Telescopic Overdenture–An Overlooked Treatment Modality for Partially Edentulous Patients: A Case Report

Abstract

Overdenture can be said to be the best example of preventive dentistry". When the clinical situation dictates 2 or 3 teeth (particularly canine and premolars) present on either side of the arch, particularly resorbed mandibular ridge, then Telescopic overdenture is considered to be the best option because it not only induces sufficient frictional retention but also helps the patient in easy placement and removal of the denture from the mouth. The main advantage of telescopic overdenture is that it transfers the forces along the long axis of the abutment teeth. This clinical case report describes a technique for telescopic overdenture. The telescopic design consists of 2 copings. The first coping is called primary coping was cemented onto the prepared abutment teeth. The primary coping is modified at the proximal cervical area by creating the frictional retention form in the form of grooves. The secondary coping, i.e. part of the metal framework engages the primary coping and subsequently generates the frictional retention at the proximo-cervical area. This design is technique sensitive, but aids in better retention, stability, support and proprioception which increases chewing efficiency and phonetics.