Telescopic Coping

A telescopic coping is a feature of telescopic dentures, which are classified as an overdenture. An overdenture is any dental prosthesis that is anchored by natural teeth or a dental implant. Telescopic dentures offer more stability than traditional dentures due to their unique design. Abutments are placed strategically in the patient’s mouth, and the primary telescopic coping is cemented to them. The secondary telescopic coping is attached to the denture, which fits onto the primary coping. In the 1970s and 80s, telescopic dentures that were anchored by natural teeth or the roots of natural teeth were considered more popular than traditional dentures. It is believed that telescopic dentures anchored to natural teeth better diffuse the occlusal load and prevent overload by transferring the stress of occlusal forces through the periodontal ligament of retained tooth roots. The extra stability of the copings offers a stronger bite and more efficient chewing.