A denture that connects
Attachments add retention beyond a conventional denture. The degree of support from implants and gums depends on the design, so fit and stability expectations should be discussed individually.
Dental Implants / Treatment guide
Implant-Retained Dentures
An implant-retained denture uses attachments to help hold a removable denture in place. The denture lifts off for cleaning, while the implants remain in the jaw—a different arrangement from a fixed implant bridge.
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The denture and implants are separate pieces. The denture engages with attachments during use and is removed for daily cleaning. The underlying implant fixtures remain in place within the jaw.
Understanding your care
More retention, with a removable design.
Start with the purpose of treatment, then explore what matters for your own care.
Access for cleaning
Removing the appliance gives access to its underside and the attachment areas. The cleaning routine must suit the appliance, implant system and your ability to manage it.
Planned maintenance
Attachment inserts can wear and the denture fit can change. Periodic review may include servicing the attachments, assessing the bite and checking the tissues beneath the denture.
Another view
See how the parts work together.
Watch an example of this treatment alongside the illustrated guide.
A closer lookTreatment animation
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A denture that lifts off for cleaning
A lower denture connects to two implant attachments in this example and can be removed while the implants remain in the jaw.
- 01Removable denture
- 02Retaining attachments
- 03Implants in the jaw
The ball attachments shown are one design. Implant number and attachment type vary, and the denture remains removable.
From questions to a plan
What care can involve.
The details and sequence depend on your assessment and individual treatment plan.
Compare the options
The clinician evaluates the existing denture or missing arch, available bone and your goals. Fixed and removable solutions are discussed alongside conventional denture options.
Plan the attachment system
Implant positions and attachment choices are planned around the denture, anatomy and maintenance needs. An existing denture may need replacement rather than conversion.
Establish the implants
The fixtures are placed and their healing reviewed. The timeline for connecting the denture depends on support, tissue conditions and the planned attachment design.
Fit and practice removal
The denture is fitted and its retention checked. Your clinician demonstrates removal, replacement and maintenance, then reviews fit and attachment wear over time.
Before you decide
A plan that makes
sense for you.
Implant-retained dentures require surgery and regular maintenance. They may still move to some degree, and worn attachments or changing tissues can affect fit. Not every existing denture can be adapted. Implant number, bone conditions and the proposed attachment system influence suitability. A conventional denture or fixed implant restoration may be an alternative, depending on your situation and preferences.
Do I remove the implants to clean?
No. The implant fixtures remain in the jaw. The removable denture comes away from its attachments, allowing you to clean the appliance and the areas around the implants.
Is this the same as a fixed full arch?
No. A removable implant denture is designed for you to take out. A fixed full-arch restoration stays in place during daily use and requires a different cleaning approach.
Can my existing denture be used?
Sometimes a denture can be adapted, but its fit, material, thickness and tooth positions must be assessed. A new appliance may be needed to accommodate the planned attachments safely.
A place to begin
Bring your questions.
We’ll start there.
Talk through your priorities, alternatives and who would provide your care. An assessment helps clarify the next step.
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About this guide & educational sources
The treatment images and animations in this guide illustrate examples of care. They are not Atlas Dental patient results, personal treatment recommendations or statements about an individual clinician’s scope. Your assessment and care plan determine which options are appropriate for you.