Implant Overdentures
The affordable full-arch replacement solution for missing or damaged teeth.
Implant Overdentures – What are they?
Overdentures Explained | Benefits | Types of Overdentures | Process | Cost of Overdentures
If you’re missing all or several of your teeth, you’re probably looking at ways to fill those gaps. dental implant supported overdentures are an ideal solution for many patients, avoiding the problems of traditional dentures while still being more affordable than full-mouth implants.
Here we will take a detailed look at:
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Different Types of Overdentures
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How do Overdentures Work?
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What to Expect From Overdentures?
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Cost of Implant Overdentures
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Overdentures Versus Traditional Dentures
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Who is a Suitable Candidate for Overdentures?
We hope this helps you to decide whether this procedure is right for you. You can also contact us and a member of the our team will help you understand more about getting dental implant-supported overdentures in Singapore.
Implant Overdenture
Specially modified dentures to be used with dental implants.
Metal Housing
Metal coupling built into the inner side of the dentures that attaches to the dental implants.
Retentive Rubber
Rubber cap that sits on the inside of the metal housing that provides cushioning between the ball abutment.
Ball-top Head
Ball-top attachment helps to hold the overdenture secure.
Biocompatible Titanium Implant
Dental implants are made from a biocompatible material that promotes bone growth around the implant.
Overdentures Explained
An overdenture is a prosthetic dental device, usually designed to replace a full jaw of missing teeth. Overdentures are similar to traditional dentures, but instead of relying on suction or adhesive to stay in place, they are secured using several implants placed in your jaw.
Anyone who has struggled with poorly-fitting dentures will immediately understand the benefits of a prosthesis that is held securely in place like this.
Implant-supported overdentures look and feel almost like natural teeth, and can make a big difference when it comes to eating, smiling and laughing. They also help stop bone loss, which often occurs after the loss of a tooth.
Some other names for overdentures include:
- Implant dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
- Snap-on dentures
- Snap-in dentures
We’ll explain what all of these terms mean as we go on.
Overdentures Explained
An overdenture is a prosthetic dental device, usually designed to replace a full jaw of missing teeth. Overdentures are similar to traditional dentures, but instead of relying on suction or adhesive to stay in place, they are secured using several implants placed in your jaw.
Anyone who has struggled with poorly-fitting dentures will immediately understand the benefits of a prosthesis that is held securely in place like this.
Implant-supported overdentures look and feel almost like natural teeth, and can make a big difference when it comes to eating, smiling and laughing. They also help stop bone loss, which often occurs after the loss of a tooth.
Some other names for overdentures include:
- Implant dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
- Snap-on dentures
- Snap-in dentures
We’ll explain what all of these terms mean as we go on.
Benefit of Overdentures
When compared to traditional dentures, overdentures provide huge benefits to patients who invest in them. Here are some of the common benefits that patients enjoy after getting implant supported overdentures:
Greater Comfort & Stability
One of the main benefits of overdentures would be the significantly improved levels of comfort. Dental implants help secure the overdenture in place, maximising stability and eliminating unnecessary movement during eating and talking which in turn, decreases the possibility of sores and gum irritation.
Long-lasting & Reliable
With proper care, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, with predictable outcomes. Dental implants also come with the added benefit of bone retention compared to other tooth replacement solutions such as traditional full-dentures or dental bridges.
Improved Confidence
Overdentures are retained firmly to the jaw with the help of dental implants. This enhanced stability and security allows patients to speak with confidence without the fear of their dentures popping out of their mouth when they speak or eat.
Bone Loss Prevention
Overdentures are secured to titanium implants that are fused to bone. This process of osseointegration helps patients to preserve bone in the jaw. Unlike traditional dentures which have been known to actually accelerate bone loss in the jaw.
Improved Quality of Life
Overdentures not only improve the aesthetics of a patients’ smile, but also improves the overall chewing function and bite. This positively impacts the psychological and physical health bringing about an improved quality of life.
Eliminate Need of Adhesives
Conventional dentures are typically held in place through ‘suction’ and denture adhesives which can easily work loose, become messy and affect the taste of food. Implant supported overdentures don’t require any adhesives or suction as they’re secured in place by dental implants.
