What is a Locator Denture?
A locator-retained overdenture with dental implants is an excellent treatment option for a patient who requires the replacement of all their teeth in the upper and/or lower arch of the mouth. Patients who are missing their teeth often lack confidence and self-esteem due to the aesthetics. In addition to the poor appearance of missing teeth, there are also significant health concerns. Missing teeth can result in serious issues such as bone loss, poor nutrition, and bad oral health.
Overdentures improve a patient’s appearance through the replacement of their missing teeth. In addition, the overdentures improve the teeth’s function and allow for the patient to properly eat and speak. A locator-retained overdenture combines the stability and strength of dental implants with the convenience and affordability of a removable denture. In order to place the dental implants and design the overdenture, multiple appointments will be required to complete the procedure.
Locator-retained overdenture is a removable prosthesis which is placed in the mouth. The devices contains false teeth that are mounted on a pink resin base. The dentures are created to achieve an exact fit over the gums.
The overdentures securely snap into place using locators, which are similar to a button-like fitting. The locators are fixed in place with strategically placed dental implants. The dental implant serves as an artificial root which is surgically placed into the supporting jawbone. One benefit of the implants is that there the bite is evenly distributed and the implants stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone loss.
The dental implants provide an incredibly solid and secure foundation for the denture teeth. This gives patients the ability to eat what they like without limitations and speak clearly. In addition, the underlying bone is preserved due to the stimulation from chewing. When missing teeth are not replaced, the bone can slowly shrink over time through a process called bone resorption.
During the initial step in this process, the dentist will obtain an impression of the affected area. They will use the impression to create a temporary denture. Once the temporary denture is read, the dentist will obtain diagnostic images of the area. These images are used to plan out the strategic placement of the dental implants.
The area is then prepared and the dental implants are surgically placed. The dentist will place special healing caps over the implants during the healing process. During follow up appointments, the dentist will monitor and evaluate how the implant is healing. As the implants heal, they fuse to the jawbone creating a strong base for the dentures. The dentist will advise patients once the area is ready for the next phase of treatment. Patients can continue wearing their temporary denture during the healing period.
Once the implants have healed, the dentist will obtain new impressions which include the locator abutments. The locator abutments are used to connect the overdenture. These impressions are shared with the laboratory to begin the process of creating the permanent overdenture.
The dentist will schedule additional appointments to ensure the dentures fit properly and to confirm the bite is properly aligned. Multiple fittings and appointments may be required to ensure an optimal fit is achieved. The dentist will make minor adjustments, meaning multiple adjustments may be necessary. Once all adjustments are complete, the final overdenture is then connected to the locator attachments.
Once the process is complete, the patient has a removable restoration which is specially designed to replace their natural teeth. The patient’s smile is restored and their appearance is significantly improved. Because the overdenture is attached to fixed dental implants, the teeth’s function is restored for eating and speaking.