Case Study Details
Before: existing, worn and loose upper denture and failing remaining lower teeth and unsatisfactory lower partial denture.
Treatment: revised upper complete denture and lower two-implant bar metal-reinforced overdenture implant.
Advantage over solitary anchor systems such as Balls or Studs: longer life span of gold-clips and therefore less maintenance. Relines less expensive than ball/stud systems, since gold clips/housings normally do not need to be replaced.
Maintenance: The overdenture implant has a gold-clip inside. The clip requires regular activation to maintain its retention/grip. The clip eventually wears out and will require replacement (average of every 5 years, depending on the rate of wear). Stress-broken designs are primarily supported by the residual alveolar (bone/soft-tissues) tissues. Consequently, bone continues to melt away over time behind the implants. As bone melts away, the overdenture implant will no longer adapt/fit the tissues. Consequently, laboratory relines are required every 2 to 3 years. Plastic denture teeth will wear and a new dental prosthetic will be required every 8 to 10 years, depending on the rate of wear. To avoid/minimize bone loss, multiple implants with a rigid-design prosthesis is recommended.
About Dentevita Prosthodontics
DenteVita Prosthodontics and the Practice of Dr. Aldo Leopardi specialize in aesthetic, implant, fixed and removable dentistry. We emphasize patient comfort and quality results in a confident atmosphere. Dr. Leopardi’s patients are assured their image is in good hands right from the first impression.
