Mandibular overdentures: a review of treatment philosophy and prosthodontic maintenance.

Root overdentures and implant overdentures are two similar treatment options for the nearly-edentulous or edentulous mandible. The purpose of this literature review was to specifically compare their prosthodontic treatment philosophies and follow-up maintenance requirements. Critical comparison of these two prosthodontic treatment philosophies revealed that the foundation for overdentures which is provided by oral implants is more predictable than that provided by the roots of natural teeth. The two treatment modalities have both similarities and differences in their associated prosthodontic maintenance. The findings of this literature review suggest the future possibility that mandibular root overdentures may become obsolete as a treatment approach.