Locator overdenture (lower only)

Once the two implants have finished their healing period, abutments will be placed which will allow an attachment point for the lower denture. The connection between the abutment and the denture will limit the amount of movement of the lower denture. Similar to a complete lower denture, a locator overdenture rests on the patient’s soft tissue and is reliant on the soft tissue for support.

Benefits

• limits the amount of movement during function of the denture

• attachments are polished and easily cleaned

• maintain bone support in the area of the implants

• increased chewing ability compared to a complete lower denture

Drawbacks

• removable prosthetic that is still tissue supported

• denture sores can still exist

• there will still be denture movement, especially tipping with function

• same bulk as a complete lower denture

• denture is not supported during the healing period

Maintenance

• in-office cleaning of the abutments

• abutments as well as the corresponding retentive gaskets will wear and require replacement

• the denture teeth will wear over time and require replacement

• denture teeth can fracture and require repair

• the denture will require a reline as the tissue remodels