Implant bar overdentures are perfect for patients wanting a more stable, comfortable, and natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures. This guide walks through the step-by-step process of the implant bar overdenture technique and explains why they are an industry game-changer.
What is an Implant Bar Overdenture?
An implant bar overdenture is a dental restoration that has the stability of dental implants and the convenience of removable dentures. They fit securely with a metal bar attached to implants in the jawbone. Over time, the implants integrate with the jawbone for a strong foundation.
An implant bar overdenture has three main components:
- The implants (Anchors)
- The bar substructure (Connection and Stability)
- The overdenture attachment (Fastener that allows for easy removability)
Benefits of an Implant Bar Overdenture
There are numerous advantages to implant bar overdentures, including:
- Improved Stability & Retention: A bar-supported denture anchors the dental implants embedded in the jawbone for a secure fit.
- Better Functionality for Chewing & Speaking: Overdentures provide a more natural chewing and speaking experience. They are also easy to remove by cleaning.
- Bone Preservation for Long-Term Oral Health: An overdenture with implants mimics the function of the natural tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone to preserve bone density and support long-term oral health.
- Aesthetics & Comfort: Implant bar overdentures have a custom-fit design for maximum comfort, with their secure fit reducing sore spots and discomfort. Their natural appearance resembles real teeth in shape, color, and alignment to ensure your patients can confidently smile.
Implant bar overdentures offer a transformative solution for patients wanting a permanent, comfortable, and confidence-boosting alternative to traditional dentures.
Types of Implant Bar Overdentures: Fixed vs. Removable Bar Overdentures
There are two types of implant bar overdentures: fixed and removable. When deciding between them, consider stability, hygiene, comfort, and cost, as each type offers advantages for your patients. For example, both options provide a natural appearance, but fixed overdentures blend better with the gums and facial structure.
When to Choose a Fixed Bar Overdenture
- If your patient prioritizes maximum stability and a natural feel while speaking and eating.
- If they have good dexterity and can handle the specialized cleaning routine.
- If they value long-term durability and low maintenance
When to Choose a Removable Bar Overdenture
- If your patient prefers being able to easily remove their denture for cleaning.
- If they want a more affordable alternative to fixed dentures.
- If they have weaker jawbone structure.
Fixed and removable bar overdentures offer improved function and comfort compared to traditional dentures, so the best overdenture for patients ultimately depends on their preferences and oral health.
Material Options for Bar Substructure
The material for an implant bar overdenture impacts its strength, durability, aesthetics, and overall performance.
Some popular materials for these restorations are:
- Cobalt-Chromium Alloy: The most commonly used material because of its high strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.
- Titanium Alloys: Cost-effective with excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, but may be slightly less stable than Cobalt-Chromium. Titanium is best for patients with low bone density or higher bit forces.
- Zirconia: Zirconia, particularly high-strength monolithic zirconia, is becoming popular due to its natural translucency, superior flexural strength, and biocompatibility.
When choosing materials for an upper implant overdenture, consider your patient’s medical history (such as metal allergies), bone density (which influences strength requirements), aesthetic preferences, and implant design.
Performing the Procedure: Implant Denture Steps
Step 1: Patient Evaluation & Treatment Planning
Before beginning the implant denture procedure, a patient assessment is performed to evaluate bone density and determine whether the patient has sufficient support for implants, considering their oral health conditions and treatment goals.
Step 2: Implant Placement Surgery
Dental implant attachments are surgically placed into the jawbone at pre-determined locations to provide optimal support. After implantation, the patient undergoes a healing and osseointegration period, where the implants fuse with the bone over several months.
Step 3: Bar Substructure Fabrication
After integrating the implant, a custom metal framework is designed and fabricated as the attachment point for the overdenture. Depending on patient needs and preferences, various attachment mechanisms can be used to connect the overdenture to the bar.
