Dentures that clip onto 2 to 4 implants for stability — they don't slip while you eat or talk, but they still come out daily for cleaning. A practical middle ground between traditional dentures and fixed implant-supported dentures.
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An implant-retained denture is a full denture that snaps onto attachments on 2 to 4 dental implants placed in the jaw. Unlike a traditional denture (which relies on suction or adhesive and tends to slip during eating or talking), implant-retained dentures click firmly into place and stay put throughout the day. Unlike a fixed implant-supported denture, the implant-retained version still comes out at night for cleaning.
Implant-retained dentures are a practical middle ground for patients who want better stability than traditional dentures but don't want the cost or complexity of a full-arch fixed restoration. Fewer implants are needed (typically 2 to 4 per arch instead of 4 to 6), the cost is lower than implant-supported, and the result is a denture that doesn't slip during normal use.
We also offer denture conversion to implant-retained — for patients who already have a traditional denture but are tired of the slipping. We place the implants, modify your existing denture with retention attachments, and you go from a denture that slips to a denture that clicks in place. The conversion is faster and less expensive than starting completely from scratch with new implant-retained dentures.
For patients new to implants, the process takes 4 to 8 months from consultation through final retention. For patients converting existing dentures, it's faster.
Review your case, evaluate bone for implant placement, discuss whether new dentures or conversion of your existing denture makes sense.
Typically 2 to 4 implants per arch placed under IV sedation. Custom surgical guides for precise positioning where retention attachments will sit.
3 to 6 months for implants to integrate with the jaw bone. You wear a traditional temporary denture or your existing denture during healing.
Once implants are integrated, retention attachments are placed and connected. Either new dentures are fabricated with corresponding clips, or your existing denture is modified with the attachments.
Final fitting confirms the click-in feel and overall comfort. Small adjustments as you adapt to wearing the denture with stable retention.
Three options for replacing a full arch of teeth, with different tradeoffs.
| Feature | Implant-Retained | Implant-Supported (Fixed) |
|---|---|---|
| Comes out for cleaning | ||
| Implants needed | 2–4 per arch | 4–6 per arch |
| Stays put while eating | ||
| Function closer to natural teeth | Closer than traditional | |
| Cost | Mid-tier | Higher |
| Existing denture can be converted |
Common questions about implant-retained dentures.
Book a free consultation. We'll review your case, discuss whether new dentures or conversion of your existing denture makes sense, and confirm CDCP and insurance coverage for both implant and denture portions.