Implant Overdentures for the Lower Jaw

Book an Appointment Call Now

The lower jaw “overdenture” fits securely onto the two dental implants and is removable by the individual for cleaning purposes and may or may not be left out at night. Illustration showing an example of two implants for attachment and stabilization of the mandibular denture.

August 8, 2016

“Two-implant Overdentures” are an affordable option that combines the stability of implants with the economical costs of dentures

Do you know a denture-wearer who has trouble speaking, eating or achieving comfort and stability with either their upper or lower dentures? Do you know someone who avoids social situations out of embarrassment, and who thinks loose dentures are just an inevitable — and untreatable — part of growing old? Is there someone you know who hasn’t considered implants because they think they are unaffordable or more appropriate for a “younger” person?

If the person you’re thinking of is you or someone you know, we have two important facts to share with you: first, you are not alone; and second, dentures — or a full set of dental implants for that matter — aren’t your only options to treat complete or partial tooth loss. There are new solutions to this old problem.

A Bigger Problem Than You May Think

Despite enormous advances in modern dentistry, partial or complete edentulism (the loss of teeth) continues to be a major public health problem. According to the World Health Organization, edentulism is defined as a physical impairment (because important body parts have been lost), a disability (because it limits people in performing at least two essential tasks of life — speaking and eating) and a handicap (because significant changes are needed to compensate for such deficiencies). This impairment has all the characteristics of a chronic disease — it doesn’t change or abate, is incurable and requires specific management strategies to overcome its disruptive effects.

For well over a century, complete dentures have been the traditional standard of care for edentulism with its focus on replacing lost tissues (teeth, bone and gum tissues), though not necessarily function. Studies indicate that most people are more satisfied with their upper (maxillary) denture as compared to the lower (mandibular) one. And at least half of all lower denture wearers will not be satisfied with their retention (stability) or comfort.

It is important to understand why this occurs and what happens when teeth are lost. It’s actually all about bone. When teeth are lost the supporting bone of the tooth undergoes remodeling (reshaping) for the first several weeks as part of the normal wound-healing process. However, this continuing process will lead to a significant loss in the shape and height of the remaining bone (known as resorption), so that dentures fitted soon after tooth loss quite rapidly become loose. The amount of bone loss is four times greater in the bottom jaw than the upper and most rapid during the first year. It is this basic biology that explains why dentures become looser over time. Lower dentures are much more difficult to wear with confidence than upper dentures. While the bone support is critical, the tongue is a powerful muscle and easily can displace a lower denture whereas the upper denture has more retention due to the large surface area and suction effect of the palate.

The Use of Denture Adhesives

Many people decide to address this problem themselves with the use of dental adhesives or creams. Not only is there an enormous long-term financial cost to this approach, but it also may not be healthy. There is some preliminary information that questions the safety of excessive use of dental adhesives because of the ingestion of zinc (a major ingredient in most adhesives) and its possible association with neurological disorders. Although this possibility exists, it is somewhat unclear and much more research will be needed on this topic. If you need excessive amounts of adhesives to stabilize your dentures, please see your dentist and discuss your options just to be safe.

In addition, when comparing patients with and without teeth, it has been shown that edentulous people generally have difficulty chewing foods tough in texture and may even modify their diets in unhealthy ways by eating less vegetables or protein, instead eating foods with higher fat content that are easier to chew. Statistically, edentulous people are at a nutritional disadvantage as compared to those with natural teeth.

with-and-without-denturesIt’s All About Improved Quality of Life

Edentulism can negatively impact a patient’s overall quality of life. Assessing quality of life is complex — its attributes include adequate functional and psychological health, life satisfaction and self-esteem. Edentulous patients with dentures, particularly those who have adapted to the treatment poorly, can encounter severe psychological and social consequences.

The original goal of implant treatment was to help patients avoid dentures altogether by treating their impairment with a non-removable or “fixed” prosthesis (tooth replacement device) supported by dental implants. Dental implants replace the root parts of teeth that are anchored in the bone, below gum level, allowing attachment of the crown portions of teeth — the visible part of teeth you can see. And while this approach has helped many people, not all patients are candidates for this treatment. Many times it does not address all the deficiencies caused by tooth loss, or satisfy cosmetic needs; and for some, it is economically unrealistic.

