Implant Retained Dentures
Implant retained dentures offer a modern, secure alternative for patients who have lost all teeth in one arch. By anchoring a denture to dental implants, this treatment delivers greater stability, improved chewing ability, and enhanced confidence compared to conventional dentures.
What Are Implant Retained Dentures?
Implant retained dentures, commonly referred to as implant overdentures or implant supported overdentures, are removable dentures that attach to dental implants placed in the jaw.
These implants function as stable foundations. Special connectors—often called locator attachments—allow the denture to securely snap into position, preventing unwanted movement while still being easy to remove for hygiene.
Benefits of implant overdentures:
- Stronger retention and stability
- Less slipping when eating or speaking
- Improved comfort and fit
- Simple removal for cleaning and maintenance
Implant Dentures: Which one should I pick?
When replacing a full set of teeth, patients typically consider two main implant-supported solutions:
Removable Implant Retained Dentures
- Securely attach to implants using clip-in mechanisms
- Can be taken out for cleaning
- More budget-friendly option
Fixed Implant Solutions (Implant Bridges)
- Permanently secured to implants
- Only removable by a dentist
- Closely mimic natural teeth in feel and function
The right solution depends on several factors, including bone quality, medical history, lifestyle preferences, and budget. A personalised consultation will help determine the most suitable approach.
The Process for Implant Supported Overdentures
Initial Assessment
A comprehensive examination is carried out to evaluate oral health and determine suitability for implant supported overdentures.
Preparation Phase
This may involve removing failing teeth and ensuring the opposing teeth are stable and functional.
3D Imaging
A CBCT scan is taken to assess bone structure and plan precise implant placement.
Treatment Planning
Your dentist will map out implant positioning, the number required, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are needed.
Implant Placement
Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. A temporary denture is usually worn during healing.
Healing & Integration
Over several months, the implants fuse with the bone in a process known as osseointegration.
Final Denture Fitting
A custom-made implant retained denture is fitted, designed for optimal aesthetics, comfort, and function.
Other Treatment Options
The main alternative to Implant Retained Dentures is a removable full denture (plate). While dentures are more affordable, they:
- Can slip or move while eating and speaking.
- Do not preserve jawbone structure.
- Often feel bulky and less comfortable compared to implants.
In some cases, dentures may still be the most suitable choice due to cost, medical conditions, or limited bone availability.
That said, prevention is always the best option. Nothing is as strong or functional as your natural teeth, so regular dental care is vital to protect them for as long as possible.
Maintaining Your Implant Retained Dentures
Just like your teeth and gums, consistent care is essential to protect both your implants and surrounding tissues.
Daily care routine:
- Clean your denture with a soft brush (don’t use the same one that you use for your teeth!)
- Soak the denture in a suitable cleaning solution
- Gently clean around implants and attachments
- Use interdental brushes or a water flosser for deeper cleaning
Routine dental visits are important to monitor implant health and prevent complications such as peri-implantitis.
Possible Implant supported Denture Complications
Even with a success rate of 97% (see here) – Full Mouth Dental Implants can still fail on even the healthiest patients.
Gum Disease, Diabetes and Smoking are the major risk factors dental implant failure. These can increase the failure rate from under 3% to well over 10%. Hence, its important that we carefully manage and assess these risk factors prior to any surgery.
Bone loss around an implant are also another common problem and may affect the integration of the implant to the bone. Bone loss can be due to gum disease (peri-implantitis) and if proper checks and cleans are not done on a regular basis, the implants can get infected causing their eventual failure. On rare occasions implants can also fracture if there is heavy teeth grinding.
Perhaps one of the other biggest reasons for dental implant failures are poor material and implant choice coupled with poor surgical techniques.
This is why it’s important to choose an experienced Dental Implant Surgeon to carry out your Implant surgery with excellent quality materials! Redundancy planning is particularly important in patients with higher risk of complications.
Interested in a Full Arch Fixed Implant Bridge solution? Book a consult now to find out more at Dental at Keys!
Common Dental Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Are implant overdentures comfortable?
Yes. Implant overdentures are significantly more stable than traditional dentures, which improves comfort. Some initial adjustment is normal, and minor refinements may be needed.
Can implant retained dentures be removed?
Yes. They are designed to be easily removed for cleaning while remaining secure during everyday use. If you prefer a fixed solution, implant bridges may be considered.
What is the cost of implant supported overdentures?
The cost of implant supported overdentures varies depending on factors such as:
- Number of implants required
- Whether bone grafting is needed
- Type of implant system
- Design and materials of the denture
In some cases, treatment may start from under $10,000 for two implants, although four implants are often recommended for optimal long-term stability.