Greater Comfort
One of the main benefits of overdentures would be the significantly improved levels of comfort. Dental implants help secure the overdenture in place, maximising stability and eliminating unnecessary movement during eating and talking which in turn, decreases the possibility of sores and gum irritation.
Long Lasting & Reliable
With proper care, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, with predictable outcomes. Dental implants also come with the added benefit of bone retention compared to other tooth replacement solutions such as traditional full-dentures or dental bridges.
Improved Confidence
Overdentures are retained firmly to the jaw with the help of dental implants. This enhanced stability and security allows patients to speak with confidence without the fear of their dentures popping out of their mouth when they speak or eat.
Bone Loss Prevention
Overdentures are secured to titanium implants that are fused to bone. This process of osseointegration helps patients to preserve bone in the jaw. Unlike traditional dentures which have been known to actually accelerate bone loss in the jaw.
Improved Quality of Life
Overdentures not only improve the aesthetics of a patients’ smile, but also improves the overall chewing function and bite. This positively impacts the psychological and physical health bringing about an improved quality of life.
Eliminate Adhesives
Conventional dentures are typically held in place through ‘suction’ and denture adhesives which can easily work loose, become messy and affect the taste of food. Implant supported overdentures don’t require any adhesives or suction as they’re secured in place by dental implants.
Types of Overdentures
There are various types of implant overdenture available these days, each with their own pros and cons. We can break these down according to several different categories.
Fixed or Removable Prosthesis
This is probably the biggest consideration when deciding which type of overdenture to get, since it will make the biggest difference to how your new teeth function.
Removable Overdentures
You’ll need to remove your prosthesis at least twice a day for cleaning, and usually to sleep.
Fixed overdentures
Also called All-On-4/All-On-6 dental implants, are fixed in place with screws that attach to the implants. They are cleaned by flossing and brushing, just like natural teeth.
Removable overdentures aren’t able to take the same biting force as fixed ones, but they are still a great improvement on traditional dentures since they can’t slip out of place. They can also be secured on as few as two implants in each jaw, which makes them more affordable.
Fixed overdentures can take more biting force and will allow you to comfortably eat a wider variety of foods, including those that are chewy, crunchy or hard. Since they usually require four to six implants for sufficient support, the average cost is much higher.
In addition, fixed overdentures can be harder to maintain/upkeep due to the inability to remove the fixed appliance for daily cleaning.
Bar-retained or Ball-retained
When it comes to removable overdentures, there are two different mechanisms for holding them in place.
Ball Retained Overdenture
Ball-retained overdentures consist of a single ball-shaped piece (called an abutment) at the end of each implant. Each ball snaps into a socket in the prosthesis as it attaches.
Bar Retained Overdenture
With a bar-retained implant denture, the abutments are all connected together with a metal bar that runs along the jawline. The benefit of this is that it provides a little more stability and helps spread the biting force more evenly.
Full Denture or Partial Denture
Although overdentures are usually made for a complete jaw, they can also replace a number of adjacent missing teeth. If your remaining teeth are still healthy, you can get a partial overdenture.
A partial overdenture works in just the same way as a full one; implants are placed in the jaw bone and they hold the prosthesis securely in place.
You may need fewer implants with a partial overdenture, but this will depend on which teeth are being replaced and the condition of your jaw bone.
Implant Overdentures Procedure
So, if you’re interested in getting overdenture implants in Singapore, what can you expect?
This procedure is often called ‘teeth in a day’ because with some systems like All-on-4, you can have a temporary overdenture fitted on the same day that your implants are placed. However, it will need to be replaced later on with a permanent one.
In other cases, it takes several months from extraction to implant placement, and a few months more until the final prosthesis can be placed. So, here is a guide to what to expect, but keep in mind that the exact overdenture process for you may be slightly different to that described below.
1. Initial Consultation
The first step is to have a consultation with one of our experienced dental surgeons. They will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, including taking x-rays. X-rays help the dentist determine your eligibility for dental implants, as it lets them see the condition of the bone that will support your new teeth.
The dentist will also talk about your expectations for the treatment, and answer any questions that you have.
2. Extractions & Bone Grafting
If you are already missing all your teeth (or all those in the jaw being treated), you can skip this step. But patients often choose implant overdentures when they have lost most of their teeth, and those that remain are in poor condition. In this case, the remaining teeth must be extracted before the implants are placed.