Fortunately, there is another option to dentures or complete implants — the lower jaw two-implant overdenture (an implant retained denture). In a sense, it is a combination of both a denture and dental implants. Two dental implants, strategically placed, instead of the four or more needed to support a fixed bridge are sufficient to support a “traditional” lower denture. The denture is modified to fit on this new “platform” and placed over the two implants — hence the term “overdenture.”

A New Standard of Care — Two Implants will change Everything!

The two-implant overdenture for the lower jaw is a far simpler and equally effective solution. In fact, in the original Toronto Study (when the treatment was introduced to North America), the complaints of many patients seeking implant treatment were solved during the initial healing phase as their lower denture — fitted or relined over the implants — provided them with an increase in retention, stability and comfort.

Studies over the past decade have continued to demonstrate the enormous benefits of lower jaw overdenture treatment. Results have led to the development of what is called the McGill Consensus Statement on Overdentures (May 2002) which states “As a minimal treatment objective: the mandibular (lower jaw) two-implant overdenture (as opposed to a conventional denture) should be considered as a first choice standard of care for the edentulous patient.”

 

denture-attaches-to-implants

A cross-section illustration showing how the denture attaches to the implants.

What is the science supporting this new minimal treatment objective? When one examines the impact of this treatment on edentulism, the results can only be defined as remarkable! Perhaps the most important consideration is that implants will significantly reduce the destructive resorptive bone-loss process — by about 75 percent less in the areas the implants are placed as compared to the use of dentures without implant treatment.

Since the preservation of remaining bone structure is a major cornerstone of modern dentistry, the prevention of further bone loss is a key element in the success of overdenture treatment. Also, since most of the bone loss occurs within the first year after tooth loss, it is most ideal if implants are placed during the first year after tooth loss rather than waiting until later. Thus, the utilization of implants to preserve bone is in and of itself a sufficient rationale to recommend this treatment.

While implant overdentures improve mastication (chewing), does this result in improved nutrition? When comparing the lower two-implant overdenture to conventional dentures researchers determined that altered eating habits are reflected in a comparison of blood parameters. They showed that there were significant increases in concentrations of serum albumen, hemoglobin, B12 and carotene in the lower two-implant overdenture group and no changes in the conventional denture patients. This and other clinical data suggest that providing edentulous patients with one of the least complicated forms of implant dentistry gives patients the opportunity to modify their diets and improve nutrition, which may impact their general health.

Additionally, other evidence suggests that quality of life ratings for oral health are higher for individuals who receive two-implant overdentures than for those with new conventional dentures. No more loose dentures or embarrassing moments in public trying to eat or speak. Patients report an improved self-perception of facial attractiveness. This is of considerable importance, indicating that this simple implant rehabilitation may actually restore a patient’s quality of life.

So, you may be asking am I a candidate for this treatment? Generally, if a person is healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction, then they are also a candidate for the two-implant overdenture treatment. The entire surgical phase can often be completed in one visit, although careful assessment and pre-planning are necessary pre-requisites.

Potential candidates include the dissatisfied denture patient suffering from discomfort and lack of retention of their lower denture, as well as partially edentulous patients with severely compromised teeth that cannot successfully support a prosthesis whether fixed or removable. Research has shown that neither increasing age nor osteoporosis is a barrier to successful healing or integration of implants.

Can this simple treatment be applied to my upper denture? NOT EXACTLY. Upper implant overdentures have different needs and requirements for success and predictability when compared to the lower implant overdenture. Based on differences in bone volume, density and other anatomic factors, preliminary evidence suggests that at least four, and in some cases as many as six implants are needed to retain an upper (maxillary) implant overdenture. The upper two-implant overdenture should not be considered a standard procedure at this time — more research is needed. So, the case selection is different and more difficult for the upper jaw — it is more costly and comparatively more complex. Please consult your dentist if you are considering an upper implant overdenture.

In Conclusion

The lower two-implant overdenture represents a simple, effective and predictable solution to the problem of edentulism. Since the treatment only requires two implants for most people to restore an entire jaw, it is within the financial reach of many so afflicted people. It results in a remarkable improvement in oral comfort and a significantly improved ability to chew most foods, and consequently a person’s nutritional status. It eliminates expensive denture creams and adhesives along with their potential medical side effects.

