Implant-supported dentures are a full-arch tooth replacement solution that uses titanium implant posts, surgically placed into the jawbone, as a secure foundation for a custom-crafted denture. Unlike conventional dentures that rest on the gum tissue and rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place, implant-supported dentures are anchored to the jaw itself. This gives them stability and a natural feel that removable options cannot replicate.
There are two main styles available to patients. Fixed implant-supported dentures are permanently attached to the implants and can only be removed by a dental professional, offering a feel that most closely resembles natural teeth. Implant-retained overdentures snap onto the implants and can be removed by the patient for cleaning, providing flexibility while still offering dramatically superior stability compared to traditional removable dentures. A systematic review published by researchers in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research found that implant-supported dentures demonstrated high implant survival rates and significantly improved patient satisfaction and quality of life when compared to conventional alternatives.