Why conventional dentures slip and move
If you have worn dentures for years, you know the frustration. They shift when you chew. They click when you talk. Adhesive helps, but only for a few hours. The problem is that conventional dentures rest on soft tissue alone, the gum ridge that shrinks over time after teeth are lost.
Bone loss accelerates after tooth extraction. The jaw resorbs because the roots that once stimulated it are gone. As the ridge narrows and flattens, dentures lose their grip. Many denture wearers in Victoria and surrounding areas spend their day adjusting, reapplying adhesive, or avoiding foods they enjoy.
This is not a failure of denture design. It is the natural result of relying on surface contact instead of anchoring to bone. There is a better option.
How implant-supported dentures work
An implant-supported denture (also called an implant overdenture) uses titanium posts anchored in the jawbone to hold a denture in place. Instead of resting on gum tissue, the denture clips or snaps onto implant attachments. The result is a denture that does not move.
We typically place two to six implants in the lower jaw, depending on bone volume and your clinical needs. The implants integrate with bone over several months, a process called osseointegration. Once healed, the denture attaches to the implants via precision attachments or a bar. You can remove it for cleaning, but it stays put during eating and speaking.
- Implants are placed in the jawbone under local anaesthetic and sedation
- Osseointegration takes 3 to 6 months
- The denture is fitted with attachment hardware
- You remove and clean it daily, just like a conventional denture
- It does not slip or require adhesive
The upper jaw can also be treated this way, though lower implant-supported dentures are more common because the lower ridge resorbs faster and conventional dentures are harder to retain there.
Full-arch implant options beyond overdentures
If you want a fixed solution that you never remove, All-on-4 implants or All-on-6 implants may be worth exploring. These use four or six implants to support a permanently attached bridge of teeth. You brush and floss it like natural teeth, and it does not come out.
The trade-off is cost and bone requirements. All-on-4 and All-on-6 solutions are more expensive than implant-supported dentures. They also demand adequate bone height and width. If your jaw has significant resorption, you may need ridge augmentation or sinus lift surgery first.
For many long-time denture wearers, an implant-supported denture offers the best balance: it is more affordable than a fixed bridge, easier to clean than a fixed restoration, and infinitely more stable than a conventional denture.
Bone volume and implant placement
Implants need bone to anchor into. Years of denture wear shrink the ridge, but usually enough bone remains for two to four implants. A 3D CBCT scan shows exactly what you have. This imaging reveals bone height, width, and density, and guides implant positioning.
If bone is thin or short, grafting may be necessary. Socket preservation at the time of tooth extraction slows resorption. If you have already lost teeth, bone grafting can rebuild the ridge. These procedures add time and cost, but they expand your options.
What to expect during healing
Implant placement is a surgical procedure, but it is less invasive than tooth extraction. You will be under local anaesthetic and sedation. Most patients report pressure and vibration, not pain.
- Implants are placed (30 to 90 minutes depending on how many)
- You wear your existing denture while implants heal (cannot be worn for the first 24 hours)
- Osseointegration occurs over 3 to 6 months
- Once implants are stable, the denture is fitted with attachments
- You begin using the implant-supported denture
During the healing phase, you can wear your conventional denture, though it may feel looser than before because the implants occupy space in the bone. Many patients tolerate this trade-off gladly, knowing that in a few months they will have a stable solution. Recovery and aftercare involve soft foods for the first week, gentle oral hygiene, and avoiding smoking and heavy exercise.
Cost drivers and planning
Implant-supported dentures cost more than conventional dentures but less than fixed full-arch bridges. Fees vary by the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of attachment hardware used.
- Two implants with a bar attachment: lower cost, good stability
- Four implants with individual attachments: higher cost, easier to adjust
- Bone grafting (if needed): adds 2 to 4 months and additional fees
- Attachment replacement over time: periodic maintenance cost
Pricing depends on your clinical case and the materials chosen. Extended health insurance may cover part of the implant cost, though coverage varies widely. MSP does not cover implants. Discuss financing and payment plans at your consultation.
Full-mouth implant cost breakdowns help you understand what drives the fee. Ask about example ranges during your visit to Victoria Dental Implants.
Denture options compared
- Conventional denture: low cost, high maintenance, moves during eating and speaking
- Implant-supported denture: moderate cost, removable, stable, requires implants
- All-on-4 or All-on-6 bridge: high cost, fixed (non-removable), most stable, requires adequate bone
- Implant-supported bridge with natural teeth: varies widely, depends on how many teeth remain
The right choice depends on your bone volume, budget, and lifestyle. A patient who values simplicity and affordability may choose an implant-supported denture. A patient who wants a fixed solution and can afford it may prefer All-on-4. Dentures versus implants explores the full range of trade-offs.
Common questions answered
Can I keep my current denture and just add implants?
Not exactly. Your existing denture cannot simply be retrofitted with implant attachments if it was designed for conventional wear. A new denture or a modified version is needed to accommodate the attachment hardware. Your dentist will assess whether your current denture can be modified or if a new one is required.
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
Implants themselves can last decades or a lifetime with proper care. The denture itself may need adjustment, repair, or replacement after 5 to 10 years, depending on wear and changes in your jaw. The attachments may also need servicing. This is similar to the maintenance any denture requires.
Will I need to stop eating certain foods?
No. An implant-supported denture is much more stable than a conventional one, so you can eat a wider range of foods. Hard or sticky foods still require care, but you will have far fewer restrictions than with a loose denture.
Is the procedure painful?
Implant placement is performed under local anaesthetic and sedation. Most patients report pressure and vibration, not pain. After surgery, mild discomfort is normal for a few days. Pain medication and ice help manage it. Sedation options are available if you are anxious about the procedure.
What if I do not have enough bone?
Bone grafting can rebuild the ridge. Bone loss and jaw health explains how grafting works and what to expect. Not every patient needs grafting, but it is a reliable option if your jaw has resorbed significantly.
Start with a consultation
If you have worn dentures for years and are tired of adjusting them, implant-supported dentures are worth exploring. A consultation includes a clinical exam, imaging, and an honest discussion of your options and their costs. Contact Victoria Dental Implants to book an appointment and take the first step toward a stable, comfortable solution.