Most importantly, studies indicate a consistently high level of patient satisfaction for the two-implant overdenture when compared to the conventional denture, and a general improvement in quality of life. This represents a major change for the dental profession and the public in the management of edentulous patients, suggesting that the lower two-implant overdenture may be considered the more appropriate starting point over regular dentures. If your dentist does not recommend this treatment for you, then you may want to ask about it. This simple treatment can profoundly change someone’s life for the better — maybe yours or someone you know!

deardoctor.com

RELATED  Dental Implants: What You Need to Know Before You Go 

Share With Your Friends:

Back to Press Center

Testimonials

You are the best guys! You definitely make me smile more :) Thank you sooooo much! Olga Aksenova ❤️

Olga Axenova (Hallandale Beach, FL)

S u p e r b ...Immaculate dentistry! I was impressed with a GREAT attention to details! His work is truly an ART and priceless! Everyone in the office is... read more

Gordana Skracic (Aventura, FL)

Been going here forever and they do an excellent job with all your dental needs and even with cosmetic dentistry as well!

Lauren Harris (Lake Worth, FL)

Well I’ve been going to Dr. Gorbatov since 1996.... Yes ! I’m a loyal. With all the dental issues I’ve had, he’s been able to resolve them and been keeping... read more

Burke Crump (Wellington, FL)

I feel I have the best care possible under Dr. Gorbatov and his team. His work is top quality and because of him I know my teeth and the health... read more

Alex P. (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Very good cleaning

Riley Purdy (West Palm Beach, FL)

Absolutely amazing. Jess and Jessica at the front made me feel so comfortable and helped me conquer my fear of the dentist. The office is clean and welcoming I completely... read more

Hayley Kaplan (Wellington, FL)

Excellent Service! Friendly, Clean and Prompt!

Deidre Reid-Thomas (West Palm Beach, FL)

This is IT!!!! As good as it gets!!! If you want a celebrity smile call his number.

Jacob F. (Miami)

Very high professionalism, excellent atmosphere and responsiveness of employees have made this business one of the best. A well-functioning team led by one of the best professionals of the US... read more

Lili Ivanova (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

I went to the office to get teeth cleaning! The receptionist was overwhelmed with something, but she was the sweetest. My dental hygienist did great job, made sure I feel... read more

Elizaveta C. (Miami, FL)

Painless, professional and efficient. Dr Gorbatov is great!

Suzanne Wilt (West Palm Beach, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov placed an implant for me, I am extremely happy with the result, I had absolutely no pain during the procedure after few month doctor put a crown, looks... read more

Sergey Kasatkin (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

Had an amazing experience. Staff was very caring and nice. They are very honest

Billie Selinsky (Wellington, FL)

I have lived and worked all over North America. One of the greatest challenges of relocating is finding the best dental practice. "Center For Dental Excellence" was recommended to me... read more

Gregory Sutton (Wellington, FL)

Very helpful and amazing response time! Found them on Instagram and I'm happy I did!

Cece Esk (Hollywood, FL)

I have been going to this office now for the past 3 years. From Jessica working the front, to having my teeth cleaned, and both Drs. working on my teeth,... read more

Joanne Purdy (Wellington, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist. I went to several other dentist and they all wanted to do a root canal, but Dr. Gorbatov was able to save my tooth.... read more

Arthur Rubinovich (Sunny Isles, FL)

The dentist is very friendly and gentle during procedures.

Sofie M (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

Thank you doctor for my beautiful smile!

V V (Hollywood, FL)

Wonderful facility and staff, very professional.

(Sunny Isles, FL)

I always have a great experience when I come here, the staff is wonderful and I would not change my dental office for anything in the world.. Jessica is amazing... read more

Shiloh Robinson (Wellington, FL)

Excellent service , friendly & professional !!!

Mauricio Bonifacio (Sunny Isles, FL)

I know Dr. Gorbatov and use his service already for 15 years since we moved to Florida. He is an amazing doctor capable to do all types of dental and... read more

Eugenia Aulov-Volchek (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

Fast service and the best staff! I highly recommend this Dentist. I've been going to this Dentist for 2 years and I travel far now just to come here. They... read more

Christine (Orlando, FL)

Benjamin R. (West Pam Beach, FL)

I had been looking for a dentist for a few months and I was referred to Dr. Gorbatov and I can certainly see why. I've always been a little skeptical... read more

Jazlyne Jimenez (Hallandale Beach, FL)

A Center for Dental Excellence is fantastic. They’re understanding and extremely competent. Not only is the dental care itself excellent, but their quality of caring about their patients is unparalleled.... read more

Haylee J (Aberdeen, FL)

The dentist fit me in last minute when my normal dentist was unavailable I tried them on the recommendation of a friend after I broke a veneer and had 3... read more

Mark Krawiec (Hollywood, FL)

For me, dental work always came with the presumption of pain and discomfort. That's why it was always very difficult to get any recommended work done, because all I'd have... read more

Iry T. (Hallandale Beach, FL)

I’ve been coming here for almost 10 years now and can surely say that the customer service provided is one of the best in town. Make sure to be nice... read more

Hype Kay (Royal Palm Beach, FL)

Good quality office, and dental work.