Sometimes, if the tooth has deteriorated past the point of a simple extraction being possible, the remaining parts may have to be surgically removed. This requires making an incision in the gum to ensure no fragments of decayed tooth remain.
In some cases, implants can be placed immediately after extraction; in others, it’s necessary to wait a few months for the bone and gum tissue to heal sufficiently.
3. Implant Placement
Before beginning implant placement, the dental surgeon administers anesthetic. Then, they drill a hole into the jawbone. The position and angle of this hole are carefully planned to ensure maximum stability and longevity.
The implant itself is then screwed into the hole and tightened.
Sometimes the gum is stitched over the implant while it heals. Other times, a healing cap is applied. This looks like a small metal disc that sits above the gumline.
4. Healing & Osseointegration
As mentioned above, with certain procedures you can have a temporary overdenture made and fitted immediately after having implants placed.
However, it’s often necessary to let the implants heal for several months before they can take the pressure of a prosthesis.
Your mouth will feel sore and tender for a few days after your implants are placed. You may also experience some swelling and bruising. It’s best to stick to a liquid diet or very soft foods during this time.
Your dentist will let you know the best way to keep your gums and tongue clean, too. If brushing, be very careful around the implant site while your gums are still healing.
5. Temporary Denture
Your gums will change shape slightly during the healing process, so if you do get an immediate overdenture fitted, it will only be temporary.
Still, if you are missing all your teeth, it’s understandable you want to get a prosthesis in place sooner rather than later.
To make the overdenture, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, including your newly fitted implants. These impressions are sent to a dental lab and are used to fabricate your new teeth. It may take several refinements to get them fitting just right.
6. Final prosthesis
After your mouth is fully healed from the procedure, you can return to have your final overdenture made, again using dental impressions.
This prosthesis is designed to last 5-10 years with proper care, and it’s made from high-quality materials that look like natural teeth and gums.
At this final appointment, your dentist will let you know how to clean and care for your new smile.
1. Initial Consultation
The dentist will also talk about your expectations for the treatment, and answer any questions that you have.
2. Extractions & Bone Grafting
Sometimes, if the tooth has deteriorated past the point of a simple extraction being possible, the remaining parts may have to be surgically removed. This requires making an incision in the gum to ensure no fragments of decayed tooth remain.
In some cases, implants can be placed immediately after extraction; in others, it’s necessary to wait a few months for the bone and gum tissue to heal sufficiently.
3. Implant Placement
The implant itself is then screwed into the hole and tightened.
Sometimes the gum is stitched over the implant while it heals. Other times, a healing cap is applied. This looks like a small metal disc that sits above the gumline.
4. Healing & Osseointegration
However, it’s often necessary to let the implants heal for several months before they can take the pressure of a prosthesis.
Your mouth will feel sore and tender for a few days after your implants are placed. You may also experience some swelling and bruising. It’s best to stick to a liquid diet or very soft foods during this time.
Your dentist will let you know the best way to keep your gums and tongue clean, too. If brushing, be very careful around the implant site while your gums are still healing.
5. Temporary Denture
Your gums will change shape slightly during the healing process, so if you do get an immediate overdenture fitted, it will only be temporary.
Still, if you are missing all your teeth, it’s understandable you want to get a prosthesis in place sooner rather than later.
To make the overdenture, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, including your newly fitted implants. These impressions are sent to a dental lab and are used to fabricate your new teeth. It may take several refinements to get them fitting just right.
6. Final Prosthesis
After your mouth is fully healed from the procedure, you can return to have your final overdenture made, again using dental impressions.
This prosthesis is designed to last 5-10 years with proper care, and it’s made from high-quality materials that look like natural teeth and gums.
At this final appointment, your dentist will let you know how to clean and care for your new smile.
Looking to learn more about Dental Implants in Singapore?
Download a copy of the Dental Implant Guidebook 2021.
Implant Overdenture Costs
So, how much do overdentures cost in Singapore at NoFrills Dental?
On average, a fixed overdenture with four implants costs between $15,000 and $26,500 per jaw. The cost for a removable implant-supported overdenture with two to seven implants is between $3,500 and $10,000 per jaw.
