Implant-supported dentures attach to implants in the jawbone, helping reduce the slipping and movement many denture wearers deal with. Options include removable snap-on overdentures and fixed designs.
FOR DENTURE WEARERS
A conventional full denture rests on the gums and is held by suction and, often, adhesive. After teeth are lost, the jawbone gradually changes shape, so a denture that once fit well may start to slip, rub or make certain foods hard to chew.
Implant-supported dentures connect to implants placed in the jawbone. A removable overdenture snaps onto attachments on the implants and comes out for cleaning, while a fixed design stays in place and is removed only by your dentist.
YOUR OPTIONS
We'll explain the trade-offs of each design so you can choose based on your bone, your budget and how you'd like to care for your teeth.
Also called an overdenture, it clicks onto attachments on two or more implants. You remove it to clean it and the implants, then snap it back in. It's typically much more stable than a conventional denture.
Attached to several implants with small screws, a fixed denture stays in place and can be removed only by your dentist. It is cleaned with a toothbrush and tools such as a water flosser, and typically feels closer to natural teeth.
A conventional upper denture covers the palate to create suction. With implant support, the denture may be designed with less palate coverage, which some patients find more comfortable for eating and speaking.
Lower dentures often move because the tongue and cheeks push against them. Adding implants — often just two — can make a lower denture much more secure and is a common first step into implant care.
ALREADY HAVE DENTURES?
If you already wear a full denture and are frustrated by looseness, sore spots or foods you avoid, implants may be able to help. Your dentist will check whether your current denture fits well enough to be adapted.
In some cases, an existing denture can be modified to snap onto new implants once they have healed, which may cost less than starting over — see our implant cost and financing page. In others, a new denture is the better choice.
WHY TRUSTED DENTAL
Dr. Ghadoushi and our Los Angeles team plan the implants and the denture together, so the finished result fits comfortably and works the way you need it to.
Cone beam CT imaging maps bone volume and density so implant positions can be chosen to support your denture and fit your anatomy.
Whether you need a new denture or want your current one adapted, Dr. Tyler Ghadoushi focuses on fit, bite and a natural-looking smile.
If the jawbone has thinned after years without teeth, bone grafting may rebuild the volume needed for implants. Your 3D scan helps show whether it's needed.
We verify your PPO benefits and offer CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry and in-house payment plans for qualifying treatment. You'll receive an estimate at your consultation.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions we often hear from denture wearers in Los Angeles who are considering implants.
It depends on the arch and the design. A lower snap-on denture is often supported by two implants, while upper dentures and fixed designs usually need more. Your dentist will recommend a number based on your bone and your stability goals.
A snap-on overdenture clicks onto implant attachments and is removed daily for cleaning. A fixed implant denture is attached with screws and removed only by your dentist. Fixed designs typically feel more like natural teeth, while snap-on designs usually need fewer implants and cost less.
Sometimes. If your existing denture fits well and is in good condition, it may be modified with attachments that connect to new implants. If it is worn or fits poorly, a new denture is often the better choice.
Most patients find chewing more secure, because the implants help keep the denture from shifting during meals. Some foods may still need care, especially with a removable design. During the first months of healing, your dentist will likely recommend a softer diet.
Remove the denture daily and clean it as instructed, then gently brush the implant attachments and your gums. The small retention parts inside the denture wear over time and are typically replaced at routine visits. Regular checkups help keep the implants and gums healthy.
Book an implant denture consultation at our Los Angeles, CA office. We'll check your current denture, take a 3D scan, and explain your snap-on and fixed options with a clear estimate.