Igor Gonchar (Hallandale Beach, FL)

Awesome service. Highly recommended

Iliana Gonzalez (Royal Palm Beach, FL)

Very happy with quick service, suggestions & prices. Will be a repeat customer

Jaclyn Franceschini (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

The receptionist goes above and be on for the customers. Excellent service the doctor treats you with all his attention feels like I’m right at home and explain everything detailed.... read more

Sophie Garcia (Royal Palm Beach, FL)

The atmosphere in this office is beyond believe, I instantly felt comfortable with Dr Dimitiri and his assistant Yuri. They work great together. I had 6 veneers put in and... read more

Ruslan Gahramanov (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov was very thorough and went over all concerns I had (I'm not really a fan of the dentist). He is definitely the nicest Dentist I have ever been... read more

Sofia Rodriguez (Hallandale Beach, FL)

First time here the staff and Dr were so informative and professional thank you for making my experience run so smooth ?

Evelyn Garcia (Greenacres, FL)

When I first found this office I was terrified of the dentist and I had constant anxiety when seeing dentists. Now I look forward to cleanings and my anxiety is... read more

Hayley Kaplan (Wellington, FL)

I was very fortunate to find Dr. Gorbatov right when I had a major issue with an old crown that fell off and led to a major infection just a... read more

Octavian Miron (Aventura, FL)

Entire office & staff is very accommodating and attentive to all your needs. The dentist was very nice and professional and really took the time to explain to me everything... read more

Tiffany D. (Hollywood, FL)

Very professional office. Good dentist.Clean dental office

Anna K. (Hollywood, FL)

Love the staff and great service!!

Rebeca Saravia (Dania Beach, FL)

I want to say that I never write reviews. However I have to say that this dentist center is amazing! From the moment you enter you feel like family. Everyone... read more

Lisa Jerkins (Wellington, FL)

Wonderful service

Noel Reyes (Lake Worth, FL)

Incredible how I was just taking my mother to her dentist appointment to me ending up becoming a patient, Jessica greeted me with such warmth and compassion and immediately noticed... read more

Aracelis Figueroa (Wellington, FL)

I had a great experience with Dr. Dmitry Gorbatov. He was able to save my tooth from getting a root canal. All the staff was really nice, and attentive. I... read more

Arthur R. (North Miami Beach, FL)

High-level professionals. Thank you, Dr. Gorbatov. I'm going to recommend your clinic to my friends. With best regards!

Vlad Shishko (Sunny Isles, FL)

Very professional nice staff great service.

(Aventura, FL)

Very impressed with Dr. Gorbatov's ethics. He truly cared about my situation, the fact that I was from another city and had limited time off of work to address my... read more

Tatiana Safonova (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

I recommend this place to anyone that needs any type of dental work done , I always feel welcome from the moment i sign in untill my visit is over... read more

Lyn F (Wellington, FL)

Great staff I was nervous but they made me feel at ease. I am confident that they will give me the smile that I airways wanted. The receptionist personality is... read more

Uuggh uggh (West Palm Beach, FL)

This is the Best Dental Office I ever was. Great personality, gentle touch and perfectionism in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for creating Smile I always... read more

Yuriy Gorobets (Hallandale Beach, FL)

What a great experience at the dentist!! I wish I had found these guys years ago, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid of the dentist. Thought I needed a root... read more

Craig Balsam (Wellington, FL)

This is the best dentist in the world who really cares about each and every patient and makes your smile look perfect! After visiting the new office you will be... read more

Kseniia Dursinova (Sunny Isles, FL)

Loved coming here, very nice Doctor and wonderful experience with a great cleaning. Receptionist is awesome too.