Exact cost for the procedure depends on a number of factors such as:
- Whether any extractions or bone grafts are required
- How many implants are needed
- The type of implant and abutment
- The materials used for the overdenture
- The number of appointments required.
If you are interested in this procedure, we recommend you book a consultation so that one of our oral surgeons can properly examine your mouth and provide a detailed quotation.
*Cost of Overdentures
$3,500 – $26,500+
*All prices indicated excludes 7% GST
** Flexible payment options and instalment plans are available.
*** Medisave claimable up to $1,250 per dental implant
Medisave cover implant overdentures?
Yes, the surgical part of the implant procedure is Medisave claimable for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. This means that patients can claim up to $1,250 per implant with Medisave. However, there is no provision for the cost of the materials.
Patients wishing to make a Medisave claim for this procedure at NoFrills Dental should bring along the ID of the account holder so that we can assist with the paperwork for the claim.
If you lost your teeth in an accident or due to a medical condition, you may be able to make an additional claim through your dental insurance.
Overdentures vs Traditional Dentures
The main alternative to implant overdentures is traditional dentures.
When we talk about ‘traditional dentures’, we mean a prosthesis that:
- Is completely removable
- Is made from rigid or flexible material
- Replaces one, several, or all teeth in an arch
- Covers the roof of the mouth, if for the upper arch
- May contain unsightly metal clasps
- Can easily slip out of place when you smile, laugh or eat
- Sometimes rubs on the gums or requires adhesive to stay in place
Dentures are generally the most affordable way to replace missing teeth, costing between $800 – $1,300 per arch in Singapore, but they don’t always look or feel very natural.
Overdenture implants address many of the frustrations and inconveniences caused by regular dentures cause. One of the biggest advantages is that they can’t slip out of place. The aesthetics of an overdenture are generally better too. And, if you don’t like the feeling of a plastic plate covering the roof of your mouth, you can avoid that with certain types of overdentures.
There is also the issue of bone resorption: tooth roots help stimulate bone growth and density, so when you lose your teeth, the jawbone can start to deteriorate. If you are missing a large number of teeth, your face might start to sag and your chin may appear closer to your nose.
Dentures only replace the tooth crown, not the root, and so they do nothing to help alleviate resorption. Implants, on the other hand, mimic a natural tooth root and help to strengthen and maintain the jawbone structure.
All in all, the main benefit of dentures vs implant overdentures is the price. However, implants offer a great deal of benefits to health and quality of life which most patients deem to be worth the additional cost.
It’s also worth noting that regular dentures may be a good choice if you are missing several teeth in different locations, but the remaining teeth are still healthy. You can either have several individual implants placed, or you can get a partial denture that fills all the gaps in one arch, even if the missing teeth are not adjacent.
Overdentures vs All-On-4
All-on-4 is a type of permanent, full-mouth overdenture manufactured by Nobel Biocare.
The main difference between snap-on dentures and All-on-4 is that the latter is fixed in place with screws, and therefore is not removable.
- There are a couple of other differences that make the All-on-4 system stand out:
- Some implants are placed at a 45-degree angle for greater stability, even with limited bone structure
- Temporary overdentures can be fitted on the day the implants are placed, making them a type of same-day denture
- Over a quarter of a million patients have been treated with the All-on-4 system, with a success rate of over 98% after 7.5 years* (source: https://www.nobelbiocare.com/en-int/all-on-4-treatment-concept)
If you need to have all your teeth replaced and you prefer the idea of fixed overdentures, we recommend the All-on-4 system. Walking out with your new teeth fitted in one visit is an incredible feeling.
However, we do offer other overdenture systems too. Please book an appointment if you’d like to discuss your options further.
Overdentures vs Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Traditional dental implants consist of a single crown screwed onto an individual implant. An implant bridge can support up to four crowns on two implants. They are a good solution for replacing individual teeth, or a few in a row.
Although you can get full-mouth dental implants, i.e. a full set of teeth implants placed in this traditional way, they are very expensive. Since each jaw requires around 8 implants, the cost is likely to be more than double that of implant-supported overdentures.
If you need to replace all your teeth and you’re wondering which implant system would be best, we recommend you book a consultation so we can explain the options in greater detail.
