Dentures that clip onto implants and stay put.

For some people - often those with lower dentures - a conventional denture never quite feels secure no matter how well it's made, because there simply isn't much gum ridge to hold it. Implant-retained dentures solve that by anchoring the denture to a small number of dental implants, so it clips firmly into place and stays there while you eat and talk.

What implant-retained dentures are

An implant-retained denture is a removable denture that attaches to implants placed in your jaw. The implants act as anchor points; the denture snaps onto them and lifts out for cleaning. You still take the denture out at night, but while it's in, it doesn't rock or float the way a conventional lower denture can.

How they differ from conventional dentures

A conventional denture rests on the gum and relies on fit and, for uppers, suction. An implant-retained denture is held by mechanical attachments clipped onto implants. The practical difference is stability: more confidence biting into firmer foods, less worry about movement when you speak, and no need for adhesive to keep a lower denture in place.

The ball-retained system

Paul works with the ball-retained (stud) system - each implant carries a small ball attachment that clicks into a socket built into the denture. It's a well-proven, confirmed approach; bar-retained systems and All-on-4 fixed full-arch solutions are used by some other providers but aren't part of what's offered here, so Paul will assess and recommend within the ball-retained model.

How many implants you need

Most patients need 2–4 implants, with the exact number depending on your jaw, your bone quality, and how much stability you want - it's one of the things assessed early in planning, alongside your implant surgeon.

Am I a candidate?

Suitability comes down to your general health, your gums, and the amount and quality of bone available to hold implants. Bone loss over years of wearing dentures can affect candidacy, but options exist even where bone is limited. The honest answer is that this needs a proper assessment - Paul works alongside your implant surgeon to determine what's realistic for you.

The treatment process

Implant-retained dentures are a team effort. The implant surgery itself is carried out by an implant dentist or oral surgeon; Paul designs, makes and fits the denture that attaches to those implants, and coordinates the timing so everything fits together. After the implants have healed, Paul takes the impressions and builds the overdenture to clip precisely onto them.

How long they last

The denture and its attachments are wearing parts - the clips that grip the implants are designed to be replaced periodically as they soften with use, which is a normal maintenance item rather than a fault. The implants themselves, well cared for, can last many years. Paul will explain the upkeep so there are no surprises.

Cost and health funds

Implant surgery (performed by a referring oral surgeon or implant dentist) typically costs $2,500–$5,000 per implant, with most patients needing 2–4 implants. Paul's ball-retained overdenture typically costs $4,000–$8,000. Combined, most patients invest $10,000–$25,000+. Health funds may pay a rebate on the denture (prosthetics) portion under major dental cover; the implant surgery is quoted separately by the surgeon.