Lina Lobo (Greenacres, FL)

I have been having a lot of issues with my teeth for quiet some time, including broken molars and bad procedures at other dental facilities. I came to Dr. Gorbatov... read more

Felix Spengler (Miami, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov is an outstanding dental surgeon and professional in every sense of the word. He and his entire staff are wonderful--- by far the most knowledgeable and compassionate of... read more

Salt&Light (West Palm Beach, FL)

No teeth fell out mid cleaning. 10/10

Erik Purdy (West Palm Beach, FL)

From the minute I walked in the dr Gorbatov office till the and of my treatment I was pleasantly surprised with professionalism and care of Dr and his staff. I... read more

Anna (Hollywood, FL)

Hello, Dr.Gorbatov is truly THE BEST ,so please just forget about all the rest! I truly witnessed MIRACLE IN MAKING!!! My sister now have a MOVIE STAR SMILE! Thank you... read more

Valnea Del Bianco (Hallandale Beach, FL)

I had a procedure done by Dr. Gorbatov, it was amazing, I didn't feel anything, he has very gentle hands and techniques and I didn't even feel the shot! I... read more

Jessica Y Montero (West Palm Beach, FL)

I finally found a great dentist who does its all, root canals, caps, and implants. I needed major work on my mouth all at once, although it was expensive because... read more

Diane O’Brocki (Loxahatchee, FL)

I have been with the dentist for a few years now and love the care I receive. You are taken care of from the front desk person, through your visit!... read more

Juan Rodriguez (Greenacres, FL)

I take my 90yr great grandmother to this office and they are so kind and she feels so loved here. Every visit she receives excellent service and quality work. Thank... read more

Farron Ann (Wellington, FL)

Everyone in the office is super amazingly fantastic! They're informative and understanding. Dr. Gorbatov has done great work on my teeth! The dental hygienist has been a charm, makes every... read more

John Kern (Hollywood, FL)

I switched my dentist because i was dissatisfied with their service and decided to go to Dr.Gorbotov's office for my wisdom tooth extraction. I never thought I would see the... read more

Oleg Solovey (Sunny Isles, FL)

I are retired dentist and visit dr Gorbatov,s office like a patien for dental works. We graduate the same school New York university and l can tell you the dr... read more

Shmuil Aronovich (Hallandale Beach, FL)

I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly... read more

ML GG (Aventura, FL)

My experience was great.Doctor is very professional.I really recommend.The best place to go for your dental.

Olga Meverden (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

Jessica at the front has helped me tremendously and the Dr has made the large amount of work that I have had done painless

Celeste Clossin (Wellington, FL)

I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly... read more

ML GG (Hollywood, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist whose main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and get the best dentistry he can offer. He provides an attentive service, and... read more

Natallia Harbacheuskaya (Hollywood, FL)

I have been Dr. Gorbatov's patient for over 8 years and have always received excellent service. The facility and staff are wonderful. I would highly recommend A Center for Dental... read more

Teresita Camacho (Lake Worth, FL)

Thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart for the kindness and consideration you showed my mom, Catherine the other day! ?

Patrizia Rondelli (Hollywood, FL)

Love Dr. Gorbatov! He is skilled, professional, thorough, nice, and always keeps me comfortable. The assistants and office staff are great too. I highly recommend Dr. Gorbatov!

fannabl (Hallandale Beach, FL)

Had a great experience with Dr.Gorbatov, he is really professional and doing great his job always with a smile)) Definitely recommending him

Tanya Kusiumova (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

I would like say that this office is at the TOP of my list. The staff is awesome, it is very clean and you made at home as soon as... read more

Jazlyne Jimenez (Lake Worth, FL)

I have been going to Dr Gorbatov at A Center For Dental Excellence for many years now and their use of "Excellence" isn't just a marketing ploy and they definitely... read more

Lawrence F. (Lake Worth, FL)

Since me and my wife moved to Florida from Nj several years ago, we were looking for good dentist, the one we can trust. We tried a few but were... read more

Tatiana Lapushchik (Hollywood, FL)

Great service Knowledgeable doctor Friendly staff 5+ stars!! Someone hacked into my account and gave false review. Not me!!! Outstanding service @ Dr Gorbatov Dentistry!!!!

Ellen Zlobinskiy (Hallandale Beach, FL)

Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for the great experience, your gentle touch and quality work you have done on my teeth. I have been very pleased with your professional, yet personable... read more

Irina D. (Port Orange, FL)

Book an Appointment
Skip to content

Appointment







Fill out email and/or message