For patients who already wear, or are considering, a full denture, implant-retained dentures are an option that uses a small number of implants to help hold the denture more securely in place.
A small number of implants (commonly two to four, depending on the jaw and denture design) are placed into the jawbone. Once healed, attachments on the implants connect with matching attachments inside the denture, helping to hold it more securely during eating and speaking. The patient removes the denture at home for cleaning, in the same way as a conventional denture.
This differs from full arch dental implants (All-on-4®/ All-on-X), which use more implants to support a fixed prosthesis that is not designed for daily removal by the patient. If you're not sure which option may suit you, our team can talk through the differences — see our Full Arch Dental Implants page.
Implant-retained dentures may be discussed with patients who:
exam and imaging to determine implant number and position, and to assess your current or planned denture.
implants are placed under local anaesthetic (sedation options are available).
a period of osseointegration follows before the denture attachments are fitted.
your existing denture may be adapted, or a new one made, to connect with the implant attachments.
Timeframes vary depending on the number of implants and individual healing, and your dentist will set out a plan specific to you.
Cost depends on the number of implants, whether your existing denture can be adapted or a new one is required, and whether grafting is needed. We provide an individual quote after assessment. Payment plans are available through Afterpay, Zip and Humm.
For all enquiries and to make an appointment, please contact Care 4 Teeth today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Implant-retained dentures use fewer implants to help secure a denture you still remove daily for cleaning. Full arch implants use more implants to support a fixed arch of teeth that isn't designed for daily removal. Your dentist can help you weigh up which may suit you.
This is planned individually — commonly two to four implants per arch — based on your bone volume and denture design, confirmed through assessment and imaging.
In some cases an existing denture can be adapted to fit implant attachments; in others a new denture is recommended. This is assessed at consultation.
Implant-retained dentures are designed to sit more securely than a conventional denture, which many patients find improves comfort during eating and speaking. Individual experience varies, and your dentist can discuss what to expect based on your situation.
The components that connect the denture to the implants can wear over time and may need periodic replacement or adjustment — your dentist will explain a maintenance schedule.