Step 4: Overdenture Fabrication & Try-In
A custom-fit overdenture is crafted for optimal function and aesthetics. During the try-in phase, adjustments are made to ensure proper bite alignment and comfort before the final fitting.
Step 5: Final Fitting & Adjustments
The completed overdenture is attached to the implant bar, followed by a final assessment. This part is one of the most important implant denture steps, as it allows for checking for retention, comfort, and occlusion and making any necessary adjustments.
Step 6: Patient Education & Maintenance
To extend the lifespan of your patient’s implant bar overdenture, they need instructions on cleaning and caring for their new prosthetic. They must also schedule regular visits for professional cleanings and routine examinations to ensure the restorations are clean and not painful or uncomfortable.
Also, while implant bar overdentures allow for better eating functionality, patients should avoid hard, sticky, or excessively crunchy foods that place undue stress on the implants.
Implant Bar Overdenture Costs
The bar-retained overdenture cost varies depending on the number of implants, materials used, and the dentist's expertise. Typically requiring 4-6 implants, these overdentures are a stable and cost-effective alternative to fully fixed solutions like All-on-Four.
Some dental insurance plans may cover the overdenture, but implant placement is often an out-of-pocket expense. However, financing options, including payment plans, medical credit services, and dental discount programs, can help patients manage costs.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Healing and Osseointegration Issues
The success of implant bar overdentures relies on proper healing and osseointegration, but several factors can hinder this process, including:
- Poor bone quality
- Improper implant placement
- Infection
- Surgical technique
- Patient health conditions like diabetes, smoking, and inadequate oral hygiene
To mitigate these risks, perform a thorough pre-operative evaluation to assess bone quality and overall health. Proper implant selection and precise placement can improve stability while maintaining a strict surgical technique minimizes trauma. Patients must also follow post-operative care instructions to maintain their dental implant attachments. In cases of low bone density, bone grafting procedures may be necessary to strengthen the implant site.
Denture Fit & Retention Problems
One of the most common issues for an overdenture with implants is loss of retention due to wear and tear on the clips or attachments securing the denture to the bar. Over time, these retentive elements can degrade, causing:
- A loose fit
- Discomfort
- Difficulty chewing
- Mucosal irritation from an ill-fitting denture base
- Fractures around the abutments
- Loosening screws or misalignment of attachment points on the bar
To address these issues, patients should maintain regular cleaning routines, and you should reline the denture periodically to compensate for bone loss while making any other necessary adjustments and replacements.
Long-Term Care & Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance ensure the longevity and functionality of implant bar overdentures.
An ideal daily cleaning routine includes:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner for cleaning the overdenture. Patients should use a separate toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the implant bar and connections in the mouth.
- Specialized floss, a floss threader, Waterpik, or interdental brushes to prevent bacterial buildup around the implants and under the bar.
- After meals, rinse with water or an antibacterial mouthwash to flush out food debris and reduce bacteria.
Regular dental checkups are also necessary to assess oral health, ensure the fit and security of the overdenture and attachments, and monitor implant and bone health.
Why Choose PRO-Craft for Implant Bar Overdentures?
Implant bar overdentures offer a long-lasting solution for patients wanting an alternative to traditional dentures. As a dental professional, incorporating implant bar overdentures into your practice can improve patient satisfaction and oral health.
Our comprehensive implant solutions at PRO-Craft Dental Laboratory include bar substructures, premium full dentures, and mini implants. Our clients trust us for many reasons to create their patient’s restorations, such as:
- Custom-Made Bar Substructures: Precision-crafted for optimal fit and function.
- Premium Handcrafted Overdentures: Durable and aesthetic restorations.
- Expert Technical Support: Work with specialists to ensure seamless treatment.
- Fast Turnaround & Reliable Quality: Consistent, high-quality results.
If you're looking for high-quality implant bar overdentures, contact PRO-Craft today to learn more about our expertly designed implants, or explore our solutions below:
