If traditional dentures slip or make eating difficult, implant-supported overdentures provide a more secure solution. Our prosthodontic specialists design custom overdentures that improve comfort, stability, and your quality of life.
Overdentures Durham, NC
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- 20+ years of experience
- 5.0 ★ Google Rating with over 200 reviews
- One of only five U.S. practices to receive the ACP Private Practice Award.
- Among just 1,200 board-certified prosthodontists worldwide.
- Only board-certified prosthodontists in private practice serving Durham–Chapel Hill.
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Award-Winning Care Recognized Nationally
Specialists in Complex Smile Restoration & Dental Implants
Trusted by Thousands of Patients with a 5.0 ★ Google Rating
20+ Years Helping Patients Smile and Live Confidently
Overdentures
Overdentures are an advanced tooth replacement option designed to provide greater stability, comfort, and function than traditional removable dentures. At Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer implant-supported and tooth-supported overdentures to help patients restore their smiles and enjoy improved confidence when eating and speaking.
Implant-supported overdentures are secured to dental implants placed in the jawbone, creating a stable foundation that minimizes movement and helps preserve bone. In some cases, temporary teeth can be placed on the same day as implant surgery, allowing patients to maintain their appearance and daily activities while healing.
How Overdentures Work
Overdentures attach to specially designed abutments using systems such as bars and clips, locator attachments, ball attachments, or magnets. The ideal attachment method depends on your oral health, anatomy, and treatment goals.
Depending on your situation, overdentures may be supported by retained natural teeth or by dental implants. Implant-supported overdentures generally provide the greatest stability and can reduce the need for additional procedures, such as extensive bone grafting.
Benefits of Overdentures
- Greater stability than traditional removable dentures
- Improved chewing ability and bite function
- Enhanced comfort and confidence while speaking and eating
- Better facial support and natural-looking aesthetics
- Reduced jawbone loss through implant stimulation
- Easy removal for cleaning and maintenance when appropriate
Caring for Your Overdentures
Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your overdentures. Patients should brush regularly with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss as directed, and keep both the restoration and supporting tissues clean.
Routine dental visits are also important to monitor fit, function, and overall oral health. If your overdenture is supported by natural teeth, preventing decay and gum disease is especially important
What Do You Have to Know Before Getting Overdentures?
Before getting overdentures, our team will ask you for your complete dental records, and medical history. and will ask about any allergies. The professionals will also need x-rays and CT scans of your mouth before starting to perform any surgery.
The operation requires local anesthesia and is considered an easy one. After the implant has healed, the abutment will be installed, and your smile will look as good as new. For natural teeth overdentures, the time between the first operation and the time the overdentures and fixed is fairly short.
After everything is set, our professionals will schedule a follow-up to make sure everything is okay. Usually, patients with overdentures should schedule an appointment with our clinic every three months for routine checks.
Overdentures are a good solution, especially for older patients who have missing teeth. They have numerous advantages, the most important is preventing jawbone loss and keeping a natural-looking smile.
We’re accepting new patients. Give us a call or request an appointment online.
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or call 919-489-8661
Meet Your Team of Dentists
We're a team of gentle and compassionate dentists dedicated to the highest standards of care, combining specialized expertise with a compassionate approach.
Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Cunningham was fortunate to be raised in a small town where his dad practiced general dentistry and his mother was a stay-at-home mom.
In 2015, Dr Cunningham achieved his dream of private practice ownership becoming the owner of Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry. Also in 2015, Dr. Cunningham achieved his board certification, an achievement that only a small percentage of prosthodontists in the world attain.
In 2018, Dr. Cunningham was extremely honored to be awarded the Private Practice Award by the American College of Prosthodontics. This award is given out to only four practitioners in the United States annually. Dr. Cunningham is published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, lectures for world renowned implant companies nationally, serves as an expert witness, and provides dental industry consultation services. He is honored to be named as Durham Magazine’s Top Dentist by his peers, year after year.
Simply put, Dr. Cunningham loves the art and science of dentistry and is very passionate about the pursuit of clinical excellence. The decision to specialize in Prosthodontics is based on this passion and the yearning to have the ability to treat more complex multidisciplinary cases, a skill that is not taught in the general dentistry realm. He is also has many local and out of state dentists come to him for their own dental care.
Dr. Cunningham is married to his wife, Karen Cunningham. They have two daughters, Annalee and Audrey. When he isn’t working to improve your smile, Dr. Cunningham enjoys outdoor sports, reading, watching documentaries, and spending time with family.
A native of North Carolina, Dr. Gazdeck grew up the oldest of four siblings in Lincolnton, NC. After graduating Summa Cum Laude and a Valedictorian from North Carolina State University in 2009 he went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014.
He continued his education by completing a 3-year specialty residency in Prosthodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, obtaining a certificate in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science (MS) in Oral Sciences in 2017. A year later in 2018 he completed his formal education after a fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, a subspecialty of prosthodontics involving head and neck cancer, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Following his training, Dr. Gazdeck decided to return home and join Durham Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry in the Summer of 2018. Soon after, Dr. Gazdeck attained Diplomate status from the American Board of Prosthodontics, and together he and Dr. Cunningham are the only two Board Certified Prosthodontists in Private Practice within Durham-Chapel Hill.
Dr. Gazdeck holds an appointment at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry as an Adjunct Assistant Professor within the Department of Prosthodontics. He utilizes his additional head and neck cancer training to lead and oversee the maxillofacial prosthetics course and clinic each week with the prosthodontic residents. Dr. Gazdeck lectures locally and nationally on current topics in cancer treatment, dental implants, advanced restorative dentistry, and is published in the Journal of Oral Diseases.
He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontics, Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Member of the American Dental Association, and is involved with local dental societies and study clubs.
Dr. Gazdeck is married to his wife Leslie, who he met while in dental school. Leslie is a pediatric dentist in the triangle area and together they have three sons named Nate, Matt, and Will. Outside of the office, Dr. Gazdeck values family time and loves to travel, golf, and explore the outdoors.
Financial & Pricing
Transparent Pricing
We always focus on clearly communicating the cost of treatments so you know exactly what to expect.
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No Insurance, No Problem
Many of our patients pay out of pocket with cash, credit card, debit etc. We also offer third party financing through CareCredit.
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FAQs About Overdentures in Durham, NC
Who is a good candidate for overdentures?
The best way to determine whether overdentures are right for you is through a comprehensive consultation. Our specialists will evaluate your oral health, review your medical and dental history, and obtain any necessary diagnostic imaging to recommend the most appropriate treatment option.
Depending on your bone structure and remaining teeth, we will determine whether implant-supported or tooth-supported overdentures will provide the best long-term results.
What is the difference between traditional dentures and implant-supported overdentures?
Traditional dentures rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place and may shift during eating or speaking. Implant-supported overdentures are secured to dental implants, providing significantly greater stability, improved chewing ability, enhanced comfort, and better preservation of the jawbone.
Are overdentures removable?
Yes. Although implant-supported overdentures securely attach to dental implants, they can be removed for cleaning and maintenance. Your prosthodontist will show you how to properly remove, clean, and care for your overdentures.
How long do overdentures last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, overdentures can last for many years. While the denture itself may eventually require adjustments or replacement due to normal wear, dental implants are designed to provide long-term support.
How do I care for my overdentures?
Overdentures should be removed and cleaned daily using a soft brush and non-abrasive cleanser. It’s also important to clean around the implants or supporting teeth and attend regular checkups so your prosthodontist can monitor the health of your smile.