Overdenture
An overdenture is removable and supported by remaining teeth, roots, or dental implants for added stability.
The short answer
An overdenture is a removable prosthesis that rests on and gains support from retained tooth roots, natural teeth, or dental implants.
What is an overdenture supported by?
The base is usually acrylic resin with artificial teeth, while attachments may connect the denture to prepared roots or implant abutments. Retained structures are examined, treated, and shaped so the prosthesis can be seated, removed, cleaned, and reviewed.
How are overdentures made and attached?
The base is usually acrylic resin with artificial teeth, while attachments may connect the denture to prepared roots or implant abutments. Retained structures are examined, treated, and shaped so the prosthesis can be seated, removed, cleaned, and reviewed.
The clinical process includes examination and imaging, treatment of remaining teeth or placement of implants when appropriate, impressions or digital scans, jaw-record measurements, a trial arrangement, fitting, and adjustment. Remove and clean the prosthesis as instructed and clean the supporting teeth, roots, or implants separately.
What steps are involved in receiving an overdenture?
The clinical process includes examination and imaging, treatment of remaining teeth or placement of implants when appropriate, impressions or digital scans, jaw-record measurements, a trial arrangement, fitting, and adjustment. Remove and clean the prosthesis as instructed and clean the supporting teeth, roots, or implants separately.
See a dentist if the denture causes ulceration, rocking, difficulty chewing, foul taste, bleeding around an attachment, or a loose implant or tooth. Regular reviews help assess the fit and supporting tissues.
When should you review overdenture support and maintenance?
Ask what will support the overdenture, which teeth or implants can be retained, how attachments are maintained, and what cleaning and relining schedule is expected.
A clinical examination can distinguish a local problem from a condition needing urgent care.
What should you ask about overdenture support options?
Support options
Ask how the proposed steps address the cause, what alternatives exist, and how to monitor the result.
Frequently asked questions
No. It is removable, although attachments can improve retention when the supporting anatomy is suitable.
Can an overdenture be made without implants?
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.