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What Is an Implant-Retained Overdenture?
An implant-retained overdenture is a removable denture that connects to dental implants placed in the jaw.
The implants are fitted with attachments that connect to the denture and provide additional retention while it is being worn. The overdenture can still be removed by the patient for daily cleaning.
An implant-retained overdenture is different from a fixed full-arch implant restoration. A fixed restoration remains attached to the implants, while an implant-retained overdenture is designed to be removable.
Who May Consider an Implant-Retained Overdenture?
An implant-retained overdenture may be discussed if you:
- Have lost most or all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch
- Already wear removable dentures and experience difficulty keeping them stable
- Would like to explore a removable denture that uses dental implants for additional retention
- Have an oral condition that allows dental implant treatment to be considered
- Are able to maintain regular denture and implant hygiene
Suitability is not determined by the number of missing teeth alone.
Your dentist will also assess your gums, available jawbone, any remaining teeth, general health and individual treatment needs. X-rays or other imaging may be required before dental implant treatment is planned.
Not sure whether an implant-retained overdenture may be appropriate for you? Arrange a dental assessment with Garden Dental.
How Does an Implant-Retained Overdenture Work?
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and act as anchors for the removable denture.
Once the implants are ready to support the overdenture, attachments are used to connect the denture to the implants. The exact attachment system and number of implants required will depend on the treatment plan.
When worn, the denture connects to these attachments. It can then be removed by the patient when cleaning is required.
This allows an implant-retained overdenture to remain a removable denture while gaining additional retention from the dental implants.
What Does Implant-Retained Overdenture Treatment Involve?
The exact process varies depending on your oral condition, whether teeth still need to be removed and whether you already wear dentures.
Step 1
Dental Assessment and Treatment Planning
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and overall oral condition.
X-rays or other imaging may be used to assess your jawbone and help plan the position of the dental implants.
Step 2
Dental Implant Placement
If dental implant treatment is suitable, the planned implants are placed into the jawbone.
A healing period may be required before the overdenture can be connected to the implants. The treatment timeline will depend on your individual case.
You can learn more about this stage on our Dental Implants in Singapore page.
Step 3
Preparing the Overdenture
Measurements, impressions or digital scans may be taken to prepare the overdenture and plan how it will connect to the implants.
If you already wear dentures, your dentist can assess whether your existing denture can be used as part of the treatment plan or whether a new overdenture is required.
Step 4
Fitting the Implant-Retained Overdenture
Once the required treatment stages are complete, the overdenture is fitted and connected to the implant attachments.
Your dentist will check the fit and bite and show you how to insert, remove and clean the denture.
Follow-up visits may be arranged to check the denture, attachments and surrounding oral tissues.
How Do You Care for an Implant-Retained Overdenture?
An implant-retained overdenture needs regular cleaning and maintenance.
Daily care may include:
- Removing and cleaning the overdenture as instructed
- Cleaning around the implant attachments and gums
- Brushing any remaining natural teeth
- Removing food debris from around the denture and implant areas
- Using cleaning aids recommended by your dentist
Regular dental reviews are also important so your dentist can check the condition of the overdenture, implant attachments, surrounding gums and remaining teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant-Retained Overdentures
Is an implant-retained overdenture removable?
Yes. An implant-retained overdenture connects to dental implants for retention but is designed to be removed by the patient. Removing the denture also allows you to clean the overdenture and the areas around the implant attachments.
Is an implant-retained overdenture the same as a fixed implant bridge?
No. An implant-retained overdenture is removable. A fixed implant restoration remains attached to the implants and follows a different treatment and maintenance approach.
How many implants are needed for an implant-retained overdenture?
The number of implants required varies depending on factors such as which arch is being treated, the available jawbone and your individual treatment plan. Your dentist can advise on the number and positioning of implants after an examination and the necessary imaging.
Do implant-retained overdentures need regular maintenance?
Yes. The overdenture, implant attachments and surrounding oral tissues should be cleaned regularly and reviewed by your dentist.
Over time, changes to the denture fit or attachment components may also need to be assessed.