Implant
Overdenture

It is a removable prosthesis that physically clicks onto implant abutments in the jawbone. Small attachment housings inside the denture base align with locator or ball abutments on the implants, creating a secure snap-fit that resists vertical and lateral dislodgement during speech, chewing, and daily activity.

The key lifestyle difference is removability. An overdenture comes out each night for cleaning, similar to a traditional denture. All on X stays permanently fixed and is cleaned in place with specialised brushes and a water flosser. All on X restores more bite force but requires a higher investment and sufficient bone for four or more implants.

The implants themselves can remain integrated for decades with proper care. The denture base typically lasts 7 to 10 years before it may need relining or replacement. Attachment inserts (the nylon or rubber components) usually need replacing every 12 to 24 months depending on wear patterns and bite forces.

Most patients can return to foods they previously avoided with loose dentures, including raw vegetables, steak, apples, and crusty bread. Bite force recovery reaches roughly 50 to 60 percent of natural teeth. Very hard or sticky foods (such as toffee or whole nuts) should still be approached with care.

Remove the prosthesis each evening and brush it with a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Clean the implant abutments and surrounding gum tissue using a soft interdental brush or end-tuft brush. Soak the denture in a cleaning solution once daily. Avoid abrasive toothpaste, which can scratch the acrylic surface.

Locator attachments are the most common. They use a press-stud mechanism and are easy to maintain. Bar-retained systems connect implants with a metal bar, providing stronger retention when more implants are placed. Your dentist selects the system based on implant position, bone support, and jaw anatomy.

In many cases, yes. If your existing implants are well-integrated, correctly positioned, and compatible with current attachment systems, they can be used. A clinical and radiographic assessment is needed to confirm their suitability before proceeding.

Yes. Treatment at ArtSmiles is covered under our structured Warranty Policy. Coverage periods vary by component and are subject to compliance with recommended maintenance intervals and recall appointments.

A lower jaw typically requires two implants, which is supported by strong clinical evidence for long-term success. Upper jaws generally need four implants due to softer bone density and the palatal coverage needed for retention. Your 3D CBCT scan determines the exact number based on available bone volume.

Clinical studies show that patients with implant-retained lower dentures report significantly higher satisfaction, improved nutrition, and better quality of life. The implant anchorage slows the jawbone resorption that occurs beneath conventional dentures, helping preserve facial structure over time.

Implant placement is performed under local anaesthesia, so you feel pressure but not pain during surgery. Most patients manage post-operative discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief for 3 to 5 days. Swelling typically peaks around day two and subsides within a week.

We mitigate risks through digital planning and guided placement. However, potential complications include early implant failure (approximately 2 to 5 percent of cases), peri-implant mucositis from plaque buildup, and attachment wear. Structured recall visits allow us to identify and address issues early, before they affect function.

Not always. Because only two to four implants are needed (rather than six or more for All on X), many patients have sufficient bone without grafting. If the CBCT scan reveals localised bone deficiency, a minor graft may be performed at the same appointment as implant placement.

Nylon inserts in locator attachments typically need replacing every 12 to 24 months. Bar clips may last longer. Your dentist checks attachment retention at each maintenance visit, and replacement is a quick chairside procedure that takes about 15 minutes.

A healing period of approximately 3 to 6 months allows the implants to integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration). During this time, you can continue wearing your existing denture with a soft reline. Once integration is confirmed with a stability test, the attachment housings are fitted and your final prosthesis is delivered.