup around the overdenture.
Avoidance of certain foods
While this treatment modality will allow you to eat many of the foods you love that traditional dentures do not work well for, keep in mind eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can exert excessive force on the overdenture or put stress on the dental implants. Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, nuts, and sticky candies to prevent damage to the prosthetic components.
Enhance your smile with bar-retained overdentures
Bar-retained overdentures offer an excellent solution if you’re seeking stability and comfort. With advancements in prosthodontics, these overdentures provide patients with a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for tooth replacement.
For personalized guidance on bar-retained overdentures or to explore our comprehensive prosthodontic services, contact us today. At Advanced Dentistry, our prosthodontists are committed to enhancing your smile. Your oral health is in good hands.