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Home --> Implant Dentistry --> Implant Supported Dentures
What is an Implant Supported Denture?

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. An implant-supported overdenture is attached to implants, while a regular denture rests on the gums, is not supported by implants, and tends to fit less firmly in the mouth.

An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn't have any teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. An implant-supported denture has special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants.

Implant Supported Denture

Implant-supported dentures usually are made for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less stable there. Usually, a regular denture made to fit an upper jaw is quite stable on its own and doesn't need the extra support offered by implants. However, you can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw.

Implant Supported Denture

You can remove an implant-supported denture easily. Some people prefer to have fixed (permanent) crown and bridgework in their mouths that can't be removed. Your dentist will consider your particular needs and preferences when suggesting fixed or removable options.

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How Implant Supported Dentures Works?

There are two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. In both cases, the denture will be made of an acrylic base that will look like gums, with porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth attached. Bar-retained dentures require at least three implants. Ball-retained dentures need at least two.

Bar-retained dentures - A thin metal bar that follows the curve of your jaw is attached to two to five implants that have been placed in your jawbone. Clips or other types of attachments are fitted to the bar the denture, or to both. The denture fits over the bar and is securely clipped into place by the attachments.

Ball-retained dentures - (stud-attachment dentures) - Each implant that has been placed in the jawbone holds a metal attachment that fits into another attachment on the denture. In most cases, the attachments on the implants are ball-shaped ("male" attachments), and they fit into sockets ("female" attachments) on the denture. In some cases, these attachments are reversed, with the denture holding the male attachments and the implants holding the female ones.


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The Implant Process

The implants usually are placed in the jawbone at the front of your mouth because there tends to be more bone in the front of the jaw than in the back, even if teeth have been missing for some time. Once you lose teeth, you begin to lose bone in the area. Also, the front jaw doesn't have many nerves or other structures that could interfere with the placement of implants.

Implant Process

The upper implant will generally have 8 posts that extend through the gum tissue. Each post ends with a hitch-like ball. This is the female portion of the attachment system.

The time frame to complete the implant depends on many factors. The shortest time frame, including surgeries and the placement of the denture, is about five months in the lower jaw and seven months in the upper jaw. However, the process can last up to a year or more, especially if you need bone grafting or other preliminary procedures.

Two surgeries usually are needed - one to place the implants in the jawbone under your gums, and a second surgery three to six months later to expose the tops of the implant.

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 A one-stage procedure is now used sometimes. In this procedure, your dentist can place the implants and the supporting bar in one step. The success rate of this procedure is high. However, it is moderately less successful than the more conventional two-stage procedure.

Implant Process

The upper denture will be fabricated with o-ring housings. This is the male portion of the attachment system. Small rubber o-rings will be placed into these housing which will expand as the denture is snapped onto the implant and then contract around the neck of the ball.

Implant Process

The lower denture will be fabricated with three to four gold clips which is the male portion of this system. These clips will snap onto the bar making the denture secure and stable.

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