Caring for Overdentures
False teeth need just as much care and cleaning as natural teeth, if you want them to stay looking good and functioning well. Before deciding whether to get fixed or removable overdentures, you should consider the following guidelines for cleaning and care:
Cleaning removable overdentures
Removable overdentures are cleaned in much the same way as regular dentures. You should snap them out of your mouth, brush them carefully, and perhaps use a denture cleaning solution from time to time.
Your dentist will advise you on the best products to use, and how often to use them, to prolong the life of your false teeth.
You should also gently clean your gums and tongue with toothpaste before replacing your dentures. This helps clean away any bacteria that has settled on the surfaces of your mouth.
Cleaning fixed implant overdentures
If your overdentures are fixed in place, you can brush them just like you would your normal teeth. You’ll need to take special care to clean between the denture and the gum, as food particles can sometimes get stuck there. An oral irrigator or special implant floss can help you reach these places.
On balance, people with limited manual dexterity may find that removable implant overdentures are easier to clean than fixed ones.
Conclusion: Are Implant Overdentures Right for You?
We understand that getting implant overdentures is a big decision, not to mention a significant investment in your oral health.
Perhaps you have had enough of uncomfortable or unsightly removable dentures? Or, have you stopped smiling and talking to people because you are embarrassed about your missing teeth?
If you are seeking a more permanent, comfortable and attractive way to replace missing teeth then our team of expert dentists can help. With a full set of teeth fixed securely in place, you will be able to eat what you like and laugh without holding back.
We invite you to make an appointment to discuss getting implant overdentures in Singapore at NoFrills Dental. Our dentists are ready to answer your questions and advise you on your treatment options.
Conclusion: Are Implant Overdentures Right for You?
We understand that getting implant overdentures is a big decision, not to mention a significant investment in your oral health.
Perhaps you have had enough of uncomfortable or unsightly removable dentures? Or, have you stopped smiling and talking to people because you are embarrassed about your missing teeth?
If you are seeking a more permanent, comfortable and attractive way to replace missing teeth then our team of expert dentists can help. With a full set of teeth fixed securely in place, you will be able to eat what you like and laugh without holding back.
We invite you to make an appointment to discuss getting implant overdentures in Singapore at NoFrills Dental. Our dentists are ready to answer your questions and advise you on your treatment options.
Schedule an appointment
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Our Dental Clinics
We are conveniently located at these locations:
NoFrills Dental @ Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City (North Wing)
#03-317
Singapore 038983
NoFrills Dental @ Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard,
Marina Square,
#B1-11
Singapore 039594
Get Started On Your Dental Implant Journey With Our Team of Dedicated Dental Professionals
Our team of experienced dentists are fully dedicated to providing patients with high-quality and affordable dental care. Our dentists are well-versed in the oral surgery, and highly adept in producing highly aesthetic and long lasting dental implants for all our patients.
At NoFrills Dental, we work with a wide variety of dental implant brands and systems. Allowing us to provide the ideal treatment for every type of patient, regardless of case complexity and budget.
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Can Dental Implants be Used for the Front Teeth?
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What Happens if a Dental Implant Gets Infected?
Bacteria builds upon the base of the implant screw and spreads upwards to irritate the soft and hard tissues of the gums around your dental implant. This irritation from bacteria causes your gums to get inflamed, damaging the tissues around it. If the problem is not diagnosed and treated early, the bone structure around your implant shrinks, potentially compromising the anchorage between the implant and jawbone.
The TRUTH About Dental Implants – Here’s why they might not be suitable for you
Dental implant procedures have around a 95% success rate after adequate healing time has passed. At first glance that sounds great. But keep in mind this statistic comes from patients who have first been approved for dental implants after thorough checks of their suitability. Therefore, this figure doesn’t cover the whole population. Not everybody is a suitable candidate, for a variety of reasons that will be explained here.
What Are Dental Bone Grafts and Do I Need Them?
Dental bone grafting is a technique that adds bone, and therefore structural support, to your jaw. This allows dental implants to be fixed in place; where without the grafts there would not be enough bone to support the implant.
Traditional Dental Implants vs Mini Dental Implants
Natural-looking regular dental implants have become a popular alternative to conventional dentures and bridges – on the grounds of aesthetics, comfort and convenience. Mini dental implants can give you all these benefits as well, while providing an option when standard implants may not be possible.