For existing denture-wearers, an implant-retained denture can feel and function more like real teeth, without the stress of coming loose.
At Perth Dental Implant Centre, our highly accredited and experienced dentist Dr David Norcross has been restoring smiles using dental implants since 2009. When it comes to implant-retained dentures, you’re in good hands.
An implant-retained denture (an overdenture) is a full denture that is stabilised on two or more dental implants.
Like a full denture, it’s removable, but instead of relying on suction to stay in place, it clips on and off special abutments that connect to dental implants.
First, dental implants are carefully placed into the jaw bone and left to heal for three to six months. Once the mouth has healed around the dental implants, an abutment is placed on each implant and the denture is re-modelled to clip on and off the abutments. Finally, the denture is fitted and adjusted for comfort.
Implant-retained dentures offer improved comfort, stability and retention compared to full suction dentures that inevitably become loose over time. In fact, an implant-retained denture offers many benefits over full dentures and for existing denture wearers who have gone without teeth for some time, they may offer more lip support than full mouth implant bridges.
Two types of attachments are used for dentures, ball attachments and bar attachments. Dr Norcross may recommend one option over the other depending on the location of the denture (upper arch or lower arch) number of implants and your desired retention.
Dentures can be supported by one, two or more dental implants, depending on jaw bone quality and the desired retention. A denture retained by one or two dental implants will still experience some movement but will offer more stability than full dentures can.
During your consultation, we check your medical history, examine your mouth, take diagnostic radiographs and determine your suitability for dental implants. We’ll also provide a treatment plan cost and payment plan options.
This pre-planning stage involves attending a number of visits to custom make a high-quality and well-fitting denture.
On the day of your surgery, we begin by removing unwanted teeth and then carefully placing dental implants into the jawbone. Dr Norcross stiches the gums closed so they can heal. Your mouth heals over a period of 3 to 6 months and during this time, you’ll wear a full denture.
Between one to two weeks after surgery, we remove any stiches, adjust your denture for comfort and apply a soft gel to line the denture to avoid putting pressure on the dental implants.
Between three and six months after surgery, we carefully expose the dental implants and place titanium healing caps in preparation for denture abutments.
After your gums have healed, we replace the healing caps with denture abutments and take new impressions to convert your existing denture or custom design your new denture.
During your visit, we fit your new denture and check that it is securely attached, making any adjustments to ensure there are no pressure spots. We also explain how to care for your new denture and show you how to clean around the dental implants.
The plastic caps within the denture may wear out over time and typically need to be replaced. We review your implants and dentures every six to 12 months and can replace your plastic caps if required. We also take x-rays every two or three years to monitor the bone levels around your implants.
Implant-retained denture and full mouth implants may be suitable solutions for replacing all missing teeth. Full mouth implants are fixed to the jaw bone and can only be removed by a dentist, while implant-retained dentures clip on and off easily like conventional dentures.
If you’re weighing up the two treatment options, here’s what you need to know:
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*This option is based on an upper-retained denture on four dental implants.
Compare the pros and cons to each treatment option in our blog Dentures vs Implant-Retained Dentures vs Full Mouth Implant Bridges.
To learn more about implant-retained dentures or to book a consultation with Dr Norcross, call 1300 108 133 to book at our Kelmscott or East Vic Park clinic.
All of our dental implant solutions are tailor made & crafted to ensure they not only work in harmony with your smile but also complement your facial structure.
Book Now - East Vic Park Book Now - KelmscottYes. Whether you are having one dental implant and crown placed, a fixed implant bridge or an implant-retained denture, you are able to choose your desired tooth material, shade and shape.
Yes. While your dental implants heal, you’ll wear a temporary denture.
In some cases, we may recommend patients avoid wearing a denture for the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery to assist with healing and avoid opening up stitches. This is usually the only time a patient is without teeth.
Unlike a fixed full mouth implant bridge where dental implants are placed and a bridge is fitted within the same week, an implant-retained denture is a removable prosthetic that cannot be loaded onto dental implants while the mouth is healing.
There are generally 8 stages in the treatment process for replacing missing or damaged teeth with implant-retained dentures, however much of this time involves your dental implants healing (over a period of 3 to 6 months) after surgery. Once healed, dental implants are exposed in a minor procedure to place healing caps. This requires another 3 weeks for your gums to heal around the area where the dentures attach via denture abutments. New impressions are then taken to custom-make your denture.
Once your denture comes back from the lab, we’ll try it in, make any final adjustments and then fit it. Depending on your desire to make adjustments, it can take another 1 to 3 visits in this final stage.
Yes. If you have a suitable lower denture that’s in good condition, we may be able to convert it to clip onto two dental implants. Converting your existing denture can reduce overall treatment costs.
A surgical guide allows us to place dental implants into the optimal position in the jawbone. It can be made by copying your denture in clear acrylic or by taking impressions to create a 3D printed guide. For more complex cases, such as patients with low bone quality, we may recommend a 3D guide over a manual guide for precision. Surgical guides are commonly used for a range of implant treatments, including immediate dental implants, a single tooth implant, several teeth implants and full mouth dental implants.
While dental implants are recommended by our dentists for their durable and natural-looking aesthetics, they may not be suitable for everyone. Which is why we offer our patients dental implant alternatives such as dentures or dental bridges. If you’re concerned about your smile, make an appointment to see our friendly team today at Perth Dental Implant Centre. Our leading dentist, Dr David Norcross, can advise you on the best treatment option for your needs.
General surgical risks apply like any surgical procedure. The main complication with implant dentures relates to the ability to chew harder, due to an increased biting force. Dentures can fracture or break and individual teeth can chip or wear down. Choosing a high quality denture made from high impact acrylic will reduce these risks.
No. Your denture needs to be removed regularly for cleaning and left out overnight. If dentures are left in permanently, bacteria can build up and cause a gum or implant infection. Poor oral hygiene around dental implants can cause inflammation, bone loss and if left untreated it can cause dental implants to fail. Plastic caps within the denture can also deteriorate and affect the fit of the denture if they are not cleaned properly.
An implant-retained denture or overdenture is a full denture that is stabilised on one or more dental implants. Like a full denture, it’s removable, but instead of relying on suction to stay in place, it clips on and off dental implants for cleaning purposes and to be left out at night.
