Implant-Supported Overdentures in Marquette, MI
Stability Changes Everything
Traditional dentures rest on your gums, relying on suction and adhesives to stay in place. By anchoring to dental implants placed in your jawbone, overdentures provide a level of security and function many patients long for. At Northern Trails Dental Care, we help patients throughout Marquette and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula rediscover what it feels like to eat, speak, and smile without worry.
How Implant Overdentures Are Different
An implant overdenture is a removable denture that snaps onto dental implants strategically placed in your jaw. Instead of floating on your gums or relying on adhesives, the denture locks securely into position using attachments connected to the implants.
his design creates several meaningful advantages:
- Improved chewing ability – Bite into foods you may have been avoiding
- Enhanced speech clarity – No slipping or clicking while you talk
- Greater comfort – Less irritation to gum tissue and the roof of your mouth
- Bone preservation – Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping prevent deterioration
- Removable for cleaning – Easy maintenance while keeping the security of a fixed feel
Most patients need between two and four implants per arch to support an overdenture effectively. The exact number depends on bone quality, jaw anatomy, and your specific treatment goals.
Who Benefits From Implant-Supported Overdentures
Implant overdentures in Marquette, MI can be an excellent option if you:
- Currently wear traditional dentures but struggle with fit or stability
- Have experienced bone loss that makes conventional dentures uncomfortable
- Want the security of implants without the cost of a full fixed bridge
- Need to replace all teeth in one or both arches
- Desire a solution that’s easier to clean than permanently fixed teeth
Even if you’ve been told in the past that you don’t have enough bone for implants, modern advances may now make treatment possible.
The Process: What to Expect
Creating implant-supported overdentures involves careful planning and typically unfolds in stages:
1
Initial
Evaluation
We’ll assess your oral health, bone structure, and discuss your goals. Diagnostic imaging helps us determine implant placement and whether any preparatory procedures are needed.
2
Implant
Placement
Dental implants are carefully positioned in your jawbone. This may happen in one appointment or be staged over time. Local anesthesia and sedation options keep you comfortable throughout.
3
Healing
Period
Implants need time to integrate with the bone, over several months. During this phase, you can usually wear a temporary denture so you’re never without teeth.
4
Attachment and
Final Fitting
Once healing is complete, the denture attachments are connected to the implants. Your overdenture is then fabricated or modified to snap securely onto these anchors.
Daily Life With Implant Overdentures
One of the most common questions patients ask is how implant overdentures will affect everyday activities. Here’s what you can expect:
Eating – Most patients can return to a varied diet that includes foods that were difficult to eat with traditional dentures, like fresh vegetables, crusty bread, and even steak.
Speaking – Because the denture stays firmly in place, speech tends to be clearer and more natural compared to conventional dentures that may shift while talking.
Cleaning – You’ll remove your overdenture daily for cleaning, just like traditional dentures. You’ll also need to clean around the implant attachments in your mouth. We’ll show you how.
Comfort – The upper overdenture typically doesn’t need to cover the roof of your mouth, which many patients find more comfortable. Lower overdentures are far more stable than traditional lower dentures.
Schedule AppointmentComparing Your Options
When considering tooth replacement, it helps to understand how implant overdentures fit within the broader range of solutions:
Traditional Dentures
Most affordable upfront, but offer the least stability. May require frequent adjustments and adhesives.
Implant Overdentures
Middle-ground option providing excellent stability and bone preservation, while remaining removable and more budget-friendly than fixed options.
Fixed Implant Bridges
Most stable and natural-feeling, but require more implants and represent a higher investment. Not removable at home.
Your choice depends on your priorities, anatomy, and what you’re comfortable investing. We’ll help you weigh these factors honestly.
Maintaining Your Investment
With proper maintenance, the implants themselves typically last many years, though the denture and attachments will eventually need replacement due to normal wear.
Consistent care includes:
- Remove and clean your denture thoroughly each day
- Brush around implant attachments and gum tissue
- Attend regular dental checkups for professional monitoring
- Replace worn attachments as needed to maintain snap retention
- Have your denture professionally cleaned and assessed periodically
A Partnership in Your Care
At Northern Trails Dental Care, we view implant overdentures as a restoration of your ability to participate fully in meals, conversations, and moments that matter. Dr. Buck’s Kois training provides the clinical foundation to plan and execute treatment with precision, while you feel supported throughout.
We’ll never pressure you toward any particular solution. Our role is to present your options, answer your questions, and help you make a decision that serves your health and comfort.
Schedule AppointmentImplant Overdentures for the Upper Peninsula
If you're living with loose dentures or considering tooth replacement options in Marquette, Gwinn, Escanaba, or surrounding areas, Northern Trails Dental Care is here to help. Schedule a consultation to learn whether implant-supported overdentures in Marquette, MI might be right for you. Together, we'll explore what's possible for your smile.
, the image or video has been created in part by artificial intelligence models.
