Overdentures in partial anodontia: simple solutions for complex problems

Congenital defects in children and adolescents can present complex and challenging dental problems, including arch discrepancies, palatal defects, and malposed or otherwise disrupted dentition. Traditional treatment is often time-consuming, expensive, and in extensive defects, frequently compromised at best. The overdenture prosthesis, often overlooked, is a relatively simple and expedient solution to many of these severe problems, and the prosthetic techniques are familiar and readily employed by dentists without specialized training. This article reviews the general principles employed in these techniques and offers examples of successful treatment for several of the more commonly occurring congenital dental defects.