Treatment of the Atrophic Edentulous Maxilla With Implant-Supported Overdentures: A Review of the Literature

Purpose: This article reviews the literature on maxillary implant-supported overdentures. Materials and Methods: Retrospective studies and clinical repo rts comprise the majority of publications, with few prospective studies. Results: Maxillary implant-supported overdentures are associat ed with implant and prosthesis survival rates similar to those of fixed implant prostheses when patients are matched for bone quantity and quality. High failure rates are associated with extreme atrophy, poor bone quality, and the use of short implants, which represent situat ions in which overdentures are most commonly used. Conclusion: Further research is required to elucidate the most appropriate implant number and distribution as well as the most favorable prosthetic constructions.