Implant-retained overdentures: a more secure removable denture

A conventional full denture rests on the gums and is held in place mainly by suction, the shape of the jaw and the muscles of the cheeks and tongue. This works well for some people, but lower dentures in particular can move during eating and speaking. An overdenture is a denture that fits over implants and attaches to them, which can make it much more secure.

The denture usually connects to two to four implants. The attachments can be individual, such as small press-stud style connectors (often called locators) or ball attachments, or a metal bar joining the implants, which clips inside the denture. Retentive parts inside the denture wear over time and are designed to be replaced. You remove the denture yourself for cleaning and, usually, at night.

For a lower jaw with no teeth, expert consensus statements have described a denture retained by two implants as a reasonable minimum standard of care, because it can improve comfort and chewing compared with a conventional denture. Upper overdentures usually need more implants. The main alternatives are a fixed full-arch bridge, such as All-on-4 or All-on-6, or a well-made conventional denture. Overdentures often need fewer implants and less bone than fixed options, and they can make cleaning easier, but they are still removable.

An implant-retained overdenture may suit adults who have lost all, or nearly all, of the teeth in one or both jaws, especially if a conventional denture feels loose. A dentist will need to assess you in person, usually with a CBCT scan, before suggesting how many implants and which attachments are appropriate.

• You wear, or will need, a full denture and would like it to be more secure.
• Your lower denture in particular moves when you eat or speak.
• You are happy with a removable denture, or a fixed bridge is not suitable or not what you want.
• Imaging suggests there may be enough bone for two to four implants.
• You are able to remove and clean the denture daily and attend regular maintenance visits.

Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, some medications, previous radiotherapy to the head or neck and limited hand dexterity can affect suitability or how easy the denture is to manage. A good-fitting denture is the starting point, so an existing denture may need replacing first. This page is general information and not a diagnosis.

1. 01

   Remote review of your records

   You share any existing scans, photographs of your current denture and your medical history. Any plan at this stage is provisional until you have been examined.

2. 02

   Examination, CBCT and denture planning

   The dentist examines your mouth and current denture and reviews a CBCT scan. The number and position of implants are planned around the shape of the final denture.

3. 03

   Implant placement

   Two to four implants are placed under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation. Your existing or a new denture is usually adjusted and softened on the fitting surface so you can wear it while you heal.

4. 04

   Healing at home

   The implants are given time to integrate with the bone, often a few months. In some cases attachments can be connected sooner, but this depends on implant stability and a dentist's assessment.

5. 05

   Attachments and denture

   The attachments or bar are connected to the implants, and the retentive parts are fitted into a new or modified denture. The bite and fit are adjusted.

6. 06

   Review and maintenance plan

   You are shown how to put in, remove and clean the denture. A maintenance plan is agreed, including how worn attachment parts will be replaced and who will do it.

An implant overdenture usually involves at least two trips, separated by a healing period.

In many cases the first trip covers examination and implant placement, and the second covers connecting the attachments and fitting the denture. If a new denture needs to be made, the second trip may involve several appointments over a few days.

Overdentures need regular maintenance, so it is important to know before you book whether a dentist near your home can replace the attachment parts and reline the denture, or whether you would need to travel back. Ask the clinic for the exact attachment system details.

What can change the timeline

• The number of implants and whether one or both jaws are treated
• Whether extractions or bone grafting are needed first
• Whether a new denture is made or an existing one is adapted
• How quickly the implants integrate
• Whether individual attachments or a bar are used
• General health and smoking

The cost of an overdenture depends on the number of implants, the attachment design and whether a new denture is needed.

• The number of implants
• Individual attachments or a bar
• A new denture, or adapting your current one
• Any extractions or grafting
• Imaging and sedation
• Replacement attachment parts and relines over time
• Your travel and accommodation for each trip

We do not publish prices on this page. Each clinic sets its own fees and provides an indicative range, which can only be confirmed once a dentist has examined you and reviewed your scans. Ask for a written, itemised plan before you book anything, and check what is and is not included.

Overdentures combine implant surgery with a removable denture, so they carry the risks of both. Your clinician should explain these in relation to your own case.

• An implant may fail to integrate or may fail later, and may need to be replaced.
• Peri-implantitis, inflammation of the gum and bone around an implant, can develop, particularly if cleaning is difficult or if you smoke.
• The retentive parts wear and the denture can gradually feel looser; replacing them is routine maintenance rather than a failure.
• The jaw and gums continue to change shape, so the denture may need relining or, over time, remaking.
• Sore spots, gum overgrowth around a bar or attachments, and denture fractures can occur.
• Nerve injury in the lower jaw is possible during implant surgery, usually causing temporary numbness.
• A maintenance problem after you return home may be harder to resolve if no local dentist works with your attachment system.

Overdentures are designed to be maintained, and regular care keeps both the implants and the denture working well.

• Remove the denture daily to clean it and the attachments, and clean around the implants or bar as advised.
• Take the denture out at night unless your clinician advises otherwise.
• Attend regular check-ups so worn attachment parts can be replaced and the fit checked.
• Tell your home dentist about the treatment and bring records, including the implant and attachment system details.
• Agree in advance with the clinic who handles attachment replacement, relines, repairs and complications once you are home.

No verified partner clinics list this treatment yet. Start an assessment and your coordinator will tell you what's available.