Implant-supported dentures vs regular dentures: what’s the difference?
Short answer
Regular dentures rest on the gums and are held by suction, clasps or adhesive. Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants, either clipping onto them as a removable overdenture or being fixed in place as a full-arch bridge such as All-on-4 or All-on-6. They are more stable and easier to chew with, but they need implant surgery and cost more.
How regular dentures stay in
A full denture sits on the gums and is held by a close fit and suction, sometimes helped by a denture adhesive. A partial denture is held by clasps on the remaining teeth. Regular dentures are a proven, non-surgical option, but a lower full denture in particular can feel loose, because the tongue and cheeks move it.
Clip-in implant overdentures
An overdenture clips onto attachments on two or more implants, or onto a milled implant bar that joins the implants together. It stays firmly in place while eating and talking, but can still be taken out for cleaning.
Fixed full-arch implant bridges (All-on-4 and All-on-6)
A fixed full-arch prosthesis is screwed onto four or six implants and is only removed by the dentist. It replaces a whole arch of teeth and feels the most like natural teeth. Planning often starts from a scan of the patient’s existing denture.
Comparing the options
| Regular denture | Clip-in overdenture | Fixed full-arch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability when eating | Can move | Firm | Fixed |
| Removed at home | Yes | Yes | No |
| Implant surgery | No | Yes | Yes |
| Covers the palate (upper) | Usually | Often less | No |
| Cleaning | Out of the mouth | Out of the mouth and around the implants | Brushes and floss around the bridge |
Bone and the shape of the face
After teeth are lost, the jawbone gradually shrinks because it no longer has tooth roots to support. Implants help keep the bone around them, which is one reason implant-supported options can keep a better fit over time. A regular denture may need relining as the gums change.
Who is suitable?
Suitability depends on your general health, the amount of bone in the jaw and your gum health. Your dentist or implant surgeon will assess this with x-rays and a 3D scan, and may recommend a bone graft or a different option.
Read more about removable dentures and what implants involve. Dentists can see our removable prosthetics and implant restorations.
Frequently asked questions
Are implant-supported dentures removable?
Some are. A clip-in overdenture can be taken out for cleaning, while a fixed full-arch bridge such as All-on-4 is screwed in and only removed by the dentist.
How many implants does an implant denture need?
A clip-in overdenture usually needs two or more implants. Fixed full-arch bridges are usually placed on four or six implants.
Can my existing denture be used?
Sometimes an existing denture can be adapted to clip onto implants. A scan of it is also a useful starting point for planning new teeth.
Do implant-supported dentures need special cleaning?
Yes. As well as cleaning the denture, you need to clean carefully around the implants or attachments each day to keep the gums healthy.