What Are the Different Types of Overdentures?

Traditional dentures rely on suction and adhesive to stay in place, which works for some patients but frustrates plenty of others. Overdentures take a different approach, anchoring to implants for a level of stability suction alone can’t match.

What Makes an Overdenture Different

An overdenture is a removable denture that snaps or clips onto a small number of dental implants placed in the jaw, rather than relying purely on suction against your gums. That connection point is what sets the different types apart from each other.

Implant-Supported Overdentures

This is the broad category covering any denture anchored to implants rather than gum suction alone. Within it, a few specific designs handle the connection differently, each with its own tradeoffs in stability and removability.

Bar-Retained Overdentures

A thin metal bar connects two or more implants beneath the denture, and the denture clips onto that bar. This design distributes bite pressure evenly across all connected implants, which many patients find especially stable for daily chewing.

Ball-Retained Overdentures

Instead of a connecting bar, each implant has a ball-shaped attachment that fits into a matching socket inside the denture. This design tends to be simpler to place and often costs less than a bar-retained system, while still offering meaningfully more stability than traditional dentures.

Fixed (Non-Removable) Overdentures

Some patients opt for a fixed version that’s permanently attached to the implants and only removable by a dentist. This offers the closest feel to natural teeth, at the tradeoff of needing professional care for cleaning around and beneath the restoration.

Partial Overdentures

For patients who still have some healthy natural teeth, a partial overdenture can anchor to a combination of implants and remaining teeth, filling gaps without requiring a full-arch solution.

Why Patients Choose Overdentures Over Traditional Dentures

Beyond stability, implant anchoring helps preserve jawbone density over time, something traditional dentures can’t do since they don’t stimulate the bone underneath. Many patients also find eating and speaking noticeably more comfortable once the shifting and slipping common with traditional dentures is no longer a concern.

Is an Overdenture Right for You?

The right type depends on how many implants you have or plan to get, your jawbone health, and how much stability and permanence you’re looking for. This is best worked out during a consultation rather than decided in advance.

The Team Behind Your Treatment

Dr. Brian Ferber, Dr. Sharon Ferber, and Dr. Mindy Shafer evaluate each case individually to determine which overdenture design, if any, fits your goals and budget, often alongside full mouth reconstruction planning for more complex cases.

Start the Conversation About Overdentures

Schedule a consultation to find out which overdenture option is the right fit for your smile.