A more secure way to wear dentures
If your dentures slip, click or rub, implant-supported dentures might be the answer you've been looking for. By anchoring your dentures to small dental implants, you get a far more stable, comfortable and confident way to eat and speak.
What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a clever middle ground between traditional dentures and full implant treatment. A small number of dental implants are gently placed into your jawbone, and your denture is then either fixed permanently to those implants or clipped on and off whenever you like. Either way, the result is a denture that stays exactly where it should.
Why traditional dentures sometimes fall short
Conventional dentures are a perfectly reasonable solution for many patients - and for years, they were often the only option. The trouble is, your jawbone slowly shrinks beneath a denture over time. What fitted well five years ago may now move, rub or click. Patients often tell us they've stopped eating the foods they love, started avoiding social situations, or worry constantly about their dentures slipping at the wrong moment. None of that is acceptable in 2025.
Your two main options at Richmond Hill Dental
There are two main types of implant-supported denture, and the right one for you depends on your bone, your priorities and your budget.
- Removable implant dentures (sometimes called snap-in dentures) - your denture clips firmly onto a small number of implants (usually two to four), and can be removed for cleaning. Much more stable than a traditional denture, while still removable
- Fixed implant dentures - your denture is permanently secured to the implants and only removable by your dentist for maintenance. The closest thing to having natural teeth back. For a more comprehensive full-arch fixed solution, see our All-on-X same day teeth page
The benefits of switching to implant-supported dentures
Patients tell us the difference is genuinely life-changing:
- Your dentures stay firmly in place, with no slipping or movement
- No more dental adhesives or pastes
- You can eat a much wider range of foods, including harder and chewier items
- No rubbing, sore spots or denture-related ulcers
- The implants help preserve the bone in your jaw
- Your face and lips stay better supported, giving a more natural appearance
- A genuine confidence boost in social situations
Who suits implant-supported dentures?
This treatment tends to work beautifully for patients who:
- Currently wear dentures but find them loose, uncomfortable or unreliable
- Have multiple missing teeth and want something more stable than a denture alone
- Aren't quite ready (or aren't suitable) for full fixed implant treatment
- Have enough jawbone to support implants (or are happy to consider bone grafting)
- Are in reasonably good general health
A consultation and 3D CBCT scan will confirm whether you're a suitable candidate, and we'll be honest if a different approach would suit you better.
Modern dentistry in Richmond powered by 3D scanning
Every implant case begins with our in-house 3D CBCT scanner, which shows your jawbone in remarkable detail. This means we can plan exactly where each implant should go before any treatment begins. We also use Dentsply Sirona implant systems, one of the most well-established and trusted in the world.
Your treatment journey at Richmond Hill Dental
Implant-supported denture treatment is a properly considered process. Here's exactly what to expect.
Step 1 - Your implant consultation
You'll meet our implant team for a dedicated consultation (£95), where we'll examine your current dentures, discuss your goals, and explain whether implant-supported dentures would suit you best.
Step 2 - 3D scan and treatment planning
A 3D CBCT scan shows us exactly what your jawbone looks like, and we'll plan the precise position of each implant. You'll receive a fully costed written treatment plan to take home and consider.
Step 3 - Implant placement
The implants are gently placed under local anaesthetic (or IV sedation if you'd prefer). Each implant takes around 30 to 60 minutes to place, and most patients return to normal activities the next day.
Step 4 - Healing and integration
Over the following 8 to 12 weeks, your implants bond firmly with your jawbone. You'll often continue to wear your existing denture during this time, with adjustments where needed.
Step 5 - Connecting your denture
Once your implants are fully integrated, we'll connect your denture to the implants - either fixing it permanently or fitting the clip attachments for a removable design.
Step 6 - Aftercare and reviews
You'll go home with clear care instructions, and we'll see you for regular reviews to make sure everything's settling beautifully. Most patients say the difference is noticeable from the very first day.
Can my existing denture be used?
Often, yes. If your current denture is in good condition, it can sometimes be adapted to clip onto your new implants - which keeps the overall cost lower. We'll assess this honestly at your consultation. If your denture needs replacing, we'll talk you through the options for a beautifully made new one.
How much do implant-supported dentures cost in Richmond?
We're a fully private practice with transparent, upfront pricing:
- Implant consultation - £95
- 3D CBCT diagnostic scan - £125
- Stabilise loose denture - from £3,000
- Dental implant - from £1,500
- All on 4 / Same day teeth (full arch fixed option) - from £9,000 per arch
- IV sedation - from £500
Final pricing depends on the number of implants needed, whether your existing denture can be reused, and the complexity of your case. You'll always receive a fully written treatment plan before committing to anything.
Frequently asked questions
How many implants do I need for a denture?
Usually two to four implants for a lower denture, and four to six for an upper denture. The exact number depends on your bone, the size of your denture, and whether it'll be removable or fixed.
Are implant-supported dentures permanent?
That depends on the type. Removable (snap-in) dentures clip onto the implants and can be taken out for cleaning. Fixed implant dentures stay in your mouth permanently and are only removed by your dentist for maintenance.
Will the implant placement be uncomfortable?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel sharpness or pain. Most patients say it's far more comfortable than they expected - often easier than a complex extraction. IV sedation is available if you'd prefer to feel deeply relaxed throughout.
Can I eat normally with implant-supported dentures?
Yes - and this is one of the main reasons patients switch. Because your dentures are anchored to implants rather than sitting on the gums, you can eat a much wider range of foods, including harder and chewier items that loose dentures struggle with.
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
The implants themselves can last for decades with proper care. The denture attached on top usually needs replacing or refurbishing every 7 to 10 years, depending on wear. Regular hygiene visits are essential for keeping the whole system healthy long-term.
What's the difference between implant-supported dentures and All-on-4?
Both use dental implants to support replacement teeth, but they're aimed at different cases. Implant-supported dentures (especially the removable kind) are more affordable and use fewer implants. All-on-4 same day teeth is a more comprehensive full-arch fixed solution, designed to feel as close to natural teeth as possible.
Can I have implant-supported dentures if I've worn dentures for years?
Yes, very often. Long-term denture wearers are some of our happiest implant patients - the transformation can be remarkable. We may recommend bone grafting if there's been significant bone loss over the years, but it's frequently still very achievable.