OVERDENTURES

Overdentures are removable dental prostheses that use retained natural teeth, roots, or implants for support, improving retention, stability, and preservation of oral structures. This approach was developed to maintain existing oral tissues and provide greater comfort than traditional complete dentures. Effective treatment planning requires assessment of the remaining teeth, bone health, oral hygiene, and individual patient factors Overdentures can be categorized according to their support system-either tooth-supported or implant-supported-and the specific attachment mechanisms employed. They are biologically significant because they help preserve the alveolar ridge, maintain proprioception through retained teeth or implants, and minimize the loss. residual ridge bone. Tooth-supported overdentures utilize selected abutment teeth that undergo endodontic therapy and preparation to receive attachments. Correct selection, distribution, and modification of abutments improve retention, stability, and load distribution.