Implant-Supported Dentures: What They Are and Who Does What
Implant supported dentures are dentures that attach to dental implants in your jaw instead of resting on your gums alone. Two different professionals are involved: an implant surgeon places the implants, and a dental prosthetist makes the denture that fits onto them. At Preston Dentures, 324 High Street, Preston, we make the denture. We don't place implants, and this guide explains where each part of the treatment sits.
What are implant-supported dentures?
An implant-supported denture is a denture that attaches to implants in your jaw, and in the removable kind you can still take it out to clean it. healthdirect describes implant-retained dentures in the same way: they attach to implants in the jaw, and you can still remove them.
You will also see them called implant-retained dentures, snap-on dentures or locator dentures. Our implant-retained dentures page covers the service.
Who does what: the surgeon or the prosthetist?
An implant surgeon places the implants in your jaw, and Preston Dentures makes the denture that clips onto them. We work alongside Melbourne implant surgeons, but we don't place implants ourselves.
That means the surgeon sets the fees for the surgery and explains its risks. The denture, its fit and the way it attaches to the implants are the part we are responsible for.
How are implant-supported dentures different from regular dentures?
A regular denture rests on your gums and relies on its fit, while an implant-supported denture is anchored to implants in the jaw. The difference is between a denture that sits on the gum and one that attaches to the jaw.
healthdirect lists the main types as full, partial and implant-retained dentures. If your current denture is loose because your gums have changed, see our post on jawbone resorption and denture fit.
Are snap-on, snap-in and clip-on dentures the same thing?
They are everyday names for a denture that snaps onto attachments on implants, so they usually mean an implant-supported or implant-retained denture. On our site we call them implant-retained dentures, including snap-on and locator dentures.
If a clinic uses one of these names, ask what the attachment is and how many implants it uses, because that decides how the denture feels and how it is looked after.
Are implant-supported dentures worth it?
For people who have lost all their lower teeth, a lower denture held by two implants was described as the first-choice standard of care in the 2002 McGill consensus statement. Whether it is worth it for you depends on your jaw, your general health, and the cost, which is why it starts with a conversation.
Whether it is worth it depends on things only an examination and your implant surgeon can answer: how much bone you have, how many implants are suitable, your general health, and what you want from the denture. What we can tell you is what the denture side involves: how it attaches, how it is cleaned and what it costs. If you already have implants, bring your surgeon's details to your free consultation and we will go through it with you.
What are the downsides of implant-supported dentures?
Implants need surgery and healing time before the denture can be fitted, and the total cost is higher than for a regular denture. Your implant surgeon will go through the risks for your situation, because that part of the treatment is theirs.
Our own published price for an implant denture is higher than for a standard full denture, as the next section shows.
How much do implant-supported dentures cost?
Our implant dentures are $4,850–$6,780 and are made for people who already have implants in place. The implants themselves are placed by an implant surgeon, who sets their own fees.
The ranges are from our pricing page. Your exact quote comes after an examination.
| Denture | Published range |
|---|---|
| Implant dentures (for existing implants) | $4,850–$6,780 |
| Standard full denture set (upper and lower) | $3,499–$4,299 |
| Premium full denture set (upper and lower) | $4,799–$5,799 |
Next step. If you already have implants, or are thinking about them, your first consultation is free and we can tell you what the denture side would involve. Book your free consultation or call (03) 9041 6443.
Key Takeaway
An implant surgeon places the implants and Preston Dentures makes the denture that attaches to them. Implant dentures at Preston Dentures are $4,850–$6,780 for people who already have implants. Your first consultation is free, and we can tell you what the denture side involves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next step
If you already have implants, or are thinking about them, your first consultation is free and we can tell you what the denture side would involve.
324 High Street, Preston VIC 3072 · Mon–Thu 10am–5pm · Fri 10am–2pm · Sat by appointment · All visits by appointment
About the author
Dragan Flajnik is a dental prosthetist with over 20 years of experience. He makes dentures in the on-site laboratory at Preston Dentures, 324 High Street, Preston VIC 3072.
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