For ages, the edentulous elderly population have been presented with very limited options, which is the traditional complete dentures. But now, due to the fast growing Dental Implant industry, Implant supported dentures, or also called Implant Overdentures, have become the new trend. There are advantages and disadvantages of dental implants and it is best to know about it before treatment.

Most often, a treatment plan for an edentulous patient is made keeping the cost factor in mind. The patient’s desires should be probed, and kept in mind while designing the prosthesis. Some patients have a very strong psychological need to possess a fixed prosthesis. The idea of having a removable prosthesis in their oral cavity, which can slip away, scares them.

On the other hand, there are other class of patients who, are not really concerned if the prosthesis is removable or fixed, unless, their specific need is addressed.

A rule in implant dentistry is to provide the patient with the most predictable, cost effective treatment that will not only satisfy the anatomical needs but also the personal desires.

In a completely edentulous patient, a removable implant supported prosthesis offers several advantages over a fixed implant restoration.

• The labial flanges, and the denture teeth, in the prosthesis improves the facial esthetics to a great extent compared to customized metal or porcelain teeth, in a fixed prosthesis.

• The labial contours of the removable restoration replaces the lost bone width and height, and also supports the labial sift tissues.

• Oral hygiene is not compromised.

• The prosthesis can be removed at night, which is beneficial for patients with nocturnal parafunctional habits.

• Fewer number of implants are needed, as opposed to a fixed design.

• Other complimentary surgeries, like bone augmentation is seldom required, with this prosthetic design.

• The treatment span is shorter.

• Comparatively less expensive.

• Daily home care, hygiene maintenance becomes easy.

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