Abstract: For older patients, clinicians should consider maintaining teeth and using functionally-orientated treatment strategies as an 

alternative to removable prostheses. When the remaining dentition has a poor prognosis, key teeth should be preserved as overdenture 

abutments and a gradual transition to edentulousness planned. Where complete dentures are provided, these can be retained using dental 

implants to overcome many of the problems associated with conventional replacement dentures.

Clinical Relevance: The elderly population of today is better informed and more demanding of oral healthcare providers than previous 

generations. Clinicians should be aware of all the prosthodontic treatment options available for older patients.

Dent Update 2011; 38: 460¿470