Dr. Nader Sharifi, Chicago, IL

When treatment planning for a completely edentulous arch, restorative dentists have three primary options.

These include a complete denture, an overdenture and an implant retained fixed bridge. Complete dentures and implant retained fixed bridges are well understood. However, the literature is clear, success with overdentures in the lower arch is straightforward and relatively easy to achieve. While in the upper arch, success is elusive and much more challenging. Dr. Sharifi will clarify those differences and identify the reasons for the differences and present clear-cut guidelines for success with overdentures in either arch.

Clarification of the overdenture answers one question, but poses another – how does attachment selection impact overdenture fabrication? We have attachment options to consider including rotational bars, non-rotational bars, resilient attachments and non-resilient attachments. In addition, there are locking attachments that can act as if we have a fixed bridge in a patient removable format. All of these attachments have indications and contra-indications. This presentation will clarify and simplify attachment selection for overdenture therapy.

Participants leave with increased confidence and a clear understanding of clinical treatment ideals, including the ability to:

Learning Objectives:

  1. List the four options for treating an edentulous arch.
  2. Clarify the difference between implant retained & implant supported overdentures.
  3. Identify which three options dominate in the upper arch and the different three that dominate in the lower arch.
  4. Demonstrate the differences between rotational and non-rotational bars. Understand the difference between resilient and non-resilient attachments.

Bio: M. Nader Sharifi, D.D.S., M.S. holds a certificate in prosthodontics and a masters degree in biomaterials from Northwestern University.  He received his dental education at the University of Illinois.  He has presented more than 500 lectures covering numerous topics on restorative dentistry earning him recognition from esteemed study groups, societies and associations across the nation and internationally.

Dr. Sharifi currently maintains a full-time private practice in Chicago’s downtown loop and uses his experience as a five day a week wet gloved dentist to ensure time saving and cost effective care are represented in his presentations. In 2007 Chicago Dental Society honored him with the Gordon Christenson Distinguished Lecturer Award. He has also been honored with Fellowship in the American College of Dentists and Membership in the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry – both in